Nutrition
What Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day Does To Your Body
Photo courtesy Vadym Sirobaba/Adobe Stock
Nutrition
What Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day Does To Your Body
If you can get past its signature fermented smell and flavour, apple cider vinegar has a number of healthy properties we can all benefit from.
Here’s everything you need to know about the apple-based probiotic.
What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is created when apple juice is converted into alcoholic cider, which ultimately turns into vinegar. This process is achieved through a fermentation process and the combined action of bacteria and yeast, which in turn promotes the production of acetic acid.
According to some experts, one of the most important and unique properties of apple cider vinegar is the "mother”—the small clump of yeast and bacteria on the surface of the vinegar—which acts as a probiotic. Before consuming apple cider vinegar, it is strongly recommended to shake it vigorously to distribute the gut-healthy bacteria.
How to drink apple cider vinegar
Since it’s highly acidic, too much apple cider vinegar can lead to an irritated stomach and esophagus, and damage to your tooth enamel. Use it in moderation and do not consume it straight; dilute it with water and, if possible, drink it through a straw.
When is the best time to have apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is known to promote digestion, so it's recommended to consume it after meals or on an empty stomach in the morning. Note that there's no real "right time" to consume it, as it's a natural remedy, not a medication.
The easiest way to incorporate it into your daily routine is to dilute about one to two tablespoons of vinegar in a glass of water (to reduce the acidity). Add maple syrup or honey for a touch of sweetness and dilute the acidity even more.
It can also be added to salad dressings, smoothies, marinades, teas, or any other liquid.
Read More: 23 Recipes Full Of Gut-Friendly Foods
4 effects of apple cider vinegar on the body
1. Improves digestion
The gut-friendly bacteria present in apple cider vinegar are said to help balance the intestinal flora and relieve several gut issues including bloating, flatulence, constipation, and indigestion.
2. Helps you feel more full
Being an apple by-product, apple cider vinegar contains pectin, an organic plant substance known for its influence on satiety.
3. Strengthens the immune system
Known for its antiseptic properties, apple cider vinegar is a helpful supplement in staving off sickness.
In addition to boosting the immune system, apple cider vinegar can help reduce mucus and inflammation, relieving some allergy symptoms.
4. Helps regulate blood sugar
According to some studies, apple cider vinegar may help lower blood sugar levels. That said, it is not a substitute for medication.
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