There are a lot of health implications to the consumption of pickles. While there are no recommendations stating what is the desirable amount of pickles to be eaten daily, on an average, you can safely consume anything between 1 tsp to 3 tsps a day.

Of course, as with all foods, precaution/care has to be taken in certain medical conditions as the addition of oils, spices and salt makes pickles predominantly a concentrated product.

Be Careful...

• Due to the high amount of salt, pickles should be avoided by those suffering from hypertension. Morabbas'/ 'chutneys'/ 'chundas' have a high concentration of sugar and therefore, are an absolute no-no for people suffering from diabetes.

• Pickles can precipitate acidity and heartburn. Avoid eating them if you suffer from these conditions.

• Pickles are high-sodium foods, and individuals suffering from either a sodium or water retention problem, should limit its intake.

• Pickles do make delicious accompaniments to our meal! They can be consumed with almost every type of cuisine, especially of course, Indian - with plain chapatis, rotis, bhakris, puris or rice or sometimes, even with roasted papads!

Make the most of this lip-smacking food, but remember, moderation is the key.