Cucumbers in the form of pickles can be very healthy. Nutritionist Beth Czerwony from the Cleveland Clinic in the USA explains what to look for when buying and why pickles and the juice in which they are pickled are so beneficial to health.
When it comes to the health benefits of eating pickles, both the type of pickle and the health conditions of the person eating it play an important role, emphasizes Czerwony. It is important to pay attention to existing health problems in order to determine how healthy the cucumbers are in each individual case and how often they can be eaten.
Healthy for the intestines, heart and eyes
Pickles generally contain fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that are good for eye and heart health, reports Czerwony. In addition, fermented cucumbers in particular are an excellent source of probiotics, which are known to promote intestinal health.
Another benefit of pickles is that they often contain few calories, which can help maintain a healthy body weight, says Czerwony. But not only the consumption of pickles themselves, but also the liquid in which the cucumbers are pickled can have a positive effect on health due to the electrolytes it contains.
With cucumber juice for cramps
“We have seen some people relieve leg cramps with a shot of cucumber juice. Athletes also often use cucumber juice as an electrolyte replacement when they are not using an oral rehydration solution,” reports the nutritionist in a recent press release.
The beneficial effect of cucumber water as a home remedy for cramps is also confirmed by a study that can be read in the journal “Medicine & Science in Sports & Excercise”. The researchers involved report that cucumber juice leads to a reduction in muscle cramps just a few seconds after drinking it.
Vinegar, which is a key ingredient in cucumber water, may also help prevent severe blood sugar fluctuations and spikes, according to a study published in the Journal of Diabetes Research. Drinking cucumber water could therefore be useful for people with blood sugar problems.
Cucumber water helps in losing weight
Another benefit of cucumber water is that its consumption promotes weight loss, which is due less to the cucumbers than to the vinegar they contain.
“Cucumber water might help curb your appetite by stabilizing blood sugar. And it's easier to lose weight and control appetite when your blood sugar is stable,” said Cleveland Clinic nutritionist Camille Skoda in another post.
“And if you drink cucumber water for the probiotic benefit, improving digestion and metabolism could definitely help you lose weight,” the expert adds.
Lots of sugar and sodium
According to Beth Czerwony, when eating pickles, it is important to note that they often have a high sugar and/or sodium content. This should definitely be taken into account when purchasing and consuming.
Despite all the health benefits that come with eating pickles, it is important to read the label on the jar carefully before eating, emphasizes the expert. And especially people with health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure should pay attention to the salt and sugar content, says Czerwony. (as)