Producer: Priyanka Das Editor: Aparna Singh
Pickles have long been a cherished tradition in our homes, crafted with a variety of flavours and ingredients.
They are preserved foods consisting of chopped vegetables or fruits combined with vinegar and spices.
These spices not only enhance the pickle’s flavour but also boost its nutritional value.
However, did you know that pickles offer more benefits beyond simply adding taste to your meals?
Eating pickles can protect you from digestive problems. Fermented foods like pickles are essentially probiotic superfoods, packed with beneficial bacteria that can enhance the health of your gut microbiome.
By using raw fruits and vegetables, pickles retain their antioxidants. Since these ingredients are stored without cooking, pickles become rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and can potentially reverse the ageing process.
In addition to unripe vegetables, achaar also incorporates leafy greens like coriander, fenugreek, mint, and curry leaves. These greens are rich in essential vitamins, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium.
Indian pickles, especially those crafted from gooseberry, possess hepatoprotective properties that protect the liver from potential harm. Additionally, regular consumption of these pickles can help mitigate liver damage.
During the preparation of Indian pickles, turmeric powder is commonly used. It contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that assist the body in defending against various bacteria and viruses.
Pickles can help relieve nausea and vomiting, which are common during the first trimester of pregnancy. Their tart, tangy, and sour flavour can awaken taste buds and stimulate appetite.