Even for the most seasoned pickle fan, glugging a glass of briny pickle juice may sound like a step too far - but you might want to think twice before you go to toss it away.
It turns out the juice is actually pretty good for you and does a whole lot more than just add flavour to your favourite snack.
Despite its sharp taste it is an incredible source of health busting benefits.
So what’s the big dill? Here we reveal ways that prove pickle juice might actually be really good for you.
It relieves muscle cramps
After an intense workout what do you reach for? A bottle of water? An energy drink? Next time why not try a nice chilled glass of pickle juice.
According to science, the briny beverage helps to ease muscle aches and pains thanks to its high concentration of sodium and vinegar.
A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise showed that dehydrated men experienced faster relief from muscle cramps after drinking pickle juice than those who opted for water; what’s more it only took a third of a cup to take effect.
It hydrates you quicker and for longer
Drinking water is great and all but what if there was something to help your body recover more quickly? Enter, pickle juice.
Because it contains sodium and potassium the juice is the ultimate rapid hydrator; they’re both electrolytes that your body loses when you sweat so opting for a drink that contains both will help to restore your electrolyte levels to normal at a much faster rate.
It boosts your immune system
According to the study Dietary antioxidants: Immunity and host defence, antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E offer a protective role against infections caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Luckily, pickle juice contains a decent amount of both these vitamins meaning it will help to boost your immune system function.
It can help you lose weight
Vinegar is the main ingredient in pickle juice and according to a study from Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, consuming this one ingredient every day can promote healthy weight loss. After just 12 weeks, study participants who had consumed a small amount of vinegar daily had lost more weight and fat than those who hadn’t consumed any.
It helps to regular your blood sugar levels
Unregulated blood sugar can lead to serious health complications including blindness, heart damage and kidney damage but research has found pickle juice could be the missing link. Research published in the Journal of Diabetes Research showed that drinking a small serving of vinegar, the main ingredient in pickle juice, before a meal helped to regulate a person’s blood sugar levels, especially those with type 2 diabetes.
