Pickles are good for your health. Will you believe it? No, most of us feel that pickles are harmful to our health, but it’s not the complete truth. Pickles are not just tasty for your tongue; they can also help your gut. Studies suggest that eating pickles in moderation can be beneficial to the digestive system; however, it is essential to pay attention to the ingredients when consuming pickles, as excessive salt and oil can be detrimental to cholesterol levels.
A traditional method of food preservation is pickling. Almost any item, including carrots, tomatoes, lemons, mangoes, red and green chillies, cucumbers, fish, poultry, and spices, may be made into pickles. It is a side dish that works well with practically all Indian meals.
When we talk about winter special diets, we cannot ignore the spicy and delicious pickles. Pickles enhance every dish’s flavour. During winter, you may have spicy and delectable pickled carrots, radishes, and cabbage. These pickles not only improve the flavour of your boring meals but also have impressive health benefits.
At the mere mention of Gajar, Mooli and Gobhi ka achaar, you can almost feel their tanginess and spiciness on your taste buds. Every cuisine pairs nicely with these basic Indian pickles, which are loved by people of all ages. Pickles are a key component of Indian cuisine’s flavours, not only for the flavour and scent they lend to many dishes but also for their nutritional benefits. We all like winter pickles, but only a few of us are aware of the benefits.
Health Benefits of Pickles During the Winter Season
Most people believe pickles are bad for health, but that’s not entirely true. Depending on the ingredients and fermentation, pickles can actually work magic for your digestion, gut, and skin. Let’s explore what pickles are good for:
Pickles are good for the gut
The health benefits of pickles include improved gut health, enhanced digestion, and a rich source of beneficial bacteria. Pickles are also rich in certain fibres that function as prebiotics, or food for probiotic gut bacteria, and feed healthy gut flora.
Fermented vegetables have been linked to improved digestion and a reduction in constipation and diarrhoea symptoms, according to studies.
Pickles combat cancer
Vegetables include carotene, which can combat cancer. You can supplement your daily diet with a spoonful of pickles to help you get the necessary nutrients.
Try to include one organic pickle in your diet every day. Use the leftover veggies in your fridge to make pickles at home. They are easy to make with only a few ingredients.
Pickles reduce muscle pain
We sometimes have a hard time coping with pain and bodily activity when we have muscle cramps, since they may be rather obstinate. Stiff muscles hinder our ability to move about and prevent our muscles from working effectively. Try eating a spoonful of pickles with your lunch to see the difference.
Pickles reduce cell toxicity
Our body cells need the nutrients we frequently ingest; thus, we should eat wholesome meals that support the health of our bodies. Pickles include antioxidants that combat free radicals and lessen cell damage by keeping harmful viruses and germs out of our systems.
Pickles promote weight loss
Due to job pressure and bad eating habits, we tend to neglect our health and gain weight as a result. Pickles can aid in weight loss when eaten in small amounts. Pickle vinegar curbs hunger and promotes physical fitness.
Pickles protect the liver
Our bodies legitimately require the proper functioning of our liver. Pickles produced with amla help us maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle by protecting our livers. Since an excess of everything can have serious implications, it’s important to consume pickles in moderation. Make fresh amla pickles to get the benefits of consuming the nutrients they offer.
Pickles reduce ulcers.
Ulcers are painful and are brought on by poor eating habits and acid interacting with tissues. Gastric ulcers and hyperacidity are both brought on by the thinning of mucous membranes. Consider what you eat each day, since poor eating habits might permanently affect your health. Snack on healthful foods to avoid becoming sick.
Pickles promote fresh breath
All of us require mouth fresheners, especially when we have obligations to attend events and gatherings in public. Pickles might help you freshen up your breath. Pickles help us quickly restore fresh breath by eliminating the bacteria in our mouths. Various pickles include antimicrobial qualities that are helpful in fighting bad breath.
Pickles are good for pregnant women
There are several things that pregnant women continue to want throughout their pregnancy. One of their favourite desires is pickles, which, when taken in moderation, is good for their health. Because the juices present in pickles contain potassium and salt, they keep the electrolyte balance in our bodies in check.
Pickles help in lowering cholesterol
Many people ask, “Are pickles good for high cholesterol? Or does pickle increase cholesterol?” The answer depends on the ingredients and how they’re made. Gherkins (pickled cucumber) are beneficial for lowering the levels of cholesterol in our bodies. Pickles, especially those made with fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrots or cauliflower, are known to control your cholesterol levels and maintain your fitness and health. Our body can function properly when we consume fermented pickles alongside our regular meals. The beta-carotene in pickles is said to be responsible for lowering the risk of certain forms of heart disease.
Importance of spices and incense
Pickles should always be kept in the sun, and ground spices should be used. These factors, in the opinion of health professionals, improve the nutritional value of pickles. These assist in accelerating the metabolism. Pickles made with mustard seeds can aid people with respiratory issues.
The nutritious content of turnips, carrots, and cauliflower is considerably increased by keeping them in the sunshine. With parathas, dal, rice, and khichdi, pickles are an ideal combination. Consuming the traditionally made wintertime pickles helps ease joint discomfort and skin issues while also reducing skin-related issues. Eating traditional meals in accordance with the season promotes good health.