Pickles: A tangy delight, but not to be overindulged due to hidden health risks

Pickles serve as a fantastic accompaniment for sandwiches, skewers, or salads. They add distinctiveness and boost the overall flavor. They are particularly worth reaching for during winter, when fresh fruits and vegetables can be scarce. However, it's crucial to remember that the brine for pickling cucumbers consists of vinegar and sugar, neither of which should be consumed excessively. In the following discussion, we answer whether pickles are healthy and identify groups that should exercise caution.

On the positive side, pickles are nutrient-dense. Just like their fermented cousins, they are packed with valuable elements such as dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, as well as minerals like magnesium, copper, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and fluoride. They are alkalizing too, which implies they help restore the acid-base balance within our bodies. However, it's not all good news.

During the food preservation process, high temperatures kill all microorganisms, including those beneficial to our health. Contrarily, during the fermentation process, lactic acid fermentation takes place. As a result, the food becomes a natural probiotic — abundant in bacteria cultures that positively impact our health. Although preserved food is nutrient-packed, it doesn’t have probiotic properties.

Vinegar-based marinades, frequently utilized for food preservation, have acidifying properties. The pickling liquid from such a marinade can help mitigate problems related to stomach reflux. Nevertheless, using it excessively can have adverse effects. Spirits vinegar can irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to impaired digestion. Apple cider vinegar is a gentler alternative that has beneficial effects on digestive processes and can also lower blood sugar levels.

The brine used for pickled cucumbers also contains high amounts of sugar. Consequently, pickles are relatively calorie-dense and have a higher glycemic index, implying that consuming pickled cucumbers can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. As such, people with diabetes or those mindful of their weight should be cautious when consuming them.