How does Josh Plosker (owner of Reebok Crossfit Back Bay) start his day?
He reaches for a glass of apple cider vinegar (ACV) water. I’m guessing it’s not for the taste, but for the plethora of health benefits. I’m a huge fan too, so check out this list of health benefits!
- Antibacterial: The main substance in vinegar, acetic acid, kills many types of bacteria.
- Blood sugar stabilizer: It appears that apple cider vinegar has strong anti-glycemic properties. It helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity during a high carbohydrate meal by 19-34%.
- Aids in Weight Loss: Several studies suggest that ACV can suppress your appetite, increase your metabolism and reduce water retention. There is some research that shows it reduces waist circumference and abdominal fat (jury still out on this one).
- Cholesterol: There has been one study that suggests ACV helps lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Detoxifier: It may help you detox your liver.
- Common Cold: Have a cold or stuffy nose? ACV breaks up mucus in the body and clears the lymph nodes.
- Increases Energy: Reaching for a Red Bull? Try an apple cider vinegar elixir instead. The potassium and enzymes give you a pick me up and amino acids help with lactic acid build up that happens during exercise.
- Sore throat: Most germs can’t survive in the acidic environment that ACV creates so it helps fight the infection.
- The list goes on and on —–helps with leg cramps, acid reflux, whitens teeth to name a few.
Amazing list, right? As far as food goes, it definitely packs a health punch, but before you think you’ve gone and found the health holy grail, don’t get too excited. You’re not going to start dropping pounds and inches over night. Given that it helps stabilize blood sugar levels, it makes sense that you could lose weight, but this of course needs to be paired up with other dietary and lifestyle changes as well. I definitely like to cook with apple cider vinegar and enjoy a ACV drink too. If you want to give it a try, check out these recipes below.
Salad Dressing:
http://detoxinista.com/2013/07/raw-apple-cider-vinaigrette/
Homemade Mayonnaise:
2 egg yolks
1-cup oil (like avocado or light olive oil)
2-tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
1 teaspoon fine Celtic Sea Salt
Optional ingredients:
1 teaspoon dried mustard
¼ cayenne pepper
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Put the eggs in a blender. Mix in apple cider vinegar, salt, mustard (if using) and cayenne (if using). Leave blender on and slowly mix in oil. One drop at a time. Store tightly covered in the fridge for 2-4 days.
Beverages:
If you’re opting for an apple cider vinegar beverage, the most common dosage is 1-2 teaspoons to 1-2 tablespoons per day. Here are some of my favorite recipes to get you started:
- 1 cup of green tea – let the green tea cool and add 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Honey to taste (optional).
- ¼ cup cranberry juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1-tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of cool water. Honey to taste (optional).
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, a dash of cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, 1 cup of water. Warm the water and add ingredients. This is best served warm.
If ACV isn’t currently a pantry staple for you, I recommend one that is unfiltered so it contains the “mother.” I use Braggs.
Give it a try and commit to it for 2 weeks. For some people, it’s an acquired taste – trust me, it grows on you over time! Let me know if you have any questions or if you’re in a nutritional slump, I can help! If you want a free consultation session email me at kendrahpestein@gmail.com.
To Your Amazing Health,
Kendra
* This information should not be seen as medical advice and is not meant to take the place of seeing a licensed health professional. You should discuss any dietary supplement use and should not discontinue any prescription medication without first consulting your doctor.