When it comes to pickles, opinions vary: you either love them or hate them. But one thing is for sure: pickled cucumbers are quite healthy.
Pickles are often used as a filling for sandwiches or hamburgers. There are people who love pickles so much that they enjoy them as a low-calorie snack. Such cucumbers not only taste good, but also provide health benefits.
These beneficial substances are contained in pickled cucumbers
“Pickles are full of vitamins and minerals. Pickles are a good source of vitamin K, which is important for healthy bones and blood clotting. They also contain vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. In small quantities, pickles also contain vitamin A, which is important for vision and skin health,” says nutritionist Vasilisa Ponomareva specifically for MedicForum.
Pickles are a low-calorie snack
One of the most obvious health benefits of pickles is their low calorie content.
“A medium-sized pickle contains only about 10 calories. This makes the pickle ideal as a low-calorie snack.”
Beneficial Probiotics in Pickles
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote healthy intestinal flora. Most pickles are produced by lactic acid fermentation. Lactobacillus bacteria convert sugar into lactic acid and thereby help preserve cucumbers. These bacteria also live in our intestinal tract and promote healthy digestion and a strong immune system.
“Not all pickles are probiotics, as the bacteria can be killed by processing at high temperatures or by adding preservatives. It is best to look for unrefrigerated fermented pickles without preservatives.”
Pickles are peeled muscle cramps
Pickles can prevent muscle cramps as they are rich in electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Electrolytes are important for various body functions, including muscle contraction and relaxation.
If you sweat a lot during exercise or are prone to muscle cramps after workoutYou can drink some water with vinegar to prevent cramps. A good sip is enough.
Prevent food cravings
“Pickles regulate blood sugar levels. They have a low glycemic index. This means they do not raise blood sugar levels as much as other foods.”
High blood sugar levels drop quickly, leading to food cravings. Snacks rich in carbohydrates cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels and thus increase food cravings – this does not happen with pickles.
Pickles are good for digestion
In addition to the probiotics contained in pickles, fiber also has digestive benefits. They support gut health and can prevent constipation. Fiber is also important for the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Have a detoxifying effect thanks to antioxidants
Pickles contain significant amounts of antioxidants, which help protect cells from free radical damage. This damage can cause, for example, cancer and other diseases.
Antioxidants are also important for maintaining skin health and can help slow the aging process and prevent wrinkles.
Warning: Why you shouldn't eating too many pickles
You should not eat 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 intake of pickles and use low-salt snacks.”
Previously MedicForum wrote about the signs of diabetes and thyroid problems.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.