Can We Eat Mango Pickle at Night?
Mango pickle is the favorite and most staple food for many homes in India. The tanginess with the spicy flavor adds the most vital dose of taste to boring, otherwise mundane dinners like dal-chawal or parathas. However, most people have preferred this tasty condiment during the day. A common question arises-whether we should consume mango pickle at night? Let us now see some pros and cons associated with eating mango pickle at night and whether it is a healthy habit or not.
Nutritional Composition of Mango Pickle
Mango pickle is prepared using raw mangoes, mustard oil, and a number of spices with the addition of fenugreek, mustard seeds, turmeric, and chili powder. Raw mangoes are highly rich in Vitamin C content, which increases one's immunity, and spices have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties as well. For example, it has been known that turmeric possesses the potentiality of antioxidant property, and fenugreek is useful for digestion.
However, mango pickle also comprises huge quantities of salt and oil, which acts as a preservative. All such salts and oils consumed in humongous quantities, especially at night, lead to several complications because they kill digestion and health problems.
Pros of Eating Mango Pickle at Night
Few benefits can be formed, if mango pickle is used in the night with controlled amount:
Stimulates Appetite
At times, the pungent and sharp taste of mango pickle stimulates the appetite. This added little quantity of mango pickle will aid and assure someone to consume better if they have dined late or lightly.
Aids in Digestion
Fenugreek and mustard seeds can be considered to be contributing towards digestion as they are employed in mango pickle. Intake of small amount of the pickle may activate the digestive enzymes which will help the body to digest efficiently in the digestive system. It will be highly beneficial to anyone who has slow digestion or anyone who wishes to have a nice bite after dinner.
Boosts Immunity
Raw mangoes are steeped in Vitamin C so mango pickle can boost immunity. Even a small amount at night will help you to be in overall good health.
Cons of Eating Mango Pickle at Night
Even though there are the above advantages, eating the pickle in the evening has its drawbacks:
- High Salt Content and Water Retention: Another issue of consuming mango pickle at night is that it has a huge load of salt in it. Intaking salty food during night can cause water retention that leads to bloating and an uncomfortable feeling. This is most especially the case for those people who have high blood pressure or are on diet restrictions due to sodium.
- Triggers Acid Reflux and Indigestion: For some, the spice, oil, and salt concoction of mango pickle may help to induce acid reflux or indigestion especially for those that eat at night. Spicy food loosens the lower esophageal sphincter, so stomach acids will rise, causing heartburn and soreness in the esophagus.
- Disrupts Sleep for Sensitive Stomachs: Such consumers having sensitive digestion will face a bloated feeling, gas, or stomach irritation after consuming mango pickle at night. Sometimes digestive disturbances may affect a person's ability to sleep soundly or create problems during the night.
Who Should Avoid Mango Pickle at Night?
There are some individuals for whom eating mango pickle at night is absolutely out of the question. For those with high blood pressure, completely avoidable should be this; it contains too much salt. Those who fall sick easily with acid reflux, GERD, or indigestion may have found that the spiciness in mango pickle triggers off their condition. Last and not the least, sensitive stomachs will want to tread with care and avoid consuming mango pickle at night to avoid having a variety of issues in the digestive region.
Tips for Enjoying Mango Pickle Safely at Night
If you can't do away with enjoying mango pickle at night, the following tips will help you enjoy safely:
Consume in Small Quantities: You won't overload your digestive system.
Pair with Light Meals: Eat mango pickle with simple meals, like plain rice or roti, rather than heavy and spicy dishes.
Use Low-Salt Varieties: Stick to homemade or low-salt versions of mango pickle to avoid increasing your chances of getting water retention and bloating.
Conclusion
Mango pickle is indeed one of the tastier accompaniments to Indian food, but consuming it should be done within limits and at specific times, or better still, not at night. But, on the other hand, its high salt and spice contents will cause severe bloat, acid reflux, and poor sleep quality. The bottom line: moderation and in combination with lighter meals, helps contain its impact. According to each person's body, it may act better or worse with its digestive system, so listen to your body too, and enjoy mango pickle accordingly.