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Reema Kinjalkar, a nutritionist at Urban Platter, and told indianexpress.com, “Pickles are low in calories and offers numerous health benefits, such as decreasing inflammation, increasing immunity, regulating gut function, and improving nutrient absorption among others.”

• They help enhance the taste and flavour of food.
• They help in digestive processes of the body.
• They are a reliable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
• They provide the body with healthy bacteria which makes it easy for the body to produce vitamins like B12.
• They ensure that your gut is not colonised by pathogens or the bad bacteria.

According to Kinjalkar, pickles create acidic fermentation by-products in the body and lowers the intestine’s pH at a level where it is difficult for any “bad” bacteria to survive. The “good” bacteria that it contains secrete anti-microbial proteins that kill off “bad” bacteria and boosts the immunity of the body.

Achaar is great for bloating and digestion (Source: Freepik)

Our fast-paced lifestyle is heavy on packaged and processed food which upsets the balance of our gut microbiota. Latest research links the changes in our “gut flora mix” with an increase in obesity and diabetes. “The ‘live’ bacteria in homemade achaar helps restore the diversity and strength of the gut microbiota, accelerates fat burning and increases insulin sensitivity,” she said.

Here’s a quick recipe to make mirchi ka achaar:

Ingredients:

6-7 – Green chillies (mirch)
Lemon juice (nimbu)
1 tsp – Turmeric powder
Salt
1 tsp – Asafoetida (hing)

Method:

• Chop green chillies.
• Add salt, as per taste and mix.
• Then add turmeric and asafoetida. Squeeze lemon juice. Mix well.
• Transfer to an air-tight, dry container.

Pro tip:

• Make it in small quantities because it is good to eat the pickle fresh. Consume and finish it within a week, and then make another batch.
• Store it in the refrigerator only.

What to keep in mind

“Without salt and oil in the right amount, pickles get spoiled as the wrong kind of bacteria grows. And if you are worried about BP — avoid biscuits and cookies, eating outside and not exercising, said Kinjalkar. The healthy bacteria from pickle is especially useful in diabetes and heart diseases too,” she added. However, remember that you need to eat pickle like a pickle —- a small part of your meal — not the main thing.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.