How much do you know about apple cider vinegar and the various health benefits associated with the drink? There is a lot to discover and, as a specialist cider producer, Cockeyed Cider can provide information regarding the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar. In this blog post, we look at exactly what apple cider vinegar is and of course the health benefits that come with it. This article is based on the research carried out to this point on apple cider vinegar.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy that has been popular for decades and with good reasons. The vinegar is produced as part of the apple cider fermentation process, as the sugars from apples are fermented and consequently turned into acetic acid; this is the active ingredient found in vinegar. The process sees the cider turn into alcohol before becoming vinegar. At this stage, it’s important to note that there are two types of apple cider vinegar, filtered and unfiltered.
Filtered apple cider vinegar is a clear liquid and can be sharp on the taste buds, which is why some prefer to consume it in capsules or gummies. You may have heard of something called ‘apple cider vinegar with mother’, which is the unfiltered version of the popular drink. This version of the drink has proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria in it and, as such, is cloudy. So, to summarise, apple cider vinegar is available with the ‘mother’ or without yet the unfiltered ‘mother’ version, which contains bits, is said to contain a whole heap of health benefits!
The Main Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar
There is a long list of health benefits believed to be associated with apple cider vinegar, the main ones we will look at in just a second. Extensive research is perpetually occurring on the home remedy to determine just how healthy and advantageous the drink is. Below are the main benefits that are believed to come from drinking apple cider vinegar, whether filtered or unfiltered. Before we get into the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, we’d like to stress that it won’t replace a balanced diet and regular exercise but it may help to maintain and improve health. No remedy should be seen as a substitute for essentials such as a good diet and exercise. Drink responsibly!
Weight Loss
Studies demonstrate that apple cider vinegar can help people lose weight as it enhances the feeling of fullness. As a result, those who drink it at different points during the day may be less inclined to reach for more food, thereby reducing overall calorie intake, resulting in weight loss. Vinegar is also attributed to balancing blood sugar levels and reducing insulin levels, which obviously contributes to weight loss. So, it seems that adding apple cider vinegar to your diet can also aid weight loss, the reduction of body mass index and hip circumference.
Kills Harmful Bacteria & Supports Immune System
Any type of vinegar can kill pathogens, including bacteria, and apple cider vinegar is well known for this trait. Vinegar has been utilised for cleaning purposes throughout the ages and the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, used it to clean wounds. It is the active ingredient, acetic acid, in apple cider vinegar that works to kill bacteria and prevent them from multiplying. This is why people have taken to drizzling apple cider vinegar, as a means of natural preservation and to kill any lingering bacteria. What’s more, it also tastes great!
Aids Digestion
Just as other fermented food and drinks do – such as kombucha – apple cider vinegar contains gut-friendly bacteria that works to keep your digestive system strong. For those that experience issues such as indigestion and heartburn, diluted apple cider vinegar could do the trick. Vinegar to cure indigestion and heartburn? Whilst this is no doubt paradoxical, it works! The vinegar neutralises stomach acid whilst the acetic acid fights potentially damaging bacteria. Research implies that apple cider vinegar has antiviral, anti-yeast and antifungal properties, making it all the more useful to the balance of the immune system and in supporting microbiome.
Provides A Cocktail Of Nutrients
When it comes to nutrients, apple cider vinegar is a bit of a beast. The drink contains a wealth of different nutrients, which explains why it has so many acclaimed health benefits. Here are some of the nutrients that can be found in the home remedy:
- Vitamins B1, B2 and B6
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Sodium
- Phosphorus
- Manganese
- Amino acids
- Pantothenic acid
- Antioxidants
Improves Skin Health
Apple cider vinegar contains natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which means it is used to treat skin and even nails. It is commonly used as a remedy for dry skin and eczema. When diluted to a reasonable level and applied as a toner, it helps to balance skin pH, softens skin and even prevents spots. Apple cider vinegar can also be used to treat problems with the feet, such as cracked skin and fungal nail infections. Please note: you should note apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to the skin, as it can cause burns.
Looking To Buy Apple Cider Vinegar? Consult Cockeyed Cider
If you wish to purchase apple cider vinegar and see some of these healthy benefits for yourself, look no further than Cockeyed Cider. Contact us today to discuss options with our friendly team and to discuss our experiences with using apple cider vinegar.