Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits (and 11 Recipes To Help You Get More of It)

Apple cider vinegar has long been on kitchen shelves among other trusty home remedies. The cooking alternative has also gained buzz about its ability to contribute to weight loss, cure cancer and just about everything else.

While it’s not a magical cure-all elixir it’s often made out to be, apple cider vinegar has some health benefits that makes it worthwhile to habitually add to your recipes.

Much like regular vinegar, it’s made via a fermentation process but with crushed apples as the key ingredient. The sugars from the apples have been fermented into alcohol.

Then, the liquid is converted into vinegar by acetic-acid forming bacteria. Apple cider vinegar is comparable in calories to white vinegar, only about three calories per tablespoon. It contains small amounts of potassium, antioxidants and amino acids.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR HEALTH BENEFITS

So why should you be implementing apple cider vinegar into your diet? First off, it can help contribute to weight loss because it can make you feel full, reducing the urge for seconds. Since it’s an acetic acid, apple cider vinegar can also suppress fat storage and burn fat. Don’t quit the gym though, it’s not going to single-handedly get you to your goal weight.

Due to its capability to kill pathogens such as bacteria, apple cider vinegar is a great go-to when you need to detoxify your body. Unlike your run-of-the-mill vinegar, apple cider vinegar has an alkalizing effect on your body. This is great for balancing the pH of our often acidic bodies. Viruses and bacteria often struggle to live in an alkaline environment. Less acidity in your body means less reason for heartburn to occur too!

Check these out:

1. HOMEMADE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

While apple cider vinegar is readily available to buy, it can be on the expensive side. If your interested in using the ingredient regularly and are interested in the process as well, try making it yourself. The recipe adds apple peels, cores and pieces into a mason jar with sugar water. The process does take about a month to make and needs a close eye needed on it.

2. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR & HONEY DRINK

For an easy way to get your daily apple cider vinegar dosage, go for this super simple and yummy drink. The recipe is a combination of two cups of water, four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon on honey over ice. The 18-calorie drink is an instant shot of energy perfect for busy mornings!

3. APPLE CIDER SMOOTHIE

Another great breakfast pick-me-up is this smoothie packed with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of water, one cup of peeled apple, two tablespoons of avocado and 1/4 cup of ice. When combined in a blender and topped with cinnamon, the incredible apple flavors will make your taste buds smile and leave your stomach happy and ready to take on the day.

4. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SALAD DRESSING

It’s an apple cider vinegar classic and now you can add it to your next salad in confidence. The recipe combines 1/2 cup of the key component with 1/2 cup of avocado or olive oil, 3-4 finely chopped garlic cloves, and salt & pepper for the perfect compliment to your abundantly green lunch!

5. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR & GREENS DETOX SALAD

If your apple cider vinegar needs some salad inspiration, try out this amazing green detox salad. It doubles the healthy benefits found in apple cider vinegar with its added ingredients. The revitalizing starter has a beautiful medley of brussel sprouts, baby kale, spinach, broccoli, watercress, green onions mixed in with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, salt, pepper and fresh lemon.

6. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR COLESLAW

For a zesty twist on typical apple cider vinegar salad fare, here’s a coleslaw recipe that is also a great superfood for the cold-and-flu season as it is packed with vitamin A and C. The coleslaw is made of a base of red cabbage, fennel, celery, carrots and parsley and has a marinade with olive oil, honey, sea salt, pepper and of course apple cider vinegar!

7. WHOLE30 GERMAN POTATO SALAD

You can skip the greasy mayo and still create a scrumptious potato salad that tastes rich and is also healthy. There’s no way you can go wrong with potatoes, but adding in bacon, dijon mustard, garlic, rosemary, green onions, olive oil, salt and pepper for a lip-licking addition to any meal that includes the healthy ingredient each of these dishes grace us with.

8. APPLE CIDER VINAIGRETTE ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES

Apple cider vinegar is also a flavorful ingredient to have around when it comes to roasting vegetables. This recipe blends a variety of fall favorites – parsnips, carrots, rutabugas, beets and sweet potatoes. The vegetables are soaked in apple cider vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, salt and pepper on a baking sheet in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes for the perfect compliment to any special meal!

9. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR CHICKEN

Grilled chicken is a regular staple in many households and now when you make it, you can add in the healthy benefits of apple cider vinegar. This chicken preparation method (perfect for meal prep) also uses apple cider vinegar as a marinade with Italian seasoning, oil, salt and pepper. Soak the raw chicken breasts in the dressing for an hour in the fridge before being grilled.

10. BEST EVER SIMPLE SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE

Apple cider vinegar can also serve as a key ingredient in this addictive and tasty sweet and sour sauce. To complement a fresh batch of chicken and noodles or rice, try out this sweet and sour sauce that has the flavors of soy sauce, pineapple and sugar. You can also skip the meat and combine this flavorful sauce with a tofu stir-fry as well!

11. VEGAN-GLUTEN-DAIRY FREE CARROT CAKE

We can’t leave out dessert!! Apple cider vinegar can also be a component of your next baking session, with this vegan, gluten free and dairy free carrot cake. Along with the sweet bites that have carrot, pineapple, pecans and coconut, try to taste the difference with apple cider vinegar to enhance your next sweet-tooth fix.

Is your mouth watering yet? While this article features loads of exciting recipes keep in mind the recommended daily dosage of apple cider vinegar. Too much of it could have negative effects on your body such as stomach problems, loss of tooth enamel and throat burns. So as with anything else, use in moderation.