How to Boost Your Apple Cider Vinegar Intake

Apples and autumn go together like shoes and socks, like horses and carriages – like Netflix and chilling! Nothing’s cozier on a crisp fall evening than curling up on the couch with a steaming cup of hot apple cider... except maybe tucking into a warm apple pie with coffee.

And apple cider vinegar…

*Record scratch*

Ok, so apple cider vinegar by itself isn’t so cozy – in fact, it’s downright offensive! But with a little imagination, you can reap all the great health benefits apple cider vinegar has to offer in some inspiring new recipes.

Top health benefits of apple cider

It’s not always easy to figure out what to mix this potent vinegar into, but the current research on apple cider vinegar is showing that it’s worth the effort! Apple cider vinegar is showing promising results in:

• Killing harmful bacteria, such as E. Coli
• Naturally lowering blood sugar levels
• Reducing belly fat and contributing to overall weight loss
• Possibly lowering cholesterol levels

How much apple cider vinegar should I take each day?

Typically, people ingest somewhere around 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day.

If you’re new to apple cider vinegar, be sure to start slow and always dilute it, as it’s an acidic substance and can cause irritation. Start with one teaspoon per day and if no adverse reaction occurs, try these great ideas below to get more ‘ACV’ into your diet!

6 clever ways to get more apple cider into your diet

Because apple cider vinegar isn’t too tasty by itself, many people mix it with water before they drink it. While this helps keep you hydrated, drinking it every day like this can get boring!

So, to inspire more creative and tastier ways to get ACV into your diet, check out the list we’ve curated below! Anywhere you’d use a dash of vinegar, you can probably use apple cider vinegar!

1. Marinade

From meats like chicken and beef to veggies like carrots and squash, ACV makes a delightful marinade. Its high acidity cuts into those tough meats and root vegetables, offsetting salty flavors to create a truly balanced ‘sweet ‘n’ sour’ palate.

Quick Cooking Tip –> Combine ACV with red wine, soy sauce, garlic, onions and cayenne pepper for a wallop of meat-marinading magic!

2. Salad Vinaigrette

Dress up and bedazzle that basic salad with a bright and tangy, ACV dressing! Making a vinaigrette at-home is usually a healthier option than cream-based and store-bought dressings – plus, it’s a great excuse for getting more greens into your diet!

Quick Cooking Tip –> Combine ACV with olive oil, minced garlic and ginger for an irresistibly ‘zingy’ vinaigrette.

3. Soups + Sauces

Bring those soups and sauces to life with a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar! ACV rounds out sauces, especially tomato-based sauces that need a fuller flavor. It also pumps up the volume in soups, creating a bold, tangy taste that’s hard to beat.

Quick Cooking Tip –> If your soup or sauce is lacking life, splash in a bit of ACV to taste!

5. Baking

Known as something of a magician when it comes to vegan baked treats that don’t include eggs, apple cider vinegar helps enhance both flavor and texture in baked goods. ACV can be added to both baking and candy-making, such as caramels, to create a well-rounded, light and sweet flavor!

6. Drinks

Finally, there’s nothing like a splash of apple cider vinegar in your fall-inspired drinks, like hot apple cider. Hot or cold, you can add ACV into any of your recipes that need a nice hit of tangy flavor – from ciders to smoothies!

Quick Cooking Tip –> Mix ACV with cinnamon, cloves, honey, lemon juice and hot water for a lovely autumn elixir!

‘Tis the season for apple cider vinegar!

Remember to take it slow and have fun while you experiment with new ways to get apple cider vinegar into your diet, enjoying all the tangy taste and health benefits it offers!

After all, a bit of apple cider vinegar a day keeps the doctor away! That’s the saying, right? ;)

Feature image by Sarah Gualtieri on Unsplash