Apple cider vinegar is a naturally fermented liquid; it is used to help supply nutrients to support a healthy body. Some ACV products contain the beneficial bacterial culture used to second ferment the ACV, often referred to as ‘the mother’.

This popular vinegar that can be used in dressings, marinades, refreshing beverages, pickling, dips and sauces.

ACV is commonly used in the following ways:

• A culinary addition in food
• A refreshing drink
• Household cleaning

So what are the beneficial nutrients within ACV? It contains acetic acid, and like apple juice it contains malic acid, pectin, flavonoids, antioxidant polyphenols, vitamin B1, B2, and B6, biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin C. It also contains small amounts of sodium, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. The Acetic acid can support healthy absorption of nutrients from the food we eat, many people choose to take ACV before eating or with food (it’s great on a salad).

ACV contains high levels of antioxidant polyphenols, including chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin and anthocyanins. Antioxidant polyphenols are protective plant nutrients. Antioxidants bind to pro oxidants, also known as free radicals; to protect cells from oxidative damage. Oxidation caused by free radicals is a process that occurs on a daily basis as a result of normal metabolic function.

ACV is great source of the beneficial plant nutrient, pectin. Pectin helps support healthy digestion and is a prebiotic food, which means it feeds probiotics or beneficial bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract.

Malic acid is another beneficial plant nutrient found in ACV. This phytonutrient can support healthy muscle condition.

Apple Cider Vinegar has become increasingly popular for people looking to adopt a healthy lifestyle and wanting to be proactive about their health. It is often taken diluted in water, first thing in the morning as part of a healthy morning routine.

A balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholefoods and water, is essential for ensuring a healthy digestive tract and musculoskeletal system. ACV can be a great option to support the health and function of our digestive system and to assist with the body’s natural muscle and bone health.

And let’s not forget that apple cider vinegar has a long history of being used within the home as a disinfectant for household cleaning.

Due to it’s acetic acid content, it is recommended that ACV be diluted in water before consuming as a drink. This is to minimise any potential irritation to the epithelial lining of the digestive tract and to ensure tooth enamel is protected.