Bragg - Apple Cider Vinegar - 946 ml

What is apple cider vinegar?

Bragg is the world's most renowned apple cider vinegar brand, producing high-quality, organic products for over a century! (Source: Bragg.com). The long-standing but dynamic company provide a guarantee that each product is made with organically-grown apples, and without the use of any additives or preservatives. 

The use of vinegar has been dated back to centuries ago, where it was first used to heal wounds, and for hand cleansing. (Source: NCBI). More recently, apple cider vinegar was discovered by produced from apples, by first applying yeast to fresh apples to initiate the fermentation process. Second, additional bacteria, commonly Acetobacteriaceae, are applied to further ferment the bacteria producing acetic acid, the main vinegar compound. (Source: Wiley). 

Key health aspects of apple cider vinegar

While apple cider vinegar does not help to 'detox' or 'rid' the body of toxins as has been previously believed, it does contain a range of healthful compounds. These include antimicrobial compounds, antioxidants and phytonutrients from the original apple fruit. The cider vinegar if consumed regularly is also believed to prove antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects. (Source: NCBI)

Acetic acid

This is the main compound in cider vinegar, which gives it the robust, sour scent and taste. Aesthetics aside, however, this acid can combine with cellulose to form a highly nutritious compound that is referred to as the 'Mother of Vinegar'. Many other vinegar types do not contain this, as they are filtered, while, Bragg's apple cider vinegar is unfiltered. This allows the 'Mother' to maintain it's integrity. 

This acetic acid-cullulose compound is believed to exert many beneficial impacts in the body. Namely, it can aid the maintenance of healthy gut bacteria and functional digestive system. Acetic acid is a well-known defense against pathogenic or 'harmful' bacteria (Source: Wiley), many of which can reside in our foods and cause distress in our bodies. 

Antioxidants 

The plant compounds derived from the raw apples may provide antioxidant impacts when in the body. They do this by simply eradicating the buildup of harmful molecules, called reactive species, that can damage our tissues and cause inflammation. 

Blood sugar control 

There is emerging evidence supporting the impact of apple cider vinegar, namely acetic acid, on blood glucose responses. When we eat carbohydrates, our blood sugar rises, the extent of which depends on our individual insulin response and the glycemic load of the food consumed. 

High-GI foods and meals can be problematic for those with poor insulin sensitivity, prediabetes, or diabetes. In one study, when overweight patients supplemented apple cider vinegar for 12 weeks, fasting glucose was significantly reduced compared to a control group. (Source: NCBI)

Weight loss aid

There is, unfortunately, a lot of misinformation surrounding supplements nowadays, especially apple cider vinegar. It is often advertised as a 'potent weight loss aid', which is not true. There has been one study that showed improved reductions in weight in a supplement group compared to placebo when 30g was consumed daily. (Source: NCBI) However, much more research is needed in this area, before making any conclusions.