Pickle Juice is a healthy energy drink made from pickled cucumbers soaked in brines, and fermented. At this point, it is no longer just cucumbers, but cucumbers with a different color and flavor, which is now known as pickles or by another common name, gherkins. In addition to being a good source of energy, pickle juice is packed with essential nutrients that help nourish the body, like calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E. All these contribute to its health benefits, making it a healthy and valuable drink of choice for centuries.

Athletes have over the years made it a first choice drink, and it is gradually finding its way into some other drinks, like slush and cocktails. Considering this, is pickle juice good for you?

Incredible Benefits of Pickle Juice

Pickle juice benefits the body in many ways, and here are some top benefits you should know:

1. More Than Keeping the Body Hydrated

It is recommended that you take about 8 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated, but if you consistently workout or engage in a physically-demanding work, then you would need more than just that to keep hydrated. Pickle juice has been shown to help hydrate the body faster, due to its sodium and potassium content that replaces lost electrolytes during long hours of physical activity.

2. Helps with Weight Management

There are lots of weight loss remedies on the internet today, enough to confuse you on which to settle with. Pickle juice isn't left out, and this is mainly due to its vinegar content. A 2014 study, following the administration of acetic acid in mice, found that there's little chance of these mice gaining weight. Acetic acid is the key ingredient in vinegar, and the study further concluded that when taken for 12 weeks, vinegar helps in weight loss.1 Also, by consuming this juice, you gain lost electrolytes with fewer calories, unlike other sport drinks with high number of calories.

3. Rich in Antioxidants

Pickle juice is rich in vitamin C and E, which are powerful antioxidants easily absorbed in the body. They also help prevent damage of free radicals and boost the immune system, thereby reducing the risk of infections and illnesses.

4. Alleviates Muscle Cramps

Pickle juice is common among athletes, as it has over the years been a pre- and post-workout drink. You lose potassium when you sweat, and even more after working out, which causes leg cramps. However, vinegar contains potassium, which when taken helps relieve muscle cramps and reduce the risk of developing more cramps. A 2010 study showed pickle brine to be more effective at treating muscle cramps than sport drinks.2 You can also drink it pre-workout to boost performance.

5. Keeps the Blood Sugar Level in Check

The acetic acid contained in vinegar has an antiglycemic effect, which helps to control how sugar is regulated in the blood. A 2007 study found this to be true after conducting a research on men and women with typwell-regulatedOne of the hallmarks of being healthy is maintaining a well regulated blood sugar level, as it helps reduce the risk of many health complications.

6. Aids Digestion

Vinegar is a fermented liquid healthy for the digestive system. It is known to kill harmful bacteria in the digestive system and, in turn, boost the growth of healthy bacteria and flora that aids digestion.

Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Pickle Juice

Although pickle juice has a lot of health benefits, like every other organic drink, it has its side effects, especially when taken in excessive amounts. Here are some of the side effects:

1. Causes Water Retention

The high sodium content in pickle juice can accumulate over time if not regulated, and this can cause excessive water retention. Water retention can cause edema, and also lead to weight gain.

2. Leads to High Blood Pressure

The water retention caused by high sodium content increases the volume of blood plasma in the body, which increases the risk of high blood pressure. This especially occurs when you drink pickle juice right after a meal with high salt content, thereby causing a spike in your sodium level. By consistently doing this, you put your heart at a risk of complications. Avoid drinking pickle juice in excessive amounts if you are likely to have a high blood pressure due to past medical history or family history.

3. Causes Indigestion

While pickle juice has been shown to aid in digestion, consuming too much of it can upset the digestive system and cause indigestion, due to its acidic content. Not all GI tracts can tolerate acidic foods; it causes heartburn for some.

4. Puts More Pressure on the Kidney

The kidney has a primary function to filter nutrients that enter the body and take out what's not needed. However, a high consumption of sodium makes the kidney work harder by taking out excess salt to keep you healthy. With time, the kidney will eventually become weak and won't be able to function properly.

Conclusion

Is pickle juice good for you? Absolutely! Pickle juice has great benefits on the body, and if taken moderately will produce little or no side effects. If you have a medical condition that may require you to double check your diet, it is recommended that you see your dietitian before drinking pickle juice.

You may watch the video below to understand better how pickle juice benefits the body: