Why you might want to take a shot in the morning…
…no, I’m not talking about tequila (although I like to think that all those tequila shots in my early twenties were “training” me for healthier pursuits.) I’m talking about shots of vinegar – apple cider vinegar, to be specific. Whether or not you have been exposed to this health trend, in my opinion, If I’m going to be taking a shot of this tart, murky-looking brown sludge each morning – I’m going to need a damn good reason! Well, there are quite a few good reasons indeed!
I’m not talking about just any old vinegar here. We’re looking for raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. It’s important to look for a bottle that includes a cloudy, cobweb like substance called “the mother”(a creepy sounding, yet incredibly enzyme and nutrient rich component of the vinegar that is responsible for most of it’s health benefits).
A quick Google search will yield a ton of suggestions on how apple cider vinegar is a magical cure-all and can be used for anything from muscle soreness to shampoo – but I’ve focused here on three well-researched benefits that are reason enough to try incorporating a shot of the good stuff in your morning routine because really, you only stand to gain here.
1. Lower blood sugar & weight loss
ACV’s effects on lowering blood sugar have been well studied with diabetics. Even if you don’t have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar steady is key in keeping up energy levels throughout the day as well as controlling cravings. Ever get an insatiable urge for a coffee and a cookie in the afternoon? It’s likely due to the fact that your blood sugar levels are on a roller coaster ride and have just taken a nose dive. Your body is looking for a quick fix any way it can get it!
Pairing apple cider vinegar with a meal (or ingesting it right before) can actually lower the glycemic index of that meal, preventing that intense insulin reaction which can lead to weight gain. Don’t take this as a recommendation to eat all the cupcakes you want so long as they are chased with a shot of apple cider vinegar – you still need to eat sensibly!
2. Digestion
Taking a shot of ACV in the morning can get your digestive juices flowing by helping to stimulate the production of Hydrochloric Acid. It’s far more common to have low stomach acid than most people think (even if you get heartburn or acid reflux, you might still have low stomach acid, but that’s another story for another day!) If you are one of these people, you might find adding ACV to your routine helps with digestion immensely. The better we digest, the more nutrients we absorb, and the better we perform!
3. Immune boosting properties
Apple cider vinegar is a natural detoxifier and has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. While this is true of many ‘soft acids,’ Apple Cider vinegar is also naturally high in beneficial bacteria, minerals enzymes, and nutrients that are not found in distilled and pasteurized vinegars. This makes it an effective, inexpensive natural remedy to help knock out a cold.
How to take it…
- 1-2 tablespoons diluted in a little water in a shot glass. If you’re worried about your teeth due to the acidity, use a straw!
- If you can’t stomach it straight up, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice, or if you have to – a drop of natural no sugar added juice to make a little cocktail.
We’d love to know if you have tried apple cider vinegar and experienced any benefits…let us know in the comments!