Pickles are one of those foods that causes strong opinions for most people. You love them – like love them – or you don’t want them anywhere near your food.
If you’re in the former category, you might even mourn the moment you dug out the last pickle, leaving only the juice – but we’re about to help you out with that.
Here are 12 reasons to keep your pickle juice on hand, because aside from being delicious, it has some surprising health benefits!
12. It could ease your PMS.
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Science says if you drink at least 1/2 cup of pickle juice in the days leading up to the first day of your cycle, you could see a reduction in both your cramps and your cravings.
11. It could ward off a hangover.
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Instead of going for the salty foods before you crash after a night of drinking, try a cup of pickle juice instead.
Some bars will even offer a “pickleback” shot to follow that last round!
10. It contains antioxidants.
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Many antioxidants, like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, are found in pickle juice. They help fight free radicals that cause aging and also boost your immune system.
Some scientists even think they could help the body fight off serious diseases like cancer.
9. It kills weeds.
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The mixture of vinegar and salt spells death for your weeds – just put it in a sprayer and get to work!
8. It can help your sore throat.
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The combination of salt and vinegar also fights germs, and are an effective remedy for sore throats.
If you can’t stomach just drinking it, try gargling with it instead!
7. For your sour stomach.
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From stomach bugs to morning sickness, pickle juice could help neutralize it.
In any case, it certainly can’t hurt!
6. To combat your heartburn.
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The juice from pickles can help balance your stomach’s pH levels. Some people claim they’ve been able to ditch their prescription and over-the-counter meds altogether and just drink pickle juice instead!
5. It could improve your workout.
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Pro and amateur athletes swear by drinking pickle juice both before and after their workouts. It’s high in electrolytes, which help you stay hydrated and replace what’s lost while you sweat.
Some health-minded grocery stores will even sell workout pickle juice drinks!
4. It could help you lose weight.
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Vinegar is a metabolism booster, and pickles are also naturally low in calories, which make the juice a great option for someone who is trying to drop a few pounds.
It is high in sodium, though, so make sure you’re drinking enough clean water to counteract all of the salt.
3. To cure muscle cramps.
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Scientists say there’s no better way to say goodbye to muscle cramps for good – sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium chloride all stop cramping for good.
Professional athletes and coaches keep it handy on the sidelines for just this reason.
2. To punch up your marinade.
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Not only does it add a nice salty kick, it also tenderizes meats that sit in it for awhile. The longer you let it sit the better, so leave it in the fridge overnight if you can.
1. To soothe a sunburn.
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The next time you forget to reapply that sunscreen, reach for the pickle juice instead of the aloe.
The vinegar helps take out the sting and calm any blistering, and you can even hold a sliced pickle on the sorest spots to find relief.
Wow, I had no idea, did you?
Let us know in the comments which of these tips you’re going to try first!
