Raw Apple Cider Vinegar UK
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding apple cider vinegar lately, with people from around the globe touting it as a multi-purpose wonder tonic, but in fact, this humble product has long been revered for its plentiful health benefits. As early as 400 BC, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates was said to have used apple cider vinegar as a remedy for a wide range of ailments.
What makes apple cider vinegar so good for you? 
Apple cider vinegar is, quite simply, a type of vinegar made from apples. All of its health benefits are derived from the fermentation process; as the apples begin to ferment, a whole host of nutrients and enzymes are produced. The finished product contains pectin, which helps to lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure; calcium, which keeps bones and teeth strong; potassium, which is essential for good heart and bone health; acetic acid, which helps to control blood sugar levels and malic acid which has powerful antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties.
It’s important to note that to obtain the full benefits of apple cider vinegar, you need to use
raw organic apple cider vinegar from brands like
Bragg and
Dynamic Health. This contains the ‘
Mother’, the dark, cloudy substance which holds all of the minerals, raw enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria that make apple cider vinegar so good for you. Apple cider vinegar that is clear in colour will have lost all of these health benefits due to over-processing, filtration and over-heating.
What could apple cider vinegar do for your health?:
- Detoxes the body
- Aids weight loss by helping to speed up metabolism
- Helps to achieve a healthy, glowing complexion
- Enhances bone health and helps to prevent osteoporosis
- Helps to improve insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar levels
- Lowers cholesterol
- Provides a lasting, natural energy boost
- Soothes sore throats, sinus infections, colds and headaches
- Eases arthritis, stiff joints and gout
- Populates the gut with friendly bacteria and balances the inner ecosystem
- Improves hair condition and promotes hair growth
How to take apple cider vinegar
There are several ways to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet, but one thing you must never do is drink it straight, as the strong acid content can damage your teeth, throat and stomach. Many proponents of raw apple cider vinegar take one or two tablespoons of it in a glass of water, either in the morning, as an energy booster, or before each meal to stimulate the metabolism and reduce insulin and glucose spikes.
However, as much as we love it, we must admit that the strong, pungent flavour of apple cider vinegar is a taste that can take some getting used to. Until you’ve acquired a taste for it, it might be a good idea to mix your apple cider vinegar with raw juices and natural sweeteners like stevia, honey and agave that mask the taste of it.
Alternatively, you can try Bragg’s convenient pre-mixed organic apple cider vinegar drinks. These simple, crisp and refreshing beverages are available in 6 lightly sweetened flavours:
Honey,
Concord Grape & Acai,
Ginger Spice and
Apple Cinnamon.
Bragg’s apple cider vinegar drinks are essential items for your gym bag, as they are a handy and delicious way to prevent fatigue during intense workouts. With two servings to a bottle, they are also great value.
Apple cider vinegar also makes a great addition to salad dressings. Either create your own using olive oil and fresh ingredients such as lemon, fresh herbs and garlic or try Bragg’s delicious
apple cider vinegar dressings and marinades. Choose a classic vinaigrette made up of raw apple cider vinegar and Bragg’s organic virgin olive oil or something more adventurous, like the fruity Braggberry and Hawaiian dressings. We also have a ginger and sesame dressing, which provides a taste of the orient with the addition of
Bragg’s liquid aminos – the healthy alternative to soy.
