Apple cider vinegar has been used for a variety of purposes over the centuries, from house cleaning to healing. As a natural antibacterial agent, it’s not difficult to see why the substance has been the subject of many health fads. And although its germ-killing power is a good enough reason to consume it, ACV can help with a multitude of health issues.
The fermenting process that creates ACV makes it a powerful probiotic. This benefits your gut health by introducing more healthy bacteria to its microbiome. This also means you can reduce digestive irritation or inflammation by taking ACV regularly. In addition, it can boost immunity, lower blood sugar, and speed up your metabolism to promote healthy weight loss.
So now you know some of the great effects of ACV on your body. But how do you go about “taking” it? While some people just drink it straight, it’s actually not recommended to down the liquid as is. Keep reading to learn about simple ways to incorporate ACV into your everyday diet.
Take a Supplement
Getting more of certain nutrients has never been easier than in modern times, thanks to the many supplements on the market. With ACV now available in supplement form, it’s a snap to get more of it in your diet. Plus, if you’re not a fan of the sour taste, some chewables are flavored with different fruits, like strawberry.
Daily supplements of ACV are usually pretty easy to find, whether online or at a drugstore in the vitamin section. Many varieties of capsules are on the market, with different quantities of ACV per serving — aim for 500 milligrams or less. ACV gummies are another option that might appeal to a wider array of people. Gummies are much easier to take than swallowing large pills. It’s kind of like eating a daily fruit snack full of healthy goodness.
Furthermore, there are many supplements that pair ACV with other nutrients. The most common is vitamin C, making for a strong, immunity-boosting duo. You’ll get the power of multiple nutrients all in one daily supplement.
Try It in Beverage Form
Of course, you could opt for drinking ACV in its liquid form as well. Not that this means taking a shot of straight vinegar is a good idea. While some people do this, drinking ACV without diluting it first can bring about uncomfortable consequences. These could include wearing down tooth enamel, irritating the esophagus, or causing indigestion.
So how can you go about consuming liquid ACV safely? The most important thing is to dilute the vinegar. It’s generally recommended to mix a ratio of one tablespoon in eight ounces of water. Some people advise diluting it with juice rather than water for a tastier experience.
You can safely ingest up to two tablespoons of ACV a day. This approximates to around 500 milligrams, roughly equivalent to the amount in most over-the-counter supplements. Going over this dosage can cause irritation to the digestive system. As is so often the case, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. That’s just the nature of vinegar, which is highly acidic.
You could also try making your own kombucha with ACV. Kombucha is a fermented tea drink, so it’s similar in that it’s a natural probiotic. However, the bottles you’ll find in the store generally aren’t made with ACV. Brewing a batch of your own at home gives you more freedom to use ingredients, like ACV, that you want to include.
Use It at Mealtime
Maybe you’re not a fan of adding another supplement to your daily routine or drinking an ACV cocktail. That’s perfectly all right! Since ACV is first and foremost an ingredient, there are many ways to use it in the kitchen.
White vinegar has a lot of uses in cooking, and ACV is no different. It still has that sour taste, but it’s a bit sweeter thanks to the apples. Therefore, this kind of vinegar can produce a more pleasing, savory flavor.
Many people use ACV in salad dressings or marinades. Vinaigrettes with this sweeter vinegar are very popular, and not just for lettuce salads. Cucumber, bean, and pasta salads all can be made with this special ingredient, giving them a nice tang. Brushing an ACV marinade over steaks is another way to provide a zesty touch to a hearty meal.
Besides salads and steaks, you can use ACV in just about every type of dish you can think of. You can even add a tablespoon to your fruit smoothies for extra flavor and nutrients. Are you a fan of slow cooker meals? You can use it in those, too! It’s not hard to find a multitude of easy recipes that all incorporate ACV as an ingredient.
Get Creative
Being that ACV is such a versatile substance, there’s almost no limit to what you can do with it. So don’t be afraid to get creative in how you utilize this nutritious substance in your diet. From supplements to slow cooker recipes, there’s a world of possibilities out there. Just make sure you’re being safe about how much you’re taking in on a daily basis, and you’ll reap nutritious rewards.