Good pickle juice is not only drinkable, but also good for you.
Pickles are a tasty accompaniment to meat dishes and sandwiches, but people are divided on what to do with the pickling juice: some discard it, others use it in salads and marinades or enjoy a few sips of it. The truth is that good quality pickle juice is not a waste.
Pickles and their juices, made without preservatives or sweeteners and by natural fermentation, are extremely beneficial to the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic’s Health Essentials health news and information site.
1. Probiotics for the body
The juice of fermented pickles, including pickled cucumbers, gherkins, and sauerkraut, contains beneficial microorganisms called probiotics. The fermentation process is mainly due to lactobacilli, which convert the carbohydrate content of their raw material into lactic acid. Probiotic culture stimulates the metabolism, supports the balance of the intestinal flora, digestive health, and the immune system, and provides relief from anxiety.
Due to the high salt content of pickle juice, moderation is important, but a sip or two a day can be beneficial. The same bacteria and yeasts can also be found in yoghurt, kefir and miso, a popular Asian dish.
2. Helps recovery after exercise
You might not think of pickle juice as a sports drink, but it can help with recovery after exercise and physical exertion by replenishing electrolytes. It also contains sodium, potassium, and magnesium. It is not, of course, a substitute for fluids specifically formulated for electrolyte replacement, which contain the right proportions of mineral salts.
3. Blood glucose regulating effect
Pickle juice can also help control blood sugar levels to some extent, especially varieties containing natural vinegar, which have been proven to prevent large swings in blood sugar levels. Apple cider vinegar and other fruit vinegars can also be beneficial in salad dressings.
4. Promotes weight loss
Pickle juice can also be useful for weight loss. Stable blood sugar levels reduce appetite and help avoid binge eating, so small amounts of pickles are also recommended for those who want to lose weight. Probiotics found in naturally fermented foods pickled without vinegar are an excellent support in weight loss diets, making them more successful by improving digestion.
5. Can help with hangovers
Many people find that a few sips of pickle juice can help with hangover symptoms. This is no coincidence: the liquid contains electrolytes, and it is an effective way of replenishing the body’s supply of several nutrients. It can also provide remedy for the adverse effects of dehydration.
6. It contains antioxidants
Pickled vegetables, including cucumbers, cabbage, beets, onions, peppers, parsnips, as well as the juice of pickled vegetables, contain vitamins and minerals. Antioxidant compounds protect body cells, reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases, tumors, and heart disease.
Probiotics alone are not enough
Prebiotics act as nutrients for probiotics, so it is very important to supplement them for a healthy gut flora.