The Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Feel Good Foods Fried Pickles

The Health Benefits of Feel Good Foods Fried Pickles

Fried pickles have become a popular appetizer or snack in recent years. While fried foods are often considered unhealthy, feel good foods fried pickles can provide some surprising benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Pickles themselves are low in calories and high in vitamin K, an essential nutrient for blood clotting and bone health. The crunchy coating and savory flavor make this salty treat hard to resist. Here's a look at why feel good foods fried pickles can be a "feel good" addition to your diet.

Pickles Are Low in Calories

Pickles are naturally low in calories - about 3 calories per slice. When battered and fried, that number increases based on the type of coating used. However, feel good foods keeps their fried pickles lean by using a light, crunchy cornmeal breading. With around 40 calories per fried spear, you can enjoy this treat without going overboard on calories.

They Provide Vitamin K

Sour and pickled foods like cucumbers are excellent sources of vitamin K. One whole sour pickle can contain up to 28 micrograms of this essential nutrient. Vitamin K is best known for the role it plays in proper blood clotting, but emerging research suggests it may also help promote strong bones and heart health. Feel good foods fried pickles pack a hefty dose of vitamin K in every batch.

Pickles Supply Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that provide health perks ranging from improved digestion and immunity to better weight maintenance. Pickles are packed with probiotics because they undergo a special fermentation process. Although some of these healthy microbes are lost during frying, feel good foods fried pickles still supply a dose of gut-friendly probiotics with each juicy bite.

They Contain Antioxidants

Pickles are an antioxidant powerhouse, mostly due to their high content of vitamin C and other phenolic compounds. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals that can damage cells and lead to disease. By providing antioxidants, feel good foods fried pickles may help halt this damaging process.

Crunchy Texture Promotes Thorough Chewing

The crispy coating and crunchy pickle found in feel good foods fried pickles require some serious chewing. Thoroughly chewing your food helps promote feelings of fullness. It also results in fewer calories consumed at meals. In fact, studies show that people who chew each bite around 40 times eat 11% less food than those who chew only 15 times.

They Satisfy Salty Cravings

Craving something savory and salty? Feel good foods fried pickles are the perfect way to fulfill those needs while also getting nutrients. The combination of crunchy, salty, sour, and savory flavors in fried pickles creates a highly palatable snack that beating out more processed, less nutritious salty snacks.

Pickles May Lower Blood Sugar

Some research indicates that consuming vinegar-containing foods, like pickles, may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels - especially after high-carb meals. Feel good foods fried pickles pack all the blood sugar-balancing benefits of sour pickled cucumbers into one irresistible finger food.

They Can Increase Fiber Intake

In addition to their vitamin and probiotic content, pickles contain a bit of dietary fiber - about 1 gram per whole dill pickle. Feel good foods optimizes this benefit by leaving the skin on the pickles when battering and frying them. The extra dose of fiber in fried pickles supports regularity, gut health, and heart health.

Potential Downsides to Fried Pickles

While fried pickles offer some nutritional upside, they are still considered a fried food. Frying can increase the calorie and fat content significantly compared to the original vegetable. Here are some potential negatives to keep in mind if you're noshing on feel good foods fried pickles.

High in Sodium

Pickles are prepared by submerging cucumbers in salty brine, which draws out moisture to preserve them and imbues them with salty flavor. A single dill pickle spear contains nearly 400 milligrams of sodium. Battering and frying magnifies the salty impact. If you have high blood pressure or need to limit sodium, feel good foods fried pickles may not be the best option.

Contains Added Fats

The breading and frying process adds additional fat and calories to the otherwise low-calorie pickled cucumbers. Just a few fried pickles may contain over 20 grams of fat. Much of it is the unhealthy saturated type found in oils used for frying. Too much saturated fat consumption can raise cholesterol levels and clog arteries.

Loss of Some Vitamins

While pickles supply vitamin K and vitamin C, some of these heat-sensitive nutrients are degraded during the high-heat frying process. The vitamin content may be offset by the amount of saturated fat and sodium added during cooking. However, feel good foods fried pickles still pack more nutrients than heavily processed snacks.

Can Contain Trans Fats

Many fried foods contain trans fats, an artificial form of fat strongly linked to heart disease and inflammation. Feel good foods uses a clean frying method with high oleic oils. However, fried pickles from restaurants and brands may still contain trans fat laden oils. Check ingredients lists and nutrition info to be sure.

Tips for Enjoying Fried Pickles

While they aren't the healthiest appetizer option, feel good foods fried pickles can be incorporated into a healthy diet when enjoyed properly. Here are some tips for savoring this treat without going overboard.

Practice Portion Control

One or two fried pickles can satisfy a craving, but gobbling up a whole platter can spell trouble for your diet and health. Stick to the recommended serving size on the package and pair fried pickles with lower calorie foods to create balance.

Dip Them in Greek Yogurt

Skip the fatty ranch or other heavy dips and choose protein-packed Greek yogurt as a dip for your fried pickles instead. The contrast of hot and cold textures takes this snack up a notch.

Bake Rather Than Fry

You can make a lighter version of fried pickles at home by coating spears in breadcrumbs and baking them in the oven rather than deep frying. While not exactly the same, baked pickles are still delicious.

Use Cornmeal Breading

A light cornmeal breading, like that used by feel good foods, adheres well to pickles with minimal added fat and calories. Heavier batters like pancake or beer batter pack on more in unnecessary calories and fat.

Eat Them Slowly

Savor each pickled spear by chewing thoroughly and pacing yourself. Eating too fast can cause excess calorie intake before your brain registers fullness. Taking it slow helps prevent overindulging.

The Bottom Line

Feel good foods fried pickles can be an appetizing snack or addition to a meal. While not as nutritious as raw pickles, they still provide some benefits thanks to their high vitamin K, antioxidant, and probiotic levels. However, the high amount of added sodium and fat from frying are downsides that need consideration. Enjoy this tempting treat in moderation alongside an otherwise balanced diet and active lifestyle for optimal health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.