There are many items that we use on a day to day basis and we don’t typically give them much thought. Perhaps something that could be included on that list is pickle juice. Sure, it helps to keep our pickles juicy and delicious but you might be surprised to learn that it is quite handy to have around. In fact, it is full of nutrients, antioxidants and electrolytes.
When you buy pickles, keep in mind that there is more in the jar than pickles. That juice, which most of us pour down the drain, is something you should hang onto. In fact, once you learn about all of the healthy benefits of pickle juice, you will never throw it away again. Consider the following 8 benefits:
1. Better than sports drinks – Many professional athletes have been drinking pickle juice for years to restore electrolyte levels. There is not scientific research that supports it. It is even used in some emergency rooms in case of cardiac problems.
Pickle juice has the ability to relieve cramps within 85 seconds. It isn’t really the sodium content, it is the combination of sodium in calcium chloride and vinegar.
2. Muscle cramps – The calcium chloride and vinegar found in pickle juice allows the potassium and sodium to be absorbed in the body. Athletes drink it both before and after activity. It can both prevent and treat muscle cramps.
3. RLS – If you suffer from restless leg syndrome, drinking a few ounces before bed can help relieve the symptoms. Although it doesn’t have any official studies, it has helped many people.
4. Upset stomach – If you have an upset stomach, the thought of drinking pickle juice may not seem very appealing but it might be just what you need. You might also want to consider drinking some vinegar and honey.
5. Hangovers – Drinking some pickle juice may have benefits for those people who have had too much to drink. It can balance your electrolyte levels and it masks the smell of alcohol.
6. Antioxidants and nutrients – Pickle juice is low in calories, high in vitamin C and electrolytes. It is a great way to keep the body healthy and young.
7. Itchy skin – Put some pickle juice on a cloth and apply it to the area that itches.
8. Potted Plants – If your potted plants have yellow leaves you might need to add some pickle juice to the soil. It will make it acidic.
How to Drink Pickle Juice
Those benefits may sound nice but you might still have trouble seeing yourself drinking it from the jar. There are other ways to add it to your diet.
1. Mix some into your water after a workout for a nice recovery drink.
2. If you can add a pickle to something, you can also add pickle juice. This includes egg and tuna salads or a green salad.
3. Add a few teaspoons to yogurt to boost your health in more ways than one.
4. Use it as a marinate for meat or poultry
5. Use it as a salad dressing
Are There Side Effects?
When you make changes to your diet, you can expect to feel a difference. Although there are not any side effects to drinking pickle juice, it could aggravate certain health problems.
Avoid drinking pickle juice if you are on a low sodium diet or if you have a family history of gout. It is also a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure it doesn’t affect any medications you might be taking.
Look for pickles that do not contain preservatives or additives. Enjoy some pickle juice today for your good health.
H/T The Hearty Soul
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