Pickle juice has long been used for cocktails and to chase down shots of whiskey, but apparently it’s also good for you. Here are the eight benefits of drinking the briny liquid you didn’t know about
There’s always some kind of healthy wagon to jump on – but the latest craze of drinking pickle juice actually has a lot of serious benefits for your body. Lots of people use the juice for cocktails – it is an acquired taste – but even without the alcohol its stock is surging in popularity right now.
Videos explaining the virtues of pickle juice are building up on social media, with currently 19.9 million clips on TikTok of people trying it out. Here’s everything you need to know about pickle juice and all the reasons you should be drinking it.
Train Effective Official posted a video sharing that pickle juice is an important addition to many athletes’ diets. They explained: “Pickle juice is packed with electrolytes, which is essential for muscle function and hydration. Athletes sweat a lot during competition, so they lose vital electrolytes along with their fluids and can become dehydrated, resulting in muscle cramps. If you’re not a fan of the taste, try diluting it with water or adding some honey and lemon.” Read on for more benefits that your new briney best friend can provide.
But what other benefits does drinking pickle juice have on the body? Dr Sruthi M, a board-certified physician, shared the benefits in a peer-reviewed article for Medicine Net. You can see some of the incredible benefits below.
Relieves muscle cramps
Pickle juice is a surprisingly effective remedy for muscle aches and pains. In fact, it was once so popular post-workout that Gatorade nearly brought out their own pickle-infused concoction.
Promotes longer hydration
While plain water does the job, a drink packed with sodium and potassium is even better for keeping you hydrated faster and for longer. Just by sweating, you lose these vital electrolytes thankfully, pickle juice is loaded with both.
Highly cost-effective
Pickle juice could be the new alternative to pricey, sugar-laden sports drinks. Plus, it’s often free if you’ve got a jar of pickles chilling in your fridge. You can even whip up your own by pickling cucumbers in vinegar, garlic, and salt.
It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants
Pickle juice boasts a good amount of antioxidants and vitamins C and E, which are known to bolster your immune system function, among other health-boosting roles in your body.
Can reduce heartburn
Acidic foods, something that typically has a pH level of 4.6 or lower, can cause heartburn, which is why people who have them are advised to avoid them. However, they’re usually very tasty, think sugar, grains, certain dairy products, processed foods, sodas, and other sweetened beverages. Some people claim that highly acidic pickle juice relieves their symptoms.
It could aid in weight loss
A study from Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry suggests that consuming vinegar – the main ingredient in pickle juice – every day can promote healthy weight loss.
It helps regulate your blood sugar levels
Research published in the Journal of Diabetes Research revealed that drinking a small serving of vinegar before a meal can help keep a person’s blood sugar levels in check after the meal, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes.
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