Pickles in a Blanket: A New Comfort Food for Mental Wellness? | Mental Health Recipes

Move over regular ol’ charcuterie boards! We’ve got a new kid in town. 

Okay, I’m half-kidding because nothing can truly replace a good charcuterie board. But these pickles in a blanket are pretty close!

They’ve got the basics of a charcuterie board, but all rolled into one yummy bite. Plus, pickles actually have tons to offer our mental well-being (I know; how could something so good actually benefit our mood and our minds?).

In this article, I’ll outline how you can make these ultra-easy snacks/appetizers.

While you won’t want to have these all the time (deli meat isn’t the best source of protein and is ultra-processed), once in a while, this recipe offers an easy and yummy go-to. So, let’s dig in!

Pickles in a Blanket: Easy, Simple, & Delicious!

This recipe is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. I also want to note that the cream cheese can be mixed with herbs or spices (or even goat cheese) for upping the flavor and oomph of these bites! 

In other good news, these take almost no time to make. (We love these types of recipes!) So, how can you make these yummy pickles in a blanket?

Can Eating Pickles Improve Your Mental Health?

Fermented dill pickles can surprisingly pack a powerful punch when it comes to mental well-being.

But before we dive into the salty benefits, it’s crucial to note that I’m talking specifically about fermented pickles, not the vinegar-based variety you might commonly find on supermarket shelves.

Why? Well, fermentation is the key to improving your gut health, which spills over into your mental well-being. Here’s why!

What’s Fermentation Got to Do With It?

During the fermentation process, beneficial bacteria break down the natural sugars in cucumbers, creating lactic acid and a host of other compounds.

This transformation turns ordinary cucumbers into probiotic powerhouses, teeming with live cultures that can positively impact our gut—and by extension, our mind.

So, what’s the connection?

Read Next: Staying Cool as a Cucumber: Try This Tangy Tzatziki Chicken Salad | Mental Health Recipes

The Gut-Brain Connection

The link between gut health and mental well-being, often called the gut-brain axis, is at the heart of fermented pickles' potential mental health benefits.

Our digestive systems are home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This bustling community of bacteria plays a crucial role in producing neurotransmitters, including serotonin—often called the “happy hormone.”

By introducing beneficial bacteria through fermented foods like pickles, we can potentially enhance our gut microbiome's health. A healthier gut microbiome may lead to improved production and regulation of neurotransmitters, potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.

But There’s More… 

Fermented pickles are also packed with vitamins and minerals that play essential roles in mental health, including:

• Vitamin K: This vitamin is crucial for brain function and potentially protective against cognitive decline.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress, which is linked to mood disorders.
• Sodium: While excessive sodium isn’t recommended, adequate intake is necessary for proper nerve function.
• Potassium: This mineral is important for nerve signal transmission and potentially beneficial for stress reduction.

The Importance of Moderation

While fermented pickles offer potential mental health benefits, it's important to consume them in moderation. Their high sodium content means they should be part of a balanced diet, rather than relied upon as a primary mood-boosting strategy.

On top of this, processed cream cheese and deli meat should also be consumed on occasion—not every day. While creamy and delicious, processed cream cheese is high in saturated fats and often contains additives.

Excessive consumption of saturated fats has been linked to increased inflammation, which may negatively impact mental health.

Meanwhile, many deli meats are high in sodium, preservatives, and saturated fats. Regular consumption has been associated with increased risks of heart disease and certain cancers.

From a mental health perspective, the nitrates in processed meats may contribute to oxidative stress, potentially affecting mood and cognitive function.

But you could also potentially make healthier variations.

For instance:

• the salami could be replaced with turkey or chicken slices
• the cream cheese could be diluted with Greek yogurt and herbs

At the same time, every now and then, this recipe offers benefits and won’t likely overdo any negatives. It’s always about a balanced approach!