Have you ever added pickles to your grocery list because you heard they were incredibly healthy? Well, it turns out, not all pickles in the store are great for you.
Researchers have been busy figuring out the real deal about pickles, including cucumbers and other pickled veggies. They’re sharing tips on spotting the healthiest pickles, the real health perks of eating them, and the best amount to munch on daily.
When you’re at the store, you might see lots of pickles on the shelves or in the fridge section. Most of these are “quick pickles.” That means they’ve been soaked in a vinegar mix for a short time, maybe just a few days. Some are even heated to kill germs and make them last longer.
But the pickles you really should be eating are the fermented ones.
Pick the Best Pickle
Fermented pickles sit in a salty water mix for weeks. During this time, good bacteria on the veggies start eating the sugars and change them into lactic acid. This not only gives the pickles a sour taste but also kills bad bacteria. Eating these pickles could be good for your gut health because of the live microbes in them.
To find these healthier pickles, look for ones in the fridge that say “fermented” on the label. The ingredients shouldn’t list vinegar, as that’s a clue they were quickly pickled. Robert Hutkins, a microbiologist, suggests avoiding vinegar for the best pickles. However, some lightly fermented veggies might still have a bit of vinegar. A good sign of fermented pickles is bubbles on the surface when you open the jar, says Frances Largeman-Roth, a nutrition expert.
Want to know more about making your diet healthier with the right pickles? Read the full article here.
