Apple Cider Vinegar for health!

Apple Cider Vinegar has traditionally been used for years and is reported to have many health benefits.

Here Alison delves a little way into why people use ACV and the benefits that have been reported.

Which apple cider vinegar should I use?

When buying ACV choose one that is raw, unfiltered and contains the ‘mother’. The mother is the cloudy sediment you see at the bottom of the bottle. Raw means it is unheated and unprocessed. This means that it still has the “mother” intact. Unfiltered means the mother and sediment are still intact. Filtering apple cider vinegar removes these and a clear, amber vinegar is left.

What is the ‘Mother’?

Braggs is a well-known brand for apple cider vinegar. They tell us that the ‘mother’ in ACV is a naturally formed microbial culture that contains enzymes, acetic acid producing bacteria and prebiotics in the form of cellulose. Acetic acid is an organic acid formed by the fermentation of friendly acetobacter bacteria Braggs also tell us that drinking 750mg of ACV daily – equivalent to one serving (1tbsp, 15ml) of Apple Cider Vinegar (5% acidity) – is the amount that is believed to be supportive and have health benefits All Bragg products that contain ACV have been formulated to contain at least 750mg of acetic acid per serving. 

How is apple cider vinegar made?

The apples are crushed then exposed to yeast which ferments the sugars and turns them into alcohol. Then bacteria is added, which ferments the alcohol further turning it into acetic acid, this is the main active compound in vinegar and is what gives it the sour smell and flavour.

What makes apple cider vinegar good for us?

Researchers believe it’s the acetic acid which gives the apple cider vinegar it’s health benefits. Although apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, it is believed that once it has been digested it has an alkalising effect in the body. Alkaline foods are well known to support the reduction of inflammation in the body. 

It’s worth noting that apple cider vinegar is still vinegar and so is acidic so it must be diluted in water before drinking. Never drink it undiluted.  Due to the acidity, it is often advised that it is drunk through a straw to protect your teeth’s enamel. 

How should I take apple cider vinegar?

Add to salad dressings

You can mix 1 tbsp ACV with 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. For extra flavour, add ¼ – ½ clove garlic, fresh herbs and if want a ¼ tsp of vegetable bouillon powder

Take before meals to support digestion

Add to a little water. Start with 1 or 2 teaspoons and increase to 1 tablespoon. If you get a burning sensation then reduce the dose.

Drink first thing in the morning

Add 1 tablespoon of ACV to warm water. You can add a slice of lemon and a little honey for sweetness.

Make a refreshing tea

Add 1 tablespoon of ACV to a mug of hot water. Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a cinnamon stick. Add honey to taste .

We stock three fantastic brands of Apple Cider Vinegar – all raw, organic and ‘with the Mother’. You will find Braggs, RAW Organic and our local West Sussex brand, Rayners. these are all available in store.

With thanks to information sourced from Braggs, healthline.com and Dr Axe.