Apple cider vinegar has been used medicinally for a variety of ailments for thousands of years. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, prescribed apple cider vinegar and honey as a cure for a variety of health issues. It’s even said to have been used by Cleopatra as a facial cleanser and toner. However, here we talk about the benefits of apple cider vinegar on our digestive systems.
Apple cider vinegar is made by firstly crushing apples and then adding a bacterial yeast. This causes the sugars in the juice/pulp to turn to alcohol. By adding more bacteria, the fermentation process continues, turning the alcohol into acetic acid. The final product is packed full of good bacteria and enzymes. The mother, as the cloudy, thick part of apple cider vinegar is called, is the most beneficial constituent of apple cider vinegar.
Digestive Discomfort
Many people feel suffer from acid reflux, heartburn, bloating and discomfort after eating. This is due to food not being digested properly and also to low levels of stomach acid. Apple cider vinegar acts as a digestive stimulant which encourages the formation of digestive juices which are needed to break down our food.
Improves Digestion
For perfect digestion, the food we eat must remain in the stomach until its properly broken down by enzymes. Protein is the first to be broken down, followed by carbs and finally fats. Apple cider vinegar stimulates the formation of digestive juices and contains the right acidity levels. It delays the emptying of the stomach which gives stomach acids and enzymes longer to break down your food.
Antioxidants
Apple cider vinegar contains certain vitamins and polyphenol which are antioxidants, protecting against cellular damage and improving gut health.
Prebiotics
Apple cider vinegar is a prebiotic. A prebiotic is food for probiotics; therefore, apple cider vinegar feeds the probiotics which regulate gut health and kill bacteria and free radicals. This, combined with its ability to improve the digestive process, makes apple cider vinegar a great addition to your diet.