Apple cider vinegar is nature at its best.
When you talk fermentation, you’re discussing nature at its best, and apple cider vinegar is a product formed through the fermentation process. Of course, to satisfy kashrut standards, a symbol is needed to certify yeast additives that initiate the fermentation process as well as ensuring there are no shared equipment issues.
To make apple cider vinegar, a process of double fermentation must occur. First, apples are crushed and exposed to yeast, yielding alcohol, and then that alcohol is fermented again to create the vinegar. As pointed out in an earlier article, adding probiotics, which apple cider vinegar is, to one’s diet strengthens the gut.
Apple cider vinegar is full of healthy bacteria and enzymes, especially coming from the vinegar’s “mother” which is the epicenter of all the healthy aspects of the vinegar. If consuming raw and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, there are certain recommended quantities. According to Harvard’s Robert H. Shmerling, MD, the recommended dosage is 1 or 2 teaspoons per day diluted in a glass of water before or during mealtime. With unpasteurized vinegar, one must always be careful with quantities and the need for dilution because of the vinegar’s high acetic levels that can damage tooth enamel.
Probiotics are Becoming Commonplace
Sam Danley, in a recent article for Food Business News, reported on how consumers are focusing more on digestive vitality which has brought probiotics to the forefront. His company surveyed more than 13,000 consumers and based on the data more users are adding probiotics to their diet.
John Quilter, vice president of Kerry, an OU kosher certified company, in addressing this topic, said, “consumers want to see functional ingredients in their favorite food and beverage products, and they’re increasingly well educated about the role of probiotics and their ability to support both digestive health and overall wellness.” Kerry is also vested in probiotic ingredients, offering their Ganeden BC30 probiotic ingredient to the industrial market at large.
There are many potential health benefits from apple cider vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss
Apple cider vinegar has very few calories and curbs the appetite. As Luiza Petre, MD, states, “Vinegar could lead to metabolic changes that support weight loss.” Another study showed that in a group that consumed apple cider vinegar on strict doses versus a placebo group that did not, more weight loss was realized by those who consumed the apple cider vinegar. In addition, a study in Japan monitored a group that added apple cider vinegar to their diet which resulted in weight loss.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Diabetes
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to reduce glucose levels in the blood. In a 2004 study, a group was given apple cider vinegar after eating a meal consisting of a bagel, orange juice and butter. After checking their levels, there was a reduction in their blood glucose levels. Also, Amy Leigh Mercree, who authored the Apple Cider Vinegar Handbook, says, “ACV can prevent insulin resistance, a symptom of pre-diabetes.”
Apple Cider Vinegar Fights Off Bad Bacteria
The Ultimate Paleo Guide notes that apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties. It can fight off gastrological issues and can prevent food poisoning from E. coli bacteria. Laura C. Stix ND, notes that, “Increasing stomach acid means the pH level of the stomach goes down, which helps kill any bad microbes that we may get exposed to through our foods.”
Major OU Kosher Certified Companies in the Market
Classic Heinz apple cider vinegar.
There are different methods by which to ingest apple cider vinegar, the most popular one being in liquid form. Nutraceutical Corporation, an OU certified company, under its Dynamic Health brand offers Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother and Natural Honey. Besides providing the optimum amount of healthy bacteria and enzymes, it has the added flavorful taste of honey.
Also, in liquid form, Heinz, an OU kosher certified company, sells Apple Cider Vinegar (see picture to left) and in addition offers All Natural Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar. Mizkan America Inc., another OU kosher certified company, offers Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother under its Nature’s Intent brand. With these products, you can attain all variations of apple cider vinegar, whether it be raw and unpasteurized with the mother or pasteurized or with extra flavor.
The Apple Cider Vinegar Market
It’s no surprise that the apple cider vinegar market is expanding considering the fact that consumers have gained a greater consciousness in the area of probiotics. According to Fortune Business Insights, by the year 2028 the global apple cider vinegar market is forecasted to be worth 789.37 million dollars, a 4% increase over the current market which is valued at 561.57 million. In North America the market is currently valued at 277.9 million.
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar, when taken in the right doses, can have many potential health benefits. Helping with weight loss, reducing blood sugar and fighting off bad bacteria are just a few. There’s no shortage of kosher products in this area and it’s a growing market, so if one were to consider adding it to their daily regimen there’s a range of possibilities.