The uses for apple cider vinegar (ACV) are endless. As many are beginning to use apple cider vinegar as a tool for weight loss, immunity, and digestive health, it has continued to grow in popularity. You might be using it in your own DIY salad dressings and vinaigrette, in your slow cooker with your favorite meal, or diluted in a glass of water. As more are starting to introduce ACV into their diet, a common thought is the strong and tangy taste of the vinegar due to the acidity, which most are not in love with. The best part about this vinegar is that you can create homemade beverages that not only make it taste better, but provide you with even more benefits towards your digestive, and overall health. Today we are going to discuss the top 5 apple cider vinegar drink recipes that you can make right at home, first, let's look at the benefits apple cider vinegar alone can provide you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is produced from apples that are crushed, distilled, then goes through a fermentation process. This adds components like acetic acid and antimicrobial effects from something commonly known as “the mother”. The mother contains powerful enzymes, yeast, and bacteria that support your gut health, digestion, microbiome, and other areas of your health to promote overall well-being (7). Acetic acid has been shown to support nutrient absorption, weight loss, and even cholesterol levels (6). The daily recommended dose of apple cider vinegar is 1-2 tablespoons per day according to need and tolerance. It is important to keep in mind that not all apple cider vinegar is the same, we recommend Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother to ensure you are getting high-quality ingredients and consuming unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar. Let's take a look at the first drink, Apple Cider Vinegar Berry Lemonade.
Apple Cider Vinegar Berry Lemonade
Instructions:
You can also add a few drops of raw honey or stevia if you prefer more sweetness in your drink. This drink is not only delicious, but the ingredients will also provide helpful benefits to start your day off right. Berries are low in calories, yet packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and other powerful nutrients and vitamins (1). These components will replenish your electrolytes, give your immune system a boost and the fiber will help you feel full by delaying the movement of food through your digestive tract. Along with the berries, lemon juice is another great addition to this beverage. Lemon juice has been shown to ease bloating, improve digestion, and even promote detoxification, which makes it a great option for a detox drink (2). Lemon juice contains helpful vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Consuming this drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach will further promote these benefits. These ingredients make it a great apple cider vinegar recipe for weight loss, and overall health.
Apple Cider Vinegar Refresher
This beverage is an easy recipe that can provide benefits along with its delicious taste. All you need for the Apple Cider Vinegar and Ginger recipe is:
Instructions:
Along with the digestive benefits of apple cider vinegar, both the lemon pack and ginger make great additions that offer even more. Ginger is a root that is closely related to turmeric and according to research, offers powerful medicinal properties. Ginger provides both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It supports the reduction of oxidative stress, or in other words, reduces the levels of free radicals in the body. This will promote cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer (3). One study shows that the consumption of ginger can also promote weight loss by lowering BMI, and blood sugar levels (4). This makes it another great option for a weight loss and immune booster beverage.
Apple Cider Vinegar Limeade
This Apple Cider Vinegar Lime Maid drink is another great option to start your day with. All you need for this drink is:
Instructions:
The addition of stevia drops for this recipe adds a bit more sweetness while keeping it keto-friendly and low in calories. The lime adds a refreshing flavor and offers benefits towards immunity, cardiovascular health, and promotes healthier skin. With their high levels of vitamin C, lime can support the production of collagen which works to keep your skin glowing and strong along with the immunity-boosting properties that vitamin C offers(5). Having this drink in the morning will help you feel refreshed and revitalized, while the apple cider vinegar kicks off your digestion in the right direction for the rest of your day.
Hot Cayenne Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Hot Cayenne Apple cider Vinegar Drink is perfect for those cool days or a late-night beverage before bed. With a taste similar to warm apple pie, this drink can serve as a sweet treat. Below are the ingredients:
Instructions:
This drink is not only great for its taste, but for the health benefits it offers as well. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants that can help your body fight off free radicals and oxidative stress. It also works to lower your blood sugar and support insulin sensitivity, this makes it beneficial to drink especially following a day of high carbohydrate meals (8). Cayenne pepper is another herb that holds many vitamins and minerals that work to boost your metabolism. Studies have shown that cayenne pepper will increase the heat your body is producing resulting in more calories you are going to burn per day. This is done through diet-induced thermogenesis which causes an increase in your metabolism activity (9). Again, you can serve this drink warm or cold depending on your mood, it fits in great for any occasion.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Drink
This drink is a perfect way to get an extra boost in the mornings and can be accommodated to fit keto or intermittent fasting by substituting the honey for 2-4 drops of stevia. To make this drink, all you need is:
Instructions:
This drink is simple and quick and easy to make, and even easier to accommodate to your lifestyle. The honey not only gives this beverage a sweet taste but also helps with cholesterol and blood pressure. Studies have shown that honey contains important antioxidants that can help fight against heart attacks, stroke, and cancer and ultimately lower your LDL cholesterol levels. According to one rat and human study, those who consumed honey experienced lower blood pressure (10). Both these benefits, along with the positives ACV offers, make this a great quality drink.
Tips for an Even Better Taste
As mentioned earlier, the possibilities are endless when it comes to apple cider vinegar. These beverages are a great option to spice up the way you consume them. Here are a few extra tips and tricks that can further benefit your drink.
Conclusion:
Apple cider vinegar is helpful in so many areas of your health, and there are various ways you can incorporate it into your diet. Now that we have discussed a few delicious, and beneficial options, you can use these new ways to enjoy your daily dose of apple cider vinegar. Adding the ingredients we mentioned like ginger, lemon, lime, and even cayenne pepper not only improves the taste of apple cider vinegar but gives you even more health benefits that will improve your overall wellness. Hopefully, this article helps you find your favorite ACV drink that you can continue to enjoy daily.
References :