Apple Cider Vinegar... Is it really a natural miracle?

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Apple Cider Vinegar… Is it really a natural miracle? 

Although apple cider vinegar is trending now, it is one of the oldest known natural health remedies and has been used for thousands of years in both cooking and medicine.  The high content of acetic acid (the GOOD BACTERIA only found in Apple Cider Vinegar) added to the two-part fermenting process makes this vinegar healthy for your gut and different from other vinegars. 70-80% of your immune cells live in your digestive tract, so a healthy GI tract means a healthy immune system and an enhanced ability to fight off infections. We recommend organic, unfiltered brands like Bragg because they contain strands of protein, enzymes and good bacteria known as the “mother”.  This is the stuff that settles to the bottom, and is a combination of yeast and bacteria formed during fermentation.

More specifically, apple cider vinegar also contains organic acids (acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and succinic acids) and phenolic compounds (gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid).  All this put together creates the magic of ACV.

If this isn’t enough to make you incorporate this jewel into your daily diet, then how about this: apple cider vinegar also contains bioactive compounds that contribute to polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant-based antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and may help prevent chronic disease.  1 Shot a day will keep the doctor away!!! 

• Decreases insulin levels, lowering blood glucose
• Improves metabolism 
• Reduces fat storage – burns fat
• Suppresses appetite – by promoting a fullness because it delays stomach emptying 
• Creates a healthy gut

In one study, obese people who took 1-2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of apple cider vinegar daily for 12 weeks lost weight, body fat, belly fat as well as lowered their triglycerides. 

Because apple cider vinegar lowers your blood sugar (glucose) and insulin, even if you eat a higher carbohydrate meal it will actually lower those levels as well.  This sounds like a natural miracle to us!!

From our own experience, when we started adding  this in 1-2x daily we noticed a significant change in digestion!  

HOW TO USE IT: 

The recommended dose for these health benefits are 1-2 tablespoons per day. Make sure you spread it out this amount to 2-3 doses throughout the day to start. Because ACV helps suppress appetite, ingest it 30 minutes before meals to promote fullness and it slows the insulin release.

It’s easier to drink ACV when it’s cold, so leave it in the refrigerator (unless you like to make tea with it, see below) and mix with water. Alternatively, you can also add it to salad dressing.  

Start with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) and see how you tolerate it and do not take more than 1 tablespoon at a time because it can make you feel nauseous.

NOTE: Taking more than the recommended dose can be potentially harmful by lowering your blood potassium and creates bone loss. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Tea

• 1-2 tbsp ACV
• cinnamon to taste (usually ½ to 1 tsp)
• lemon to taste (usually ½ - 1 small lemon)
• cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
• 12 oz. hot water 

Mix up and enjoy.  You can tweek this recipe to taste. 

As a shot

1-2 tbsp ACV mixed with water and ice

A past member treats hers like a tequila shot and puts some pink Himalayan salt on her tongue before taking it. ACV also now comes in small shot bottles with flavors like cherry and orange.  These can get expensive but might be a fun addition.

© Clean Cut Fitness & Nutrition