Opinions are divided when it comes to pickles: some love pickles, others hate them. But one thing is certain: pickled cucumbers are really healthy. Read here why it’s best to eat pickles every day.
Pickles are often used as a topping for sandwiches or burgers. People in southern German states often eat pickles for their evening snack. And then there are people who like pickles so much that they enjoy them on their own as a low-calorie snack.
The small cucumbers not only taste good, they also provide some health benefits.
When looking for healthy snacks, pickles are often overlooked. They are full of vitamins and minerals. Pickles are a good source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting.
They also contain vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. In small amounts, pickles also contain vitamin A, which is important for eyesight and skin health.
One of the most obvious health benefits of pickles is that they are low in calories. A medium-sized pickle only contains about 10 calories. This makes the pickle perfect as a low-calorie snack.
Probiotics are good bacteria that contribute to healthy intestinal flora. Most pickles are made through lactic acid fermentation. Lactobacillus bacteria convert sugar into lactic acid and thus help to preserve the cucumbers. These bacteria also live in our intestinal tract and help promote healthy digestion and a strong immune system.
Caution: Not all pickles are probiotic, as the bacteria can be killed if treated at high temperatures or if preservatives are added. It’s best to look for unrefrigerated, fermented pickles without preservatives.
Pickles can prevent muscle cramps because they are rich in electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Electrolytes are important for a variety of body functions, including muscle contraction and relaxation.
If you sweat a lot during exercise or are prone to muscle cramps, you can drink some pickle water after exercise to prevent cramps. A good sip is enough.
Pickles regulate blood sugar levels. They have a low glycemic index. This means they don’t raise blood sugar levels as much as other foods.
A high blood sugar level drops quickly, leading to food cravings. Snacks rich in carbohydrates cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly and thus promote cravings – this does not happen with pickles.
In addition to the probiotics in pickles, the fiber also has a digestive effect. They keep the intestines healthy and can prevent constipation. Fiber is also important for the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and can help maintain a healthy weight.
Pickles contain a significant amount of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from free radical damage. This damage can cause cancer and other diseases, for example.
Antioxidants are also important for maintaining healthy skin and can help slow the aging process and prevent wrinkles.
You should not consume too many pickles as they contain a lot of salt. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and kidney problems. Anyone who suffers from this should limit their consumption of pickles and use snacks that are lower in salt.
The original for this post “This is what happens to your body if you eat pickles often” comes from FitForFun.