It prevents cancer while protecting heart and mental health...
Emphasizing that homemade pickles have many health benefits, Prof. Muhsin Konuk stated that "It protects the heart. The beneficial bacteria in the structure of the pickle juice regulate blood circulation. Pickles that balance blood pressure also minimize the risk of heart disease." Pointing out that antioxidant fruits and vegetables are used while preparing pickles, Prof. Konuk said, "These foods are very useful as they reduce the formation of harmful molecules that cause cancer, which we call free radicals."
Noting that fermented foods with probiotic properties are also considered psychobiotic foods because they positively affect mental health, Konuk said, "Studies have shown that fermented products such as pickles, yogurt and kefir can support mental health by improving the microbiota in psychiatric disorders."
Üsküdar University Advisor to the Rector and Head of the Department of Molecular Biology Master's Program Prof. Muhsin Konuk explained the contributions of pickles to health and the correct ways of consumption.
Prevents constipation...
Emphasizing that homemade pickles have many health benefits, Prof. Muhsin Konuk stated that the most important effect of homemade pickles on the digestive system is its ability to prevent constipation because it contains a large amount of fiber.
From the point of view of general health, homemade pickles relieve constipation, in addition to containing a lot of fiber, they have an important role in regulating metabolism in terms of the probiotics they contain as fermented foodstuffs, Prof. Muhsin Konuk continued his remarks as follows:
It minimizes the risk of heart diseases and prevents cancer...
"It protects the heart, and the beneficial bacteria in the structure of the pickle juice regulate blood circulation. Pickles balance blood pressure and also minimize the risk of heart disease. Since antioxidant fruits and vegetables are used when preparing pickles, it prevents cancer... These foods are also very useful as they reduce the formation of harmful cancer-causing molecules called free radicals. It is a natural pain reliever. Pickles, which eliminate the body's water loss, have the ability to relieve muscle and bone pain in athletes accordingly.”
Homemade pickles also help with weight control
Noting that homemade pickles strengthen immunity, especially containing dark foods, such as red beets, have a protective effect for the body to stay healthy due to the polyphenols in the pickle content, and that pickle juice containing probiotic bacteria can help balance the digestive system with these bacteria and support the immune system, Prof. Muhsin Konuk said that "It also regulates blood sugar. It is possible to balance blood sugar with a bite or two of pickles against sudden hunger and dizziness. For example, a pickled cucumber will keep you full, replace a snack such as chocolate, and balance blood sugar. It also facilitates digestion. Pickles and pickle juice can facilitate digestion and help with indigestion issues, especially when drunk in some amount after meals. In addition, homemade pickles also help with weight control; Pickle juice, which is a low-calorie and delicious drink, is also an ideal option to support weight control."
The most natural pain reliever...
Stating that the uncomfortable feeling in the stomach can be eliminated if a glass of pickle juice is drunk in cases where nausea is felt, Prof. Muhsin Konuk said that "You can renew the irritated tissues by drinking pickle juice and applying it to your skin. Pickle juice, which sounds like a medicine from headaches to joint pain, is the most natural pain reliever. Pickle juice, thanks to the vitamins it contains, rejuvenates the cells and gives strength. The energy needed by the body can be obtained from a glass of pickle juice. Thanks to pickled cabbage, the body can be dynamized."
Pickles also help strengthen the immune system
Stating that pickles are a fermented food that has positive effects on the immune system, Prof. Muhsin Konuk expressed that "The probiotic bacteria in pickles support the intestinal flora and help strengthen the immune system. A healthy gut flora plays a critical role in the proper functioning of the immune system. Vegetables and fruits used in pickling are considered prebiotics because they contain high levels of fiber. Prebiotic foods help increase the number of friendly bacteria in the intestine. By fermentation, these vegetables are considered probiotic foods due to the presence of live microorganisms that provide health benefits after they are turned into pickles. The fermentation process promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli, which are known for their probiotic properties."
What are the vitamins and minerals in pickles?
Stating that pickles and pickle juice contain almost all of the vitamins and minerals contained in fermented vegetables, Prof. Muhsin Konuk said that "Among these, especially vitamin C, B vitamins and vitamin K content is quite high. It is a very good source of Magnesium. Magnesium supports many important functions in the body. These include muscle and nerve function, bone health, energy production, and electrolyte balance. Adequate magnesium levels ensure the healthy functioning of muscles, help strengthen bones and support energy production. Moreover, it contains electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. These electrolytes are very important in maintaining water balance in the body."
85 percent of the daily serotonin production is produced by the intestinal flora
Stating that pickles make positive contributions to the health of the digestive system, Prof. Muhsin Konuk said that "First of all, it has a lot of positive effects on intestinal health due to its high fiber and pulp. Probiotics, which are formed during the fermentation process, help digestion to function regularly by supporting the balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Thanks to this, pickles play an effective role in preventing digestive problems such as constipation and gas. It is well known today that changing the number of healthy bacteria causes both physical and mental problems. Recent studies have revealed that 85 percent of the daily production of serotonin (the hormone that is linked to happiness) is produced by the intestinal flora. Furthermore, Type-I diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) has been associated with a harmful bacterium in the special intestinal flora. Therefore, the growth of beneficial bacteria is very important in terms of reducing the effects of harmful bacteria. Pickles are one of our important foods that provide this effect."
What are the negative effects of excessive pickle consumption?
Explaining that pickles are beneficial to health when consumed in moderation, Prof. Muhsin Konuk said that "When consumed excessively, it increases the risk of stomach and esophageal cancer, as well as increasing the risk of heart disease and hypertension due to its high salt content. In the meantime, it is also possible to encounter classic food poisoning events such as toxin-induced abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea after the consumption of pickles that are not prepared correctly. Especially due to the fact that the ratio of salt and vinegar is not adjusted correctly, there may be softening in the pickles. The softening of the marinade is a sign of the growth of molds. These molds can cause fungal infections in immunocompromised patients."
Depression can be seen in people with impaired gut microbiota balance
Stating that the gastrointestinal microbiota (intestinal microbiota) is a set of microorganisms that develop from birth and change according to vital factors, Prof. Muhsin Konuk continued his remarks as follows: "Recently, the mechanisms by which the brain and intestine affect each other bidirectionally have been investigated. Psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress can also be seen in people with impaired microbiota balance due to gastrointestinal system diseases. Fermented foods obtained through various fermentation processes improve the properties of endogenous microflora, positively affecting the microbiota and thus brain and intestinal health.
Pickles support mental health...
Stating that fermented foods with probiotic properties are also considered psychobiotic foods because they positively affect mental health, Prof. Muhsin Konuk expressed that "Studies have shown that fermented products such as pickles, yogurt and kefir can support mental health by improving the microbiota in psychiatric disorders. However, studies are ongoing to evaluate the extent to which each fermented food group affects the brain-gut axis and their effects on mental health."
High blood pressure and kidney patients should be careful when consuming pickles!
Referring to how those with high blood pressure or kidney diseases should consume pickles, Prof. Muhsin Konuk said that "Since it contains plenty of sodium, it can cause high blood pressure when consumed in excess. On the other hand, excessive consumption can also trigger kidney problems."
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)