Pickles, always popular among people, some elderly not only enjoy making their own pickles but also consume them with meals. In the past, they were also a great source of vegetables, but have they really changed now?
Why do some people say that eating pickles is actually beneficial to health and can even contribute to longevity for the elderly? Is this true?
Looking at the cultural aspects of pickles in our country, pickles from different regions have different flavors and styles such as Baoding’s “Chunbulao, Iron Ball, Noodles Sauce,” Beijing’s “Gedatou,” Tianjin’s “Dongcai,” and more. Even now, many people still enjoy pickles, commonly paired with dishes like rice porridge, mantou, or other preferred side dishes.
Does this mean that eating pickles is harmless to health?
It is important to have a sense of moderation with pickles. While they are delicious and have a long shelf life, it is not recommended to consume them regularly and in large amounts. If you are making your own pickles, pay attention to the pickling time. Typically, within 7 to 15 days after pickling, there is a higher nitrite content in the food, and over time, this content gradually decreases.
However, it’s crucial to note that pickles contain a large amount of table salt, especially considering the “Chinese Residents Dietary Guidelines (2023 Edition)” which restricts adult salt intake to under 5g.
For individuals with high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, it is best to avoid consuming pickled vegetables. Fresh vegetables are more beneficial for their health, helping to prevent unnecessary risks.
Moreover, it is worth noting that traditional pickled vegetables have been classified as a Group 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a subsidiary of the World Health Organization, and pickled vegetables may likely contain nitrite, classified as a Group 2A carcinogen.
Given all this, some wonder why some elderly individuals who have consumed pickled vegetables their whole lives can still live a long life?
This requires a comprehensive assessment. Pickles are just part of daily diet and cannot determine a person’s lifespan. The lower prevalence of high blood pressure in the past was also due to different living conditions. During the early stages of development in our country, basic needs were still a concern for most people who had to work hard to support their families and make ends meet.
Therefore, with increased physical labor, the body’s sodium levels would naturally decrease, requiring a small amount of salt intake to replenish and regain strength. Additionally, snacks were scarce in the past unlike the diverse modern options allowing for a variety of culinary delights.
There are significant differences in dietary habits when considering the current health status of modern people, hence it is advisable to consume pickled vegetables sparingly. Pay attention to the “hidden salt” in your diet like seaweed, kelp, dried shrimp, tofu skin, dried fish, ham sausages, bacon, dried shrimp, and more.
