The Many Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

I am not one to frequently drink canned sodas or other canned beverages for that matter. I often choose water, tea and coffee as my preferred beverages. That said, if I want something refreshing and a little fun to replace an evening glass of wine, I do like something sparkling. One easy option, costing about $2 a can are these Trader Joe’s organic sparkling apple cider drinks. They come in a variety of flavors and boast a pretty clean nutritional profile having only a few organic ingredients and no added sugar or sugar substitutes.

What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar has been used functionally to treat many medical conditions for thousands of years. It is a vinegar that is made by combining sugar and yeast with crushed apples to activate a fermentation process. Apple cider vinegar that is not filtered and still has the “mother” or the settled yeast and bacteria from the fermentation process may hold greater health benefits.

What is apple cider vinegar good for?
Apple cider vinegar has shown significant improvement in blood glucose control, hemoglobin A1C and blood lipid control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Studies also show that apple cider vinegar can have benefit for those looking to lose weight and improve body measurements. The studies advise diluting one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in six to eight ounces of water and consuming it before each meal.
Apple cider vinegar has ben also shown to have strong anti-microbial benefits and can be used in a variety of ways to treat fungal, yeast and bacterial infections.

How can I use apple cider vinegar?

1. Purchase pre-made drinks like the one I mentioned above from Trader joes. This is the easiest option. Recognize that all drinks are not created equally. Be sure to choose options without added sugars, artificial colors or artificial sweeteners.
2. Make your own apple cider drinks. The most basic version is to combine one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with six to eight ounces of water. You can also be creative. Create your own blends that use four ounces of water or sparkling water, 1-2 ounces of organic juice concentrate, ½ ounce of fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1-2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar. A small amount of natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup can also be added.
3. Create delicious marinades and dressing mixing apple cider vinegar with olive oil or avocado oil and seasoning with a variety of salt, pepper, herbs and spices.
   

Is apple cider vinegar safe?

Apple cider vinegar is recognized safe with minimal side-effects. Diluting it with water and/or oils can be helpful to prevent any irritation to teeth and the esophagus. If you are on medications, run the use of apple cider vinegar by your registered dietitian or health care provider. For more information and to learn more about functional foods and their benefits to the body reach out to tamibest@promiseofvitalitiy.com

Good health does not need to be complicated. Food is medicine!