Are Pickles Junk Food?
Pickles have been a part of Indian cuisine for thousands of years, flavoring a variety of meals with tangy, spicy zest. One does not get such varieties of pickle as zesty mango pickles, or even spicy lime pickles. To most Indian households, these condiments will always be considered integral to the pantry. Yet, healthy eating has gained so much attention that many may ask, “Do pickles fit in the term of junk food?” Are they not as bad as they are assumed to be, or is that just the misconception? In this blog, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of whether pickles should go in the category of junk food or not.
What is Junk Food?
Before we decide whether pickles are junk food, we have to define what a junk food is. Well, generally, any junk food item contains a huge number of calories that hardly deliver any nutritional value. Usually, it contains saturated fats, sugar, and other kinds of artificial preservatives. Junk foods provide nearly no nutrition, and rampant ingestion of it has resulted in the proliferation of many diseases associated with obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. There are many examples in potato chips, cookies, and fried fast foods. Do pickles feature in that list?
Traditional Indian Pickles: A Healthy Tradition
Traditional Indian pickles are light years away from the processed foods we generally think of when referring to junk food. As the homemade pickles are almost all fresh with the regular ingredients of raw mango, lime, mixed vegetables, and most other spices, like turmeric, mustard seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing), there is no added preservative or ingredient; many of them are even fermented to make them more nutritious by introducing probiotics that shall help to digest.
These pickles contain all the nutrient elements from the ingredients. For instance, mango pickles contain Vitamin C and antioxidants and minerals in them, whereas turmeric and fenugreek in spices has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, when prepared at home using proper method, pickles become a healthy option for consumption.
Nutritional Value of Pickles
Pickles are more than a sweet accompaniment to many dishes. Such health foods, when prepared using all-natural whole ingredients, are full of good nutritional benefits. Raw fruit and vegetable pickles retain their vitamin and mineral content, like Vitamin C from mango or lemons. Moreover, fermented pickles contain probiotics, good for the intestines’ healthy flora.
Although it has salt which is used as a preservative, pickles. Moderation is key for consumption of Pickles.A high intake of salt can result in health complications, some of which include high blood pressure. Therefore, although pickles contribute to the availability of vital nutrients, they need to be taken in moderation.
Commercial chemical wala Pickles and Their Downsides
Although Branded homemade pickles are healthy,chemical wala commercial pickles have more negatives. All additives in commercial pickles contain preservatives, artificial flavor, and excessive use of salt or sugar, making it less healthy as these contents only increase shelf life. Health problems such as high blood pressure, weight gain, and digestive issues result from the consumption of such pickles making it more like junk food.
Are Pickles Junk Food? The Middle Ground
Whether or not the pickles are junk food depends on preparation. Branded Homemade, old-fashioned pickles made with fresh ingredients and natural spices could be a great deal to add to a healthy diet, showing off nutrients and probiotics that aid in the digestion and overall health of an individual. Chemical Wala Commercial pickles full of artificial additions and preservatives, however do seem to resemble junk food.
Moderation is the key. Just a few pickles with a meal add flavor and bring in some nutritional benefit without crossing over into the unhealthy zone.
Conclusion
Pickles per se are not junk food. Traditional Indian pickles shall always incorporate fresh whole ingredients; natural spices could be the healthiest additions that can be added to your diet. However, commercial pickles, with high salt, sugar, and preservative content, reach unhealthy dimensions. Moderation is the best way to enjoy pickles, and homemade or naturally fermented ones balance flavor and health benefits.
