ACV – Apple Cider Vinegar
I’m sure you have all heard of Apple Cider Vinegar from one source or another but maybe wondered what exactly it is? Let me explain briefly, Apple Cider Vinegar is made by crushing apples and squeezing out the liquid. Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, and the sugars are turned into alcohol. In a second fermentation process, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria. Acetic acid and malic acid give vinegar its sour taste. Now you know how it is made but do you know the amazing benefits it can have on your overall health? Just two tablespoons a day can help keep your heart healthy, allow your body to absorb beneficial nutrients, and more. Below are some of the many known health benefits:
Helps control Diabetes:
Apple cider vinegar is a perfect addition to any diabetic diet. Researchers studying the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar for people with diabetes have found that two tablespoons (mixed with water) reduced glucose and insulin response when taken just before a high-carbohydrate meal consisting of a bagel and orange juice.
Reduces bloating:
Slow digestion can cause acid reflux, which is a burning sensation that occurs when food in your stomach backs up all the way into your oesophagus and triggers feelings of fullness. By consuming vinegar it increases the acidity in the stomach, which allows it to digest the food you’ve eaten and help speeds up digestion, therefore no bloating.
Increases the benefits of the vitamins and minerals in your food:
When your stomach isn’t producing enough acid, it impairs the absorption of important vitamins and minerals. To help your body, ingest a bit more acid in the form of ACV, then you will actually be able to use all the goodness you consumed in your healthy diet.
Feel fuller for longer:
In a small but thorough study, researchers found that people who consumed vinegar before eating a breakfast felt more satisfied 90 minutes after eating compared to people omitted the ACV.
Helps your muscles produce energy more efficiently:
Endurance athletes sometimes drink diluted vinegar before they carb-load the night before competing because acetic acid can help the muscles turn carbs into energy to fuel intense exercise.
Promotes Healthy Cholesterol:
Apple cider vinegar not only supports healthy cholesterol, studies have shown that it can protect from arterial damage or oxidation, which is the main risk of high cholesterol.
It helps balance your body’s pH levels, which can mean better bone health:
Although vinegar is obviously acidic, it actually has a neutralizing effect once it’s inside of you. Meaning: It makes your body’s pH more basic (i.e., alkaline).
Boosts Energy
Exercise and sometimes extreme stress can cause lactic acid to build up in the body, causing fatigue. The amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar act as an antidote. Apple cider vinegar contains potassium and enzymes that can relieve that tired feeling. So, next time you’re feeling a bit worn out, just add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water to boost your energy!
If you want to start using apple cider vinegar, here’s how:
Don’t buy any apple cider vinegar on the shelf. Make sure you are buying organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar. (Available in all good Health Shops and Pharmacies).
If you want to drink it daily, just mix two tablespoons into a glass of water. Add a tablespoon of honey if you’d like, or lemon to add flavour, and enjoy!
If drinking it isn’t your thing, there are other options. You can add it to your salads or other dishes to make sure you’re still incorporating it into your diet.
Never ever drink it straight without diluting, your oesophagus is not designed to withstand that amount of pure acidity!!
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