The benefits and harms of cucumber pickle for the body

Cucumber pickle has many uses that you may not even know about. It is widely known as a folk remedy for hangovers, but few people know that you can cook various dishes with brine, and also use it for cosmetic purposes. Let's figure out why this drink is useful and in what doses it should be consumed.

Cucumber pickle: benefits and harms

The salty drink has the following positive effects on the human body:

• strengthens the immune system;
• increases appetite;
• helps cope with irregular bowel movements;
• removes toxins after drinking alcoholic beverages;
• helps with muscle cramps;
• normalizes the functioning of the endocrine system due to its high iodine content;
• relieves symptoms of PMS, including pain;
• reduces acidity in the stomach;
• Due to the high content of vitamin C, it has a strong antiscorbutic effect.

Reference. In 2010, Harvard scientists proved that cucumber pickle can restore electrolyte balance in the body and reduce muscle spasms.

Despite such an impressive list of positive properties, there is a downside. So, the possible harm:

• headache;
• tissue swelling;
• colic.

Reference. Harmful properties can manifest themselves with excessive consumption - more than 1 glass per day.

Compound

Cucumber brine contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals. It contains B vitamins, ascorbic acid, vitamin K and PP. Of the minerals these are:

• potassium;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• zinc;
• copper;
• selenium;
• iron;
• phosphorus;
• sodium;
• manganese.

Reference. The liquid in which any vegetables or fruits are pickled receives some of their beneficial properties. Therefore, cucumber brine also contains sulfur, iodine, chlorine, cobalt and rubidium.

BJU and calories

This drink is low-calorie - 100 grams contain only 10-12 kcal, depending on the amount of sugar and other components in the recipe.

Despite this calorie content, brine is not recommended for people on a diet, as it tends to increase appetite. There are no proteins or fats in its composition, but carbohydrates - 0.3 grams.

Read also:

How to properly grow an “Artist” cucumber: care rules.

How to pickle cucumbers and gherkins deliciously, quickly and easily: 7 best recipes.

Recipes for cucumbers and apples for the winter: cook deliciously and roll up correctly.

Application

Due to the wide range of uses of cucumber pickle, it can safely be called a universal product.

In cooking

To be used in cooking, the brine must be really tasty. The salty liquid with herbs is great for preparing salad dressings, marinades for meat, solyanka and okroshka. It is also added to dough, from which you can later bake bread, pies and even cookies.

Important. It is best to use homemade, homemade brine. Store-bought preparations may contain too much vinegar and chemical elements that speed up pickling.

In folk medicine

Cucumber pickle has long been used not only in cooking, but also in medicine. In addition to the anti-hangover effect, the following are known:

1. Compresses with the drink help with bruises and bruises. Pain and swelling are reduced.
2. Compresses for burns have a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect.
3. Constipation is relieved by drinking 3 glasses of the drink a day. You should not abuse it this way.
4. Rinsing the mouth removes unpleasant odor. This is achieved by the antimicrobial effect and refreshing smell of dill.

In cosmetology

Here are some ways to use pickle juice for beauty:

1. For smoothness and tenderness of the skin of the hands, baths with brine are made. The duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes.
2. To give the face freshness and a healthy color, rub the skin with pieces of frozen drink in the morning and evening.
3. The elasticity of the skin on the neck increases from regular wiping with a cotton pad soaked in brine.
4. Foot baths are prepared to get rid of calluses and corns, as well as fatigue and tension after a hard day at work. The liquid must first be heated.

Contraindications

Not all people can drink cucumber pickle. Even in small doses. Contraindications for use:

• age up to 3 years;
• excess weight;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• atherosclerosis, hypertension;
• gastritis, ulcer;
• liver and kidney diseases;
• disturbance of water-salt balance in the body.

Recipes using brine

Very tasty and unusual dishes are prepared with this drink. They can be a great addition to your standard diet.

Donuts

Delicious pies can be eaten with unsweetened tea. And if you serve crumpets with honey, you will get an original dessert.

You will need:

• 1 glass of brine;
• 1 cup of sugar;
• 1 tsp. soda;
• 4 cups flour;
• 2 tbsp. l. vegetable oil.

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Place the resulting dough in a hot frying pan with oil and fry on both sides.

Homemade mustard

It turns out no worse than store-bought. Moderately spicy. The brine softens the heat and adds flavor.

You will need:

• 220 g mustard powder;
• 300 ml brine;
• 1 tbsp. l. Sahara;
• 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil;
• 1 pinch of salt.

Preparation:

1. Pour brine into the mustard in portions. Bring to the desired consistency, adding or reducing brine if necessary.
2. Add salt and sugar.
3. Mix everything thoroughly and leave at room temperature for 3-4 hours.
4. Drain off excess separated liquid.
5. Pour in vegetable oil and stir.
6. Let it brew for another couple of hours.
7. Store in the refrigerator.

Beet caviar

Light Lenten dish. Great for fasting days after the holidays.

You will need:

• 3 medium beets;
• 1 onion;
• 2 tbsp. l. tomato paste;
• 0.5 tbsp. brine;
• vegetable oil for frying;
• salt, sugar and pepper to taste.

Preparation:

1. Wash and boil the beets without cutting off the roots.
2. Finely chop the onion and fry in oil.
3. At this time, peel the beets and grate them on a coarse grater. Add to almost finished onions.
4. Fry the vegetables for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add all other ingredients, stir and cook for a couple more minutes.
6. Remove from heat.
7. The salad can be served either hot or chilled. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

How and where to store

There are two most effective ways to keep brine fresh:

1. Pour into molds and place in the freezer. This method is more suitable for further cosmetic use or for saving from burns.
2. Cover the jar with liquid with a mustard stopper. To do this, you need to knead the so-called dough from dry mustard powder. Place it in gauze and cover the jar with it.

When storing brine in liquid form, it is necessary to keep it in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature changes. The refrigerator will be the ideal place for this.

Let's sum it up

Cucumber pickle is a really healthy product. It can become not only a tasty addition when preparing various dishes, but also have a healing effect. This effect is achieved both externally and internally. It will help with bruises, poisoning, poor appetite and lack of nutrients in the body. It’s just important to remember that overusing brine can lead to indigestion, exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases, and increased blood pressure.