Dill pickles are made using cucumbers, water, vinegar, salt and dill weed. Whether you prefer them with a sour or tangy flavor, dill pickles provide the body with several health benefits. They contain a high amount of sodium, but they also contain fiber, Vitamin K, probiotics and other nutrients that make them a surprisingly healthy snack, when eaten in moderation. Dill pickles benefits include the ability to treat leaky gut syndrome, relieve muscle cramps, reduce blood clotting and more.
Dill Pickles Benefits
1. Provide the Body with Fiber
Dill pickles benefits include the ability to provide the body with fiber. High-fiber foods work to regulate the digestive system and keep bowel movements regular. Fiber can also help prevent digestive issues, such as constipation, bloating and diarrhea. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a diet low in fiber is directly linked to many health problems, including heart disease, appendicitis, gallbladder disease, deep vein thrombosis and large bowel tumors. (1)
2. Help Fight Cellular Damage
Thanks to the antioxidants they contain, dill pickles benefits include the ability to help fight cellular damage. The antioxidants in dill pickles work to fight off free radicals that can cause damage to the cells. Studies have shown that dill pickles benefits include anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help protect the cells from damage and reduce inflammation that causes disease. (2)
3. Help Treat Leaky Gut Syndrome
Dill pickles benefits include the ability to help treat leaky gut syndrome. Pickles contain probiotics that help promote beneficial gut bacteria. Probiotics help keep the digestive system functioning properly to reduce the risk of digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea and bloating. Dill pickles benefit the body by encouraging healthy digestion and fighting leaky gut. By encouraging the growth of gut-friendly bacteria, dill pickles help improve the overall health of the gut and digestive system to reduce the risk of leaky gut syndrome and other digestive disorders.
4. Reduce Muscle Cramps
Dill pickles benefits include the ability to reduce muscle cramps. A study conducted at North Dakota State University found that ingesting pickle juice may help reduce or even eliminate muscle cramps and muscle spasms. Athletes often utilize pickle juice to reduce or prevent cramping during physical performance. Dill pickles benefits may also include relief from pain, cramping and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps. (3)
5. Help Reduce Blood Clotting
Dill pickles benefits include the ability to reduce blood clotting. Dill pickles contain Vitamin K, which works to strengthen the bones and prevent clotting. The body also uses Vitamin K to enhance brain function, promote a healthy metabolism and help protect the body from cancer. Studies have shown that thanks to their Vitamin K content, dill pickles benefits also include the ability to promote liver health.