Apple Cider Vinegar
You probably associate apple cider vinegar with health - but what exactly does it do that is so good for you?
A tangy tonic
What even is apple cider vinegar? I didn’t really know until I researched this. Again, we come across fermenting. Which always seems to lead to something good! Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the sugar in apples. This turns them into acetic acid, which is responsible for the tangy taste and also thought to be what offers the great health benefits of the vinegar.
So what are these health benefits exactly, then?
1. Weight Management: Studies show acetic acid can help control appetite, increase fullness, and aid weight loss. A handy tool if that is something that is important to you at this point in your life.
2. Blood sugar balance: Consuming apple cider vinegar before meals can improve insulin sensitivity, aiding blood sugar control, which is especially beneficial for diabetes management.
3. Gut health: Acetic acid may promote good gut bacteria growth, improving digestion and immune function. We often find this to be the case with fermented food that we look at, don’t we? There’s that gut bacteria growth again!
4. Heart health: Lower cholesterol and reduced blood pressure are potential perks of acetic acid, supporting heart health. And certainly relevant to me - as I have mentioned previously I suspect that I suffer from chronic hypertension and am currently on blood pressure medication!
5. Antimicrobial action: The vinegar's acetic acid fights harmful bacteria, acting as a natural food preservative. Being able to use natural preservatives in our food instead of stuff used in processed food, makes a huge difference to our health.
6. Potential cancer prevention: Some early studies suggest acetic acid could slow cancer cell growth, but more research is needed.
So there you are - apple cider vinegar, thanks to acetic acid, offers an array of health benefits, from weight management and blood sugar control to heart health and antimicrobial properties. Remember, moderation is key, and consulting a healthcare professional is a smart move before making it a daily habit.
Do you like apple cider vinegar? How do you use it in the kitchen? Message me on Instagram @TheFromScratchBody!
