Forget ABC Juice—Try ABC Pickle for Instant Energy and a Natural Glow

While the ABC – apple, beetroot, carrot juice is considered to be a great health booster, experts mostly give it a thumbs down. Loaded with calories and hidden sugar, even though the juice is beneficial,

having it frequently can spike your insulin levels. And so, according to nutritionist and macrobiotic coach Dr Shilpa Arora, the best way to have the same concoction for extra vigor and energy is through the ABC achaar or pickle. Taking to Instagram, Dr Arora suggested trying the ABC achaar for great gut health and digestion. “ABC juice (no) ABC achaar (yes). Your daily dose of glow, energy, and health,” she captioned her post, adding that making a fermented pickle instead, using amla, beetroots, and carrots, is a wonderful way to improve your gut health. Fermented foods are great for your gut as the process creates beneficial probiotics, which are live microorganisms that support a healthy gut microbiome. Incorporating these foods can improve digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, boost immunity, and may even reduce inflammation and symptoms of anxiety and depression. For maximum benefits, choose products with "live and active cultures" or opt for minimally processed or homemade versions, as heat treatment can kill these beneficial bacteria.

What is ABC achaar?

ABC achaar is made using Amla or Indian gooseberry, beetroot, and carrots. All you need to do is slice the vegetables and put them inside a glass jar. Thereafter, you can salt as per your taste and give the jar a good shake. After that, you can prepare a temper with a teaspoon of mustard oil and slit green chilies. Then make powder of fennel, cumin, and coriander seeds and add it to the tadka. Add the temper to the jar and keep it in sunlight for three to four days for fermentation. And your ABC pickle is ready!

Why should you eat ABC achaar?

The ABC achaar is a great way to add antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and prevent free radicals, which can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer. Let us break down the benefits of every ingredient:

Amla

Amla offers various benefits, which include boosting immunity with its high Vitamin C content, improving heart health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood flow, and enhancing skin and hair health through collagen production and antioxidant properties. Alma also aids digestion, helps manage blood sugar, reduces inflammation, and supports liver function. It also has a hypoglycemic effect that can be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels.

Beetroot

It is almost winter, and the time to spot beets in the market. Beetroot offers numerous health benefits, which include low blood pressure and improved circulation due to its high nitrate content. Beets also enhance athletic performance, support liver and digestive health, and possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help protect against chronic diseases and ageing. According to experts, being rich in nitrates, beets help relax and widen blood vessels, improve blood flow, and reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Carrots

Carrots are packed with vitamins A and C, fibre, and antioxidants, which promote healthy vision, boost the immune system, and support heart health. They also aid in weight management due to their high fiber and low-calorie content, and can help with skin health and hydration.