Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss & Gut Health

Having said that… Raise your hand if you are tired of hearing have this or drink that “first thing in the morning on an empty stomach”. So many things are supposed to be good for us, but ONLY if we take them “first thing in the morning on an empty stomach”. But the only way we could ever take all that stuff as recommended (first thing in the morning on an empty stomach) would be if we were time travelers with ruminant stomachs.

HOW TO DRINK APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

So, assuming that we have a whole day to try and be healthier, not just a handful of minutes before breakfast, I like to sneak some ACV into my H2O when I get the chance. My simple recipe includes:

• Room-temperature water (8 oz)
• Raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar with the MOTHER (1-2 tbsp)
• Lemon juice (half a lemon)
• Raw, unfiltered honey (optional; 1/2 tsp)

I try to have this soothing, detoxing, fat-burning drink every single day because it’s good for me. How do I know? I feel its effects almost immediately, which can only mean that my gut needs the nutrients it provides. But that’s not all it does. Besides the great internal positive effects, this potion also packs great external benefits for our bodies.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND WEIGHT LOSS

The rumors are true: apple cider vinegar can help you lose weight and flatten your stomach. It won’t give you an eight-pack (for that you have to hit the gym repeatedly like your life depends on it), but it will help your body burn that stubborn belly fat. It also boosts your metabolism and curbs your appetite,  while lowering your insulin levels and blood sugar. It really is the superhero of humble superfoods.

All these highly desirable effects are due to the Acetic Acid contained in Apple Cider Vinegar. Acetic Acid is a short-chain fatty acid and a by-product of the double fermentation process that yields apple cider vinegar. A great ally not just for weight loss, but most importantly for burning fat.

GUT HEALTH BENEFITS OF THIS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR DRINK

Each ingredient in this healthy mix is its own little powerhouse. Nothing exotic, expensive or hard to find, the kind of ingredients I always prefer to use in my recipes. Besides the good-for-you factor, one of the great side-effects of mixing all these ingredients together is a pleasant and refreshing taste.

Here are their specific health benefits for your gut:

• Apple Cider Vinegar
  As long as it’s raw, unfiltered, organic and with the mother, ACV packs some powerful benefits. It has antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antihistaminic, and probiotic properties. That means that it supports the proliferation of good bacteria in our gut, while lowering the presence of yeast, fungi and generally bad bacteria.
• Lemon
  This superstar needs no introduction, but it’s always good to be reminded of its outstanding benefits. It combines the antioxidant power of vitamin C, which is also great for lowering inflammation in our gut and boosting our autoimmune system, with the prebiotic properties of pectin and the gut health support of phytonutrients.
  Tip: make sure you include the pulp with the juice, so you get all the pectin fiber and phytonutrients.
• Raw Honey
  As long as you use raw and unfiltered honey, you will get some great natural benefits from this proto-superfood. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Great antioxidant effects from its phytonutrient compounds. It can also boost your immune system and can soothe a sore throat better than any OTC treatment.
  Just use in moderation, as honey is still sugar.
• Water
  Now you’re thinking, seriously??? Of course, you know that water is as crucial as the air we breathe, but just remember not to make it hot for this drink. It’s not tea. Keep it at room temperature. Hot water can compromise the benefits of the ingredients, especially lemon.

TO OUR HEALTH AND BEAUTY!

With just one simple elixir, we can promote inner and outer beauty. The latter might seem a shallow concern, but I believe it’s an extension of the physical and mental health within. So, let’s not discount it. Let’s embrace and promote it in a natural and healthy way.

Also, all the nutrient-dense virtues of this concoction add up, especially when someone is affected by autoimmune diseases like myself and is in the process of healing a leaky gut. I cherish this small but effective gesture of self-love. Sometimes, we are so focused on our daily don’ts (don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t eat sugar…) that we don’t pay enough attention to our dos (sleep well, eat right, walk, meditate…). The truth is what we do is even more important than what we don’t do. So, let’s try to include more acts of kindness toward ourselves and our precious guts. Not just “first thing in the morning on an empty stomach”, but all day long and every single day for a healthy life full of flavor.