Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for runners

Opening Remarks

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”  Apt saying isn't it? But it's time to pay attention to yet another super-hero: Apple Cider Vinegar! Apple cider vinegar is a whole  medicine box in just a bottle.

It has huge benefits and its contribution of amino acids, raw enzymes and potassium mineral provide runners with an enhanced performance and recovery.

How it is made?

Its a two-step process, almost like making an alcohol.

Firstly,  apple cider is exposed to yeast. It results in fermentation of sugars. The result is alcohol.

Secondly, the alcohol produced above is added with bacteria. It ferments the alcohol further and converts it into acetic acid which is the main active compound in vinegar.

Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar also contains (mother) strands of proteins, enzymes and good bacteria.

Key Minerals

It has sodium, potassium, Iron and Magnesium. 100 gm will give you:

• Sodium: 0.7 mg
• Potassium: 1039 mg
• Iron: 1%
• Magnesium: 1%

Benefits

• Aids in weight loss. There is a study in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry  which proves this fact. IT  helps to break down fats so that your body can use them rather than store them.
• Muscle cramp prevention: Mineral deficiencies of calcium, magnesium or potassium can lead to electrolyte imbalances putting lot of load on muscles during a workout. A pre-workout consumption of Apple cider vinegar can help to prevent muscle cramps by providing electrolytes that are lost with sweat.  
• It helps the body to maintain a healthy alkaline pH level. When your pH levels are low, your body becomes prone to infections, allergies and low energy.  
• It supports healthy cholesterol and studies have shown that it can protect from arterial damage or oxidation,  which is the main risk of high cholesterol. 
• It has anti-oxidant properties.
• It helps in absorption of healthy nutrients from the food we eat.
• It is known to help improve bowel irregularity, thereby removing toxins from the body at a faster rate. 

How to consume? (Remember, the mother of vinegar will settle at the bottom of the bottle between uses and you want the healthy ingredients it contains. Be sure to shake the bottle well before pouring. )

•  You can make a salad dressing using apple cider vinegar.
•  Drink by adding 1 teaspoon of it to a cup of water and drink it once a day. Slowly you can increase the quantity to 2 tbsp to a large glass of water.
• There are some interesting recipes shared here for drinks. 
• There is another detox drink recipe shared here with good ingredients.