Apple Cider Vinegar
About and Benefits
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a fermented apple liquid (with a zing!) that has no calories and no sugar. It promotes healthy digestion by stimulating stomach acid production* (best to have before a meal), can stabilize blood sugar when taken with meals higher in carbs, reduces the postprandial insulin response, and overall promotes healthy blood sugar including morning blood sugar in type 2 diabetic patients.
Other reported and researched benefits: It may also help promote regularity (and relieve constipation), aid in satiety (and weight management), and reduce inflammation (especially value if you’re an athlete or suffer from arthritis).
Not all vinegars have the same effect, ACV is special in its health-promoting properties.
There are no known risks with moderate consumption, i.e. 1 tsp to 1 tbsp before a meal and before bed.
How to Use ACV
It’s best to sip an “ACV Cocktail” before a meal, such as 1 tsp to 1 tbsp of raw ACV mixed in in at least 8 oz sparkling or still water—add more water if the vinegar taste is strong for your palate. Having this is a great alternative to a “real” cocktail while preparing the evening meal. You can “spice up” you virgin cocktail with a squeeze of lemon or lime, digestive bitters, or essential oils.
There are also potential benefits to morning fasted blood sugar when a pre-bed ACV drink is consumed—if you have high fasted blood sugar in the morning, give this a shot (no pun intended).
ACV is also a great ingredient to add to meals such as in salad dressing or sauces.
What to Buy
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*Despite popular belief, many digestive issues are caused by too low levels of stomach acid when eating. We WANT stomach acid to break down our food and help motility (moving things along). ACV is an all-natural safe way to promote this effect.
