Apple Cider Vinegar
Although in recent years apple cider vinegar (or ACV) has seen a surge in popularity, it’s been around for centuries! It has a number of healthful properties, which is why we made it one of the core ingredients in our new keto salad dressing range. It also tastes great and pairs perfectly with avocado oil and other high-quality natural ingredients to make flavourful salad dressings like our Creamy Caesar and Classic Italian dressings. Studies suggest apple cider vinegar could offer health benefits including lowering blood sugar levels and improving the symptoms of diabetes, helping with weight loss, and reducing cholesterol. Learn all about the possible benefits of apple cider vinegar and how you can introduce it into your diet.
What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar all starts with, you guessed it, apples. First the apples are crushed to release their juice, then bacteria and yeast are added to begin the alcoholic fermentation process. It then goes through a second fermentation stage, where the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria. Cider vinegars are 5–6% acetic acid, and it is this component that researchers believe is responsible for apple cider vinegar’s potential health benefits. In addition, apple cider vinegar also contains a small amount of potassium and some even contain amino acids and antioxidants.
What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar?
Lowering blood sugar levels & improving the symptoms of diabetes
The most common type of diabetes is type 2, which is distinguished by insulin resistance or the body’s inability to produce insulin, which causes high blood sugar levels. Medication and a healthy diet avoiding refined carbohydrates and sugar are some of the ways type 2 diabetes is managed, but apple cider vinegar could also provide some benefits. Some studies have shown that consuming apple cider vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar responses after eating.
Aiding weight loss
Some studies suggest that consuming apple cider vinegar could help weight loss. The reasons are linked to the increased feelings of fullness that apple cider vinegar can cause (leading to a modest reduction in caloric intake), lowering blood sugar and reducing insulin levels.
Reducing cholesterol
The link between lowered cholesterol and vinegar is an intriguing one, but it should be noted that further research is needed to assess the benefits in humans, as so far many of the studies showing benefits were conducted on animals only. Having said that, several animal studies have shown that consuming vinegar can reduce blood triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure, which are risk factors for heart disease and kidney problems.
How to use apple cider vinegar?
Although typically added to food, apple cider vinegar can be added to the diet in a variety of ways – one of the more recent takes is to drink it! Enthusiasts should proceed with caution as undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause esophageal damage and tooth enamel erosion. It’s important to ensure that it is heavily diluted in water – 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water, according to Healthline – to reduce the risks. The less direct contact with teeth the better, so consider using a straw and brushing teeth after sipping on a glass of ACV and water.
Apple cider vinegar is used in some bottled kombucha, which has its own gut health benefits. You could also try mixing it up yourself to make marinades for meat and vegetables. We’ve taken all of the guesswork out with our keto-friendly salad dressings.
Our new range of dressings are made with all natural ingredients – including apple cider vinegar and avocado oil – to make salad dressings that taste great, while containing none of the added sugar of traditional dressings. Enjoy our Creamy Caesar, Classic Italian, Manuka Honey & Mustard and Lemon & Turmeric – shop for them now at independent grocers and online at Aus Pantry.