Image Name : Apple Cider
Apple cider is popularly considered a fall drink that is not only pleasant to the taste but also nourishing in a multitude of ways. While most people tend to drink it hot spiced or cold as a refresher, a good number of them also drink it for health reasons. It is advisable to learn apple cider as a drink, its benefits, and side effects in order to enjoy apple cider without its negative effects.
What is Apple Cider?
Apple cider is a drink derived from the fermentation of crushed fresh apple fruits. This gives apple cider a different taste and nutrient composition than apple juice. In general, apple juice is pasteurized and well juiced before packaging for sale however, in some cases, apple juice does not go through filtration and some apple pulp is still present in the drink called apple cider. This makes it thicker and creamier and slightly sourer as well.
Different types of apple cider are also differentiated by the degree of fermentation they have undergone:
- Sweet Cider: This is another term used for fresh unsweetened juice extracted from apples. This type of cider is very often clean and extends no fermenting process and thus, alcoholic content. This type of juice is served fresh and does not contain alcohol.
- Hard Cider: Hard apple cider is when apple cider contains alcohol as the sugars from the fruit ferment into alcohol. Hard cider comes in different levels of sweetness and different amounts of alcohol.
Nutritional Content of Apple Cider:
Nutrition is of utmost importance and apple cider has all the key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, most of which are present in the apple itself.
Some of the main constituents of apple cider are:
- Vitamin C: It is crucial for immunity and healing the skin.
- Fiber: Helps in digesting food and prolongs feeling of fullness.
- Potassium: It is important for muscle activity and fluid retention.
- Polyphenols: These are natural Antioxidants which decrease the effects of free radicals.
Apple cider in terms of Health
The health benefits of apple cider are incredible hence the increasing use as a medicinal drink. Listed below are some of the health benefits of apple cider that are indisputable.
- Promotes Digestive Health
Taking apple cider especially unfiltered encourages good process of digestion. Apples have a type of soluble fiber known as pectin that keeps one’s bowel movement at a reasonable rate. Moreover, because of its slightly sour taste, apple cider can assist in transporting digestive enzymes around the stomach for a more efficient processing of food.
- Improves Cardiovascular Wellbeing
Polyphenols are present in apple cider and have been known to help lessen inflammation as well as enhance the functioning of the heart. These antioxidants stop the cellular damage by oxygen which is one of the contributors to heart problems. Besides, the potassium component of apple cider also helps in controlling blood pressure by regulating the levels of sodium in the body.
- Enhances Immune Function
Due to the abundance of Vitamin C in apple cider, this drink is perhaps the best drink for those seeking immunity. The vitamin contains unique factors that are able to enhance the immune system and promote the work of white blood cells in order to fight viruses. In this respect, consuming the apple cider would lessen the risk of such common ailments, as the flu, when the season calls for it, during the autumn or winter months.
- May Revitalize Skin
Certain compounds in apple cider are said to protect the skin from oxidative stress that could cause aging of skin surfaces and increased wrinkling. Moreover, it’s possible that a little bit of acetic acid is also present in apple cider, which contributes to skin pH balance. Applying diluted apple cider vinegar (not raw vinegar) can treat acne redness and irritation as well as prevent and reduce the severity of acne.
- Encourages Loss of Weight
Suffice it to say that more studies are required to substantiate weight loss claims. Some polyphenols present in apple cider vinegar, for instance, have been shown to enhance fat-burning processes in some studies. Unfiltered cider’s insoluble fiber may also help control appetite, thereby preventing overconsumption of food.
Image Name: Apple cider vineger on a wooden table
Possible Risks of Apple Cider Depending on the Case
Everyone apple cider is good for most people, but there are some possible risks to be aware of:
- Acidity and Stomach Upset
Since apple cider is quite acidic naturally, if a person takes too much, it may lead to stomach upsets, heartburn, or even reflux in some people. For those people who have sensitive stomachs, or, for some reason, suffer from acid-associated diseases, they better take it mixed with water or reasonably avoid its use.
- High Sugar Content
Various types of and especially sweetened types of apple cider contain a lot of natural sweeteners therefore high amounts of sugar are present within the drink. Consuming large amounts of this can cause increased levels of sugar in the bloodstream a spike that is harmful to people especially diabetics or those otherwise watching their consumption of sugar. If you wish to enjoy apple cider without the risk of sugar, try drinking it without sugar or having it in apple cider diluted with water.
- Risk of Tooth Erosion
The acidic nature of apple cider contributes to the decaying of the enamel which eventually weakens the teeth. The dangers may also be reduced by sucking on a straw when sipping cider and using water afterwards. More to this, do not wash your teeth after you drink cider, as the acidic solution will soften the enamel making it easy to brush off the teeth and reducing the surface.
- Potential for Allergic Reactions
Allergic Reactions from apple cider are uncommon but possible. They may cause itching, bee stings, or even other attacks. In case you have apple allergy or intolerance, it is good to speak to a doctor before taking apple cider.
- Increased Caloric Intake
Prevention of unwanted calories Although apple cider has its nutrients, it has sugars as well. When excess consumption takes place, additional caloric intake happens especially when sweetened versions are consumed. If you are tracking your calorie consumption, monitor how much cider you drink.
Advice for Proper Consumption of Apple Cider
In order to get the most out of apple cider with the least health risks, below are easy precautions to follow:
- Avoid Sweetened Cider: Opt for unsweetened or naturally sweetened apple cider to avoid the addition of sugars.
- Refrain from Excess: However delicious it may be, take caution and moderation in your consumption to prevent effects like acidity and tooth erosion.
- Add Water to Drink: Dilute apple cider with water to reduce its thick consistency and high sugar content for a more refreshing drink.
- Use a Straw: Using a straw while drinking reduces contact of acid with the teeth lowering the chances of getting the enamel eroded.
What Can One Drink Aside from Apple Cider?
On the off chance that you love drinking apple cider considering the taste but do not want some of the disadvantages and disadvantages it comes with, you can consider:
- Vinegar made from apple cider:
Pepper praise health benefits that come with apple cider vinegar indeed this can be cut to size tampered by water and drank in smaller doses. - Ginger or other warming herbs:
Many other herbs also have digestive properties and are effective in the form of warm teas. - Low Juice Concentrate:
Low sugar juices are at lowest cider content very sugar similar taste to that of the desired cider juice.
Final Thoughts
Apple cider is a tasty, healthy drink that can have several health effects ranging from preventing common sickness to aiding digestion and even the health of the heart. However, consuming this drink in excess may lead to side effects considering the health risks that can be caused by the level of sugar and acidity present in the drink. Fortunately, with the right type of cider and reasonable proportions, the offering of this seasonal drink can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet without any guilt.