4 Health risks of eating too much pickle

Pickles are a popular addition to meals because they add a tangy and spicy flavour to food. However eating too much pickle may increase the risk of certain health problems.

Pickles are made from different fruits and vegetables. While many people prepare them at home others prefer ready made varieties available in stores.  Although pickles can make meals more enjoyable it is better to eat them in moderation rather than in large amounts every day.

The nutritional value of pickles depends on how they are prepared and which ingredients are used.

Some varieties contain high amounts of salt while oil based pickles may also contain significant amounts of fat depending on the type and quantity of oil used.

May increase blood pressure

Many pickles contain high levels of salt. Eating too much salt increases the amount of sodium in the body which can contribute to high blood pressure.

Over time high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease and other problems affecting the blood vessels.

People who already have high blood pressure should be especially careful about how much salty pickle they eat.

May put extra pressure on the kidneys

Eating too much salt can affect the body’s fluid balance and increase blood pressure. This may put additional pressure on the kidneys which help remove waste and excess fluid from the body.

Consuming too much sodium over a long period may harm kidney health particularly in people who already have kidney problems.

Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences has also examined the harmful effects of excessive salt intake on the heart blood vessels and kidneys.

 Some nutrients may be lost during preparation

Pickles are often made by cutting fruits or vegetables and drying them in the sun before adding other ingredients. Certain vitamins especially those sensitive to heat and light may decrease during drying and other preparation steps.

However this does not mean that pickles lose all their nutrients. Their nutritional value depends on the ingredients used and the method of preparation.

Oil based pickles may affect cholesterol

The health effects of oil based pickles depend on the type of oil used and how much you consume.

Some oils contain unhealthy fats and consuming too much of certain fats particularly trans fats can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol.

However not all pickles contain trans fats and not every type of oil raises cholesterol in the same way. The overall ingredients and portion size matter.

How much pickle should you eat?

You do not need to stop eating pickles completely. However a few simple changes can help you enjoy them while maintaining a balanced diet.

Eat smaller portions

Use pickle as a side dish rather than eating large amounts with every meal.

•Choose lower salt options

•Check product labels when buying packaged pickles.

•Pay attention to the oil

•Choose varieties made with suitable oils and avoid excessive amounts.

Eat a balanced diet

Include fresh fruits vegetables and other nutritious foods in your daily meals.

Tips

Pickles can add flavour to your meals but eating too much may increase your sodium intake and affect your health over time.