This tangy elixir has been a staple in many households for years. Apple cider vinegar has been traditionally used to lose weight, but did you know it’s a powerhouse for gut health? Today, we’re diving into the science and benefits of ACV for your digestive system!
First things first, what makes apple cider vinegar so special? ACV is made through a two-step fermentation process. First, apples are crushed and exposed to yeast, which ferments the sugars and turns them into alcohol. Then, bacteria are added to ferment the alcohol into acetic acid. That acetic acid is key. It’s what gives ACV its strong, tangy taste and many of its health benefits, INCLUDING gut health.
Dietapplements has two ACV supplements. In both our labels read, Apple cider vinegar, raw, unfiltered type with the mother. It has to be raw, unfiltered with the mother. A piece of info for you. If the label doesn’t say, raw, unfiltered with the mother, it is not.
In these two supplements, we have 1000mg a serving of apple cider vinegar, exactly the amount of vinegar that you need, that is equivalent of 2 tablespoons of liquid apple cider vinegar. One has superfood, bio-cultures and berries, while the other has vitamins, minerals, superfood and bio-cultures.
So how can these two supplements support your gut health?
Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad, and maintaining a healthy balance of these bacteria is crucial for our overall health. That's where ACV comes in. The acetic acid in ACV acts as a natural prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria while keeping the harmful ones in check.
- Apple cider vinegar also contains beneficial compounds like enzymes, probiotics and prebiotics, these compounds help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria, and this is crucial for easy digestion.
- That’s not all. Apple cider vinegar may also aid digestion by increasing the acidity of the stomach, this can help break down food more efficiently and reduces symptoms of bloating and gas. There is also a side benefit to that; by enhancing digestion, apple cider vinegar improves the absorption of essential nutrients from food, so the body is able to receive the necessary vitamins and minerals it most needs.
- Now, it’s funny, apple cider vinegar is acidic, but it has an alkalizing effect on the body once metabolised, and taking apple cider vinegar helps balance pH levels, which creates a more alkaline environment conducive to good gut health.
- Research suggests that apple cider vinegar help improve insulin sensitivity AND lower blood sugar levels after meals, very useful if you struggle with binge eating. When you stabilise your blood sugar with apple cider vinegar, it may indirectly support the gut by reducing the risk of insulin resistance. We all know that the goal for us all is to be sensitive to insulin spikes and NOT resistant to it.
- Another point: antimicrobial… Acetic acid exhibits antimicrobial properties that kill harmful bacteria and pathogens in the gut. If taken daily, these antimicrobial effects could contribute to a healthier gut microbiome.
- Lastly, some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. We know that chronic inflammation in the gut is linked to various digestive disorders.
Now, how can you add ACV to your diet?
- It can be like a morning Tonic: Mix two tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water in the morning or before your main meal. Maybe add a touch of honey for sweetness so it’s not a complete torture! Remember, ACV is very acidic, so it's important to dilute it –Never drink ACV straight, please don’t do that – I’ve known 1 or 2 enthusiasts who did that, and they both ended up with a stomach ache! And don’t overdo it, 2 tablespoons are more than enough. Too much ACV can erode tooth enamel or upset your throat. Moderation is key!
- It can also be added to salad dressings: You may combine ACV with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and your favourite herbs for a tangy, healthy dressing.
- Smoothies: Add a splash of ACV to your smoothie for an extra health boost. You’ll be fine as long as the smoothie is sweet enough.
- Or simply take one of our apple cider vinegar complexes. 1000mg of acv daily, exactly the 2 spoons that you need. Best time to take these supplements is before your main meal. This will cause a much less insulin spike after your meal.
-- Written by Hala, founder of Dietapplements
