You know how it’s always advised to replace unhealthy foods with more nutritious ones? You could do the same with your favourite but not-so-healthy juice or drink. Replace it with what, you may ask – with pickle juice!
According to WebMD, pickle juice has been found to have potential health benefits, including muscle cramp relief, heartburn, and gut health. The publication mentions that studies show that frozen pickle juice popsicles can reduce blood sugar spikes. “However, most commercially available pickle juice has been pasteurised, meaning the bacteria it once contained are now inactive. So, it’s likely that most pickle juice won’t have a major impact on your gut health.”
Drinking water after a workout is generally sufficient for moderate or short-term exercise, claims Healthline, however, for hard, longer-lasting, or hot workouts, pickle juice with sodium and potassium can help regain hydration faster, the publication explains. It is also cautioned that if you’re on a low-sodium diet or monitoring sodium intake, consult your doctor and dietitian before consuming pickle juice.
The above source further mentions that pickle juice, rich in vinegar, can assist in weight loss “After 12 weeks, study participants who had consumed either about 1/2 ounce or 1 ounce of vinegar daily had lost more weight and fat than those who hadn’t consumed any vinegar.”
As this juice is rich in antimicrobial properties, according to Medicine Net, it is believed to help remove foul breath caused by mouth germs, freshening and sweetening your breath.
Medical News Today states that pickle juice is a popular home remedy for sunburns, menstrual cramps, and fighting disease. “The very high level of sodium in pickle juice may also help reduce any cravings for salty foods, which some people experience before or during their periods.”
Fermented, unpasteurised pickles contain beneficial bacteria, but they do not offer the same probiotic punch as yoghurt and other probiotic foods, says the above source. “A person would have to drink many glasses of pickle juice per day to reach a therapeutic dose.”
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