This post is sponsored by Sonoma Syrup Co. A few months ago, I kept hearing about all these people drinking apple cider vinegar. "Wait a second," I thought, "People are straight up drinking this stuff? I thought it was just to cook with every now and then."
I'm always intrigued by healthy trends, so I did some Googling. When I saw that ACV (apple cider vinegar) aided digestion and helped with tummy troubles, I was ready to give it a go. After testing it out for a few weeks, I actually noticed quite a few positive side effects. If you're wondering what you could gain by consuming ACV on a daily basis, I'm hear to share the top 5 benefits I've noticed from incorporating ACV into my daily routine.
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Aids Digestion
This is the reason I decided to give apple cider vinegar a shot, and I saw a HUGE difference in just the first week. Apparently ACV has antibiotic properties and may contain pectin, which can help soothe tummy troubles. I've also noticed that it helps regulate my bathroom visits and makes things more... ahem... manageable.
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Can Help With Weightloss
The acidic nature of ACV helps not only to suppress appetite but it also helps speed up metabolism, making for a double whammy on the weight loss front. Supposedly, it also helps reduce water retention. I usually drink a glass first thing in the morning, but some people consume ACV before each meal for all of the aforementioned benefits.
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Provides Energy
I drink this stuff before heading to the gym in the morning, and it definitely gives me a little boost. It's possible that's because it's quite tart (good morning, tastebuds!), but I found during my Googling that many other reported feeling an energy boost after consuming it, as well.
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Helps Prevent Muscle Cramps
Apple cider vinegar contains amino acids and potassium, two things that help muscles recover and feel less fatigued. After a tough workout (I'm looking at you long run), it wasn't uncommon that I'd wake up in the middle of the night with awful Charley Horses (horrible cramps in my calves). Since drinking ACV, I haven't had a problem!
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Helps Kick A Cold
Fortunately, I haven't gotten sick since I started drinking ACV. Perhaps that's a testament in itself, but many people claim that the potassium in ACV helps thin mucus and the acid helps stunt germs from growing - making it a powerful decongestant. The next time I get a stuffy nose, I'll drink an extra glass and let you know how it goes!
So now that you know the benefits and are convinced that you should also hop on the apple cider vinegar train (there's a comfy seat right next to me!), I'm sure your wondering how you're supposed to drink the stuff. Well, my riding buddy, I have a few tips!
How to consume Apple Cider Vinegar
- Drink it raw - Some people are hardcore and can take a swig right out of the bottle or just down a tablespoon or two of the stuff. That's a bit too intense for me, but to each their own.
- Mix it with water - One of the most common ways to consume ACV is to mix it with water. Many people consume 1-2 tbsp with 8oz of water. The tart, slightly sour flavor takes getting used to, so I suggest starting with 1 tsp mixed in 8oz of water and building up to 2 tbsp over the course of a few weeks. Some people mix in a little honey to make the flavor more pleasant.
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Find a Pre-Mixed Concoction - If you'd like something that tastes better and is even easier to mix together, try a pre-mixed ACV concoction, like Sonoma Syrup Co's Organic Apple Cider Infused Drinking Vinegar. This particular brand contains raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar mixed with lemon and vanilla. They suggest consuming 2 tbsp with 4oz of water, and I have to say, it's pretty good! It's much more drinkable than straight up ACV mixed with water, but you get all the same benefits. You can also use Sonoma Syrup Co's ACV to the Sonoma Swizzle Drink (1 part Sonoma Syrup Organic Apple Cider Infused Drinking Vinegar, 5 parts water, 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice), which can be used in cocktails, to create sports drinks or to pour over salads.
- Down a Supplement - If you're in a hurry, want your dose on the go, or just really can't stomach drinking apple cider vinegar, an ACV supplement may be just what you need. NOW Foods makes a great version and suggests taking 1-3 capsules before meals.
5 benefits. 4 ways to get them. Now you just need to go get some!
Let's Chat:
Are you a fan of Apple Cider Vinegar?
How would you/do you consume it?
This post is linked up with Meatless Mondays.
