We Indians love pickles. We love the salty, sour, sweet, and spicy, and love to have them with chappatis, parathas, puris, and rice. But did you know, apart from being tasty condiments, pickles are loaded with health benefits too? Here are five ways in which pickles keep us healthy:
- Rich in Vitamins
Pickles are made from various vegetables and therefore, are rich in vitamins and nutrients. They contain Vitamin A which is good for eyesight and Vitamin C that boosts immunity. Pickles are also a good source of Vitamin K which plays an important role in blood clotting. Vitamin K also controls calcium levels in the body to improve overall bone health and slow down bone decay due to advanced age.
- Controls Blood Sugar Level
Pickles contain vinegar, which lessens the impact of starchy food on our blood sugar level and helps us keep diseases like diabetes at bay. In fact, there are certain kinds of pickles like dill and gooseberry pickles that are considered particularly good for controlling sugar levels. You can easily buy these pickles online.
- Contains Probiotics
Probiotics present in pickles aid in preserving the balance in our gastrointestinal system, which boosts our digestive health. Probiotics are known to strengthen the body’s immunity as well.
- Replenishes Electrolytes
When you sweat after any hard physical activity like running or working out at the gym, your body loses electrolytes. The sodium present in pickles helps restore the lost electrolytes quickly. Moderate consumption of pickles has also been found to relieve muscle cramps.
- Counts as Vegetable Serving
Pickles are nothing but preserved vegetables. In fact, pickling is a popular method to preserve in-season vegetables to make them last the entire year. So, pickles can be counted as a vegetable serving. But don’t go overboard with it because, like all good things, they should be consumed in moderation.
Isn’t it exciting to learn that our favourite condiment not just adds flavour to our food but is packed with health benefits as well? At SPAR, we understand India’s love for pickles and have a wide range of savoury and sweet pickles sourced from the best brands. You can buy the ones of your choice from your nearest SPAR store or buy pickles online from our online store by logging on to www.sparindia.com
