Have you ever heard about a keto diet? It is quite popular right now and many people claim that the ketogenic diet helps them stay healthy and feel better.

Simply put, the idea of the keto diet is to get more calories from protein and fat and less from carbs. Although the main rules of this diet are easy to understand, there are still many questions. What can you eat when you are following the keto diet? And what is inappropriate?

Let’s talk about pickles. Can you eat them on keto? The ketogenic diet fans have debated the topic of pickles for a long time.

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There are two answers on whether pickles are appropriate for a keto-friendly diet plan: definitely yes and absolutely no. Each side of the debate has the arguments and their explanations are worth considering. On one side, some people believe pickles are loaded with lectin and hidden sugars that can ruin your ketosis. And on the other, some love pickles for their health benefits such as vitamins and minerals. And who is right?

The awful truth is… There is no one right answer. What matters is choosing pickles that are really low-carb.

We are fairly certain that almost all pickles are keto, but you should remember that both sides of the debate just want to help you. It is easier to live your best low-carb life than you think.

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Here is everything you need to know about choosing pickles on keto.

Are pickles keto?

Yes! Pickles are generally keto as long as you aren’t eating too much. Moreover, pickles are a perfect keto-friendly snack to help you wait for your ‘normal’ meal. However, you should be careful when picking store-bought pickles. Some brands contain sugar, and it is better to avoid additional carbs when you are following the ketogenic diet.

Luckily, there are some brands that have minimal sugar content and fermented pickles are the best. Here is what pickles usually contain.

For a standard spear (35 g):

calories – 4.2

protein – 0.2 g

carbs – 0.9 g

fiber – 0.4 g

fat – 0 g

As you can see, pickles are a great (and TASTY!) addition to your keto eating plan and you can eat them on every stage of ketosis. At the same time, if you want to get the most benefits out of pickles on keto, it is better to make your own pickles. Homemade pickles not only taste better than store-bought brands. They are also much healthier as you can eliminate sugar.

What pickles are the healthiest?

There are many pickles and not all of them are healthy. Fermented pickles are the most useful for your keto diet, but not all pickles are fermented.

Fermented foods are not only tasty, but they also provide many various benefits. When fruits or veggies are fermented, good bacteria transform sugars and the whole process results in the sour taste. Fermentation is the reason why people who are lactose intolerant can eat, for example, yogurt. The bacteria break down the lactose sugar.

As you already know, not all pickles are fermented. Non-fermented pickles contain vinegar as it gives the food that sour taste. Most pickles in stores are non-fermented, vinegar pickles. While all pickles have an almost identical taste, fermented pickles are healthier for your body. Fermented pickles can significantly improve your gut health as they contain good bacteria.

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Health benefits of pickles

Adding fermented pickles (and other fermented foods) into your diet plan can help with numerous health problems, including inflammation, skin problems, and insulin intolerance. However, that doesn’t mean that vinegar pickles are absolutely useless. Unfermented pickles still provide several health benefits as they contain vinegar and cucumbers.

Even pickle juice can be beneficial. Drinking pickle juice has become a trend as it can help with cramping. Pickle juice is widely known in the keto diet community because it can give your body the essential minerals. It helps to prevent the keto flu and keep a proper electrolyte balance.

Moreover, pickles are full of antioxidants. These natural antioxidants that are found in all fruits and vegetables do wonders. They can help protect your body from free radicals, which have been linked to disease including cancer and heart disease.

Pickles and sodium

The most surprising aspect of eating pickles on the keto diet is its sodium content. Many healthy-living people are afraid of the high sodium content as we all know that too much salt is harmful to your health. However, on the ketogenic diet, sodium intake should be increased. Beginners on the low-carb lifestyle may experience flu-like symptoms mainly due to a lack of sodium intake. Luckily, pickles can solve this problem as they contain a large amount of sodium.

Eating pickles on keto is absolutely acceptable, but you should be careful when you choose them. The sodium content can help you relieve keto-flu symptoms. And fermented pickles provide your gut with healthy, good bacteria. Like other fruits and vegetables, pickles contain antioxidants that are also beneficial for your health.