Apple Cider Vinegar 101
Learn all about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) including weight loss, balancing blood sugars, clear skin and so much more.
Apple cider vinegar is my favorite health hack that I drink daily. And it’s one of the easiest things to add to your day plus the health benefits are amazing. I’ve gone back and forth between making ‘mocktails’ to just drinking it plain in water. It’s more enjoyable in a drink, but I’m typically okay with just drinking it plain with water for a quick health boost in the morning.
If you’ve been around the natural health world for any amount of time I’m sure you’ve heard of apple cider vinegar. From salad dressings to homemade mayo, and countless ‘mocktail’ recipes, there are plenty of ways to use and benefit from ACV.
What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made from apple cider that has undergone fermentation to form healthy bacteria, enzymes, and probiotics. Plus, it has much fewer calories and less sugar than apple cider because the sugar has been fermented and turned into alcohol.
Bacteria are then added to the alcohol to further ferment it, turning it into acetic acid which is the main component of vinegar. It’s been used for centuries to maintain blood sugar levels, fight off colds, detoxify the body, and aid in weight loss.
Which apple cider vinegar should I buy?
I highly recommend you purchase organic, raw, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar that has the ‘mother’ still intact. This is key to obtaining the most nutrients. The mother is a cluster of enzymes of connected protein molecules with living nutrients and bacteria. Not unlike the mother that’s in Kombucha.
There are different brands out there, but I typically buy Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar which I can find at most grocery stores or on Amazon. I have also seen an organic ACV with the mother still intact at Aldi.
What are the health benefits of apple cider vinegar?
Helps regulate and maintain blood sugar levels.
ACV has been known to increase satiety and aid in weight loss by breaking down fats so your body can use them rather than store them.
Reduce bad cholesterol and promotes heart health.
It can help treat acne and reduce scarring.
Rich in acetic acid, the main component in vinegar, it helps reduce levels of blood pressure.
Introduces more acid into the digestive tract to prevent acid reflux.
Boosts gut health which increases immunity and helps you digest and absorbs more nutrients from your food.
Balances your Ph due to its alkalizing effect on the body
Rich in polyphenols, aka antioxidants, that can help cell damage that can lead to diseases and even cancer.
How much apple cider vinegar should you drink?
It takes only 1-2 tablespoons to get the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. It’s recommended to drink ACV in the morning or before meals. I typically make 1 drink first thing in the morning but sometime I will have one in the afternoon too. However, if you're just starting out I recommend starting with 1-2 teaspoons and working your way up from there. This will help you get used to the taste and your body used to the vinegar.
Be sure to always dilute ACV in water when drinking it as it can cause tooth enamel erosion and burning of the throat or skin if consumed straight. If you have any health issues or take blood sugar medications, consult with your doctor before using ACV.
Looking for recipes to incorporate apple cider vinegar in your routine? Check out my simple Limeade Apple Cider Vinegar Mocktail recipe.