How Apple Cider Vinegar Is Made
Before delving into the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, let’s find out where it comes from. Basically, the sugar from the apple juice is extracted. Then, certain microbes, bacteria, and yeast turn that sugar into alcohol and eventually into vinegar. At the end of this whole fermentation process, the apple juice is left with the main component, acetic acid (commonly known as vinegar). It also contains lactic, citric, and malic acids.
If you grind up apples into apple juice, then allow them to ferment naturally, you will have apple flavored cider. This is basically apple juice with some alcohol in it. If the apple juice is not pasteurized or heated, it goes through fermentation and it eventually turns into vinegar with the help of microbes.
Raw, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
There are many different types of vinegar. The one I recommend is the raw, organic, unpasteurized version. This kind of ACV still has residue of some fiber pectin, bacteria, and yeast. The fact that the apple cider vinegar is raw means that it’s rich in enzymes. This can actually help aid digestion.
Because it’s organic, there are no added pesticides or chemicals. The pH level of apple cider vinegar is between 3.3 and 3.5 which is acidic enough to help your stomach function well. Aside from the many apple cider vinegar uses, you also don’t have to worry about it going bad. Even when left outside of the refrigerator it can last for about 5 years.
Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits
- Aids Digestion
- Controls Pathogens
- Helps Absorb Minerals
- Can Decrease Gas and Bloating
- Decreases Acid Reflux
- Helps Release Bile
- Breaks Down Protein
- Improves Blood Sugar Levels
- Improves Immune System
How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar
Since it’s acidic, you can take apple cider vinegar in small doses through drinking the liquid, or swallowing it in tablet form. Take If you are drinking it, take between 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed in 8-16 ounces. I like to mix in lemon juice and honey to give it more flavor. Combined with intermittent fasting ACV has amazing benefits and apple cider vinegar does not break a fast so it’s safe to drink if you are fasting.
The acid can weaken your teeth so it’s best to use a straw so it doesn’t affect your teeth. You can drink it before or after a meal. I drink mine in the evening at 6 o’clock and take my wheatgrass juice in the morning.
