Do Pickles Count as a Vegetable Serving?
Pickles are a favorite snack and sandwich condiment, which begs the question: do pickles count as a vegetable serving? Most nutritionists answer a resounding yes! Here’s why:
Nutrients Provided
Pickles are a vegetable, most often cucumber, that is soaked in either vinegar or a sour brine solution. Pickles provide important vitamins, minerals and other healthful plant-based components. And, pickles are naturally low in fat, cholesterol and sodium.
Health Benefits
Pickles are a great source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for proper blood clotting, healthy bones, and as an antioxidant. Pickles also provide dietary fiber, an important part of a healthy diet.
Consumption
There are different types of pickles on the market, from the traditional cucumber to those made from green tomatoes, beets, and carrots. Enjoying pickles in moderation is part of a healthy diet. Here are some ideas for getting your pickle fix:
- Add pickles to a salad – Get a crunchy addition to your salad by adding pickles, or serve it as a mix of cucumber and pickle slices.
- Replace pickle juice with a vinegar-based salad dressing – It provides added flavor without all the salt.
- Eat pickles on sandwiches – Switch out mayonnaise for pickles on some of your favorite sandwiches.
In conclusion, pickles can absolutely count as a vegetable serving in your daily diet. Pickles can be a great low-calorie addition to meals, and they contain important healthy vitamins and fiber. Pickles, eaten in moderation, can be a tasty and nutritious part of your diet.
