Weekend afternoons at our home are usually lively, filled with laughter, playful banter, and the long talks with my children, Srijanani and Srikanth. But today, as I walked into the living room, it felt unusually quiet.

Weekend afternoons at our home are usually lively, filled with laughter, playful banter, and the long talks with my children, Srijanani and Srikanth. But today, as I walked into the living room, it felt unusually quiet.

Srikanth sat glued to the television, while Srijanani sat cross-legged on the floor, engrossed in crafting colorful placards. Curious, I leaned in to take a closer look at what she was working on. My eyes landed on the bold, vibrant letters:
“Pickles cause dehydration!”
“Pickles are bad for the heart!”

“Srijanani!” I called out, my voice breaking the silence.

“What is all this about?” I asked, pointing at her posters, completely confused.

She looked up with a big smile.
“Amma, I am working on a project for the cultural and awareness fest at college,” she explained. “I am busting myths about traditional Indian foods. And, I chose pickles!”

“But, why pickles?” Srikanth asked, turning off the television to face her.

“Because pickles are an important part of our tradition and daily meals,” she said, cutting one of the placards. “Yet, they are mostly misunderstood!”

“And what happens if they are misunderstood?”Srikanth asked to irritate his sister.

“If people keep believing these myths, we will lose our traditions. Instead of our flavourful pickles, we will end up with artificial sauces and ketchups that are worse for our health.” She replied calmly. “And, I always stand up for traditional food and good health.”, she added with a wink.

“Well,” Srikanth said, leaning over to grab one of her placards, “let’s see what these myths are.” He began reading them aloud, one by one.

Myth: Do Pickles Cause Dehydration?

“Pickles cause dehydration!!”Srikanth read it aloud and looked at us.

“Pickles are salty, so they might make you a little thirsty too based on your body type, but they don’t dehydrate you.”, I explained.

“That’s right, Amma. A little pickle with your rice or roti isn’t going to harm you. It’s only a problem if you eat beyond moderation, maybe a tiny jar at once!”

“Who eats a whole jar of pickle?”, Srikanth laughed.

“No one does. So, this myth is busted!”

Myth: Are Pickles Bad for the Heart?

“This one says pickles are bad for the heart. What’s the truth, Amma?”, Srikanth asked.

“This myth is due to the amount of oil and salt added to the pickle. If pickles are made traditionally with quality oil, pickles are safe”, I replied helping Srijanani colour a few cards.

“Moreover, your heart health also depends on good sleep, exercises and more”, Srijanani added.

“Hmm,” Srikkanth said thoughtfully. “So, as long as we use quality ingredients and make pickles traditionally, our hearts are safe”, he added.

“Exactly!” I and Srijanani shouted in unison.

Myth:Do Pickles Increase Blood Pressure?

“What about this one?” Srikkanth asked. “Does the salt in pickles affect blood pressure?”

“Not if you consume pickles in moderation”, Srijanani replied.

“Also, some pickles need more salt, some need less. If someone already has an issue with blood pressure. You can choose pickles that suit their body type”, I replied.

“Got it” Srikkanth said. “Next myth!”

Myth : Do Pickles Make You Gain Weight?

“Oooh! This one feels personal!! Do pickles make you gain weight?”he asked, tapping his tummy.

“Of course not! Pickles are super low in calories.”, assured Srijanani

“One spoonful of pickle doesn’t have enough calories to make you gain weight. And when food tastes naturally good, you eat just the right amount instead of overeating.”, I said

“So…,” Srikkanth said, “Amma’s avakaya can be eaten daily?”He asked teasingly.

“No,” I said, “Moderation and a good lifestyle is the key even for the pickles made with quality ingredients!”

Myth: Are Pickles Bad for Digestion?

“What about this one?” Srikanth asked. “Do pickles affect our gut health?”

“You know, the amount of salt and oil added in pickles provides an environment for the gut friendly bacteria to grow”, I revealed.

“And that bacteria releases probiotics that can improve gut health”, Srijanani added.

“But, as pickles are also spicy, if you have a sensitive stomach or ulcers, you need to avoid spicy pickles”, I added.

“I know! Amma serves us curd rice and Nimmakaya to cool our stomachs during summers”, Srikanth recalled those summer afternoons.

Myth : Do Pickles Increase Cholesterol?

“What about the oil in pickles?” Srikkanth asked. “Does it raise cholesterol?”

I smiled. “Not if you use the right kind of oil. Traditional pickles use healthy oils, which can actually reduce bad cholesterol.”

“As long as you don’t eat too much,” Srijanani reminded.

Myth : Do Pickles Harm the Liver?

Finally, Srikanth held up the last card. “Do pickles harm the liver?”

“No. Unless you are not eating too many salty foods every day, pickles alone won’t harm your liver. But, it effects if consumed excessively or without adequate hydration”

“People love to blame pickles, but the real problem is eating too much or eating things that don't suit your body”, Srijanani sighed

Why Traditional Indian Pickles Matter

As we finished our chat, I looked at my kids and smiled. “Pickles are a part of our tradition, made with love and passed down through generations. A little pickle on your plate isn’t just food—it’s a piece of our history.”

“Exactly, Amma. Pickles are a reminder of home.”, Srijanani added.

“Alright, you have convinced me. Pass the rice and mango pickle, please!”, Srikanth said with a grin

We laughed as we sat down to eat, our plates served with a little spoonful of tangy magic—a reminder of family, culture, and the simple joys of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Pickles

Are Indian pickles healthy?
Yes, traditionally prepared Indian pickles can be healthy when eaten in moderation. They contain spices and oils that add flavour and may support digestion.

How much pickle should you eat in a meal?
A small spoonful alongside a meal is generally considered moderate consumption.

Are pickles high in calories?
 No. Pickles are usually very low in calories when eaten in small quantities.

Can pickles help digestion?
Some traditional pickles may contain beneficial bacteria and spices that support digestion.