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Apple cider vinegar is made by vinegar fermentation from apples. Therefore, it is in line with the still ongoing (though slightly weakening) trend of eating these fruits. However, it has a characteristic taste and smell, which is why it does not suit everyone. After all, many people appreciate it for its health properties.
Properties of vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a rich source of vitamins. It contains, among others, vitamins C, A, E and B vitamins. In addition, it is rich in minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and sodium. There are also three acids in it: acetic, citric and lactic. It is also low in calories (1 tablespoon contains only 1 kcal), so it can be an addition to the diet for people who are slimming.
In addition, scientific research shows that consuming this vinegar can significantly improve the body’s lipid balance. It lowers the LDL cholesterol fraction and triglyceride levels. It is also assumed that thanks to the presence of chlorogenic acid, which is a powerful antioxidant, it can regulate blood pressure.
Effect on weight loss
The most important issue for us, however, is losing weight. After analyzing the results of scientific studies, it turns out that apple cider vinegar can actually help you lose weight. In 2009, Kondo and colleagues conducted a study where obese Japanese people were given 12 ml of a drink containing either 500 ml of vinegar, 0 ml or 15 ml each day for 30 weeks. They found that after those 12 weeks, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat were significantly lower in those who took vinegar from those in the placebo group. So it is assumed that vinegar consumption may be useful in weight loss, although not all studies (as usual) confirm this.
If you want to include vinegar in your diet, it is enough to drink a glass of water with 2 tablespoon of vinegar 3-1 times a day before meals (preferably not to exceed 2 tablespoons of vinegar, so drinking this mixture 3 times a day you can spread 2 tablespoons in 3 glasses). It is better not to increase this amount as it may be harmful to your health. In addition, such treatment should not last too long, as it can lead to potassium deficiency and decrease bone density.
Contraindications for drinking vinegar
Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to include vinegar in their diet. People who suffer from a hypersensitive stomach, have ulcers, liver problems, or any digestive disorders, should either give it up or consult a doctor. Vinegar can irritate the mucous membranes.
How to make vinegar?
However, if there are no contraindications to drinking vinegar and you would like to add it to your diet, it is best to prepare it yourself at home. It is really child’s play. To prepare it, you will need:
- 1 kg of apples
- 1 liter of water
- 4 tablespoons of honey / sugar
Of course, the fruit must be thoroughly washed and its seed sockets removed. Then cut them into cubes or pass them through a juicer, put them in a large jar and pour lukewarm water, previously sweetened with honey or sugar. Now just cover the jar with a cloth, tie a string or a rubber band and leave it in a warm place for about 4 weeks. The mixture may be stirred from time to time. When it stops foaming, it can be strained and the vinegar is ready!
Sometimes it is also recommended to put the fruit in the jar (or stoneware vessel) together with the previously cut seed nests, 1 g of baker’s yeast and a piece of wholemeal bread. You have to stir such a mixture every day, and after 10 days, filter it through gauze and pour it into a clean vessel. Then add 10 grams of sugar for each liter of juice and leave it for about a month and a half. Then you have to strain again and it’s ready.
Main photo: Photo credit: AndyRobertsPhotos / Foter / CC BY
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