Apple Cider Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Exploring the Nutrition Facts of Apple Cider

With its tangy, slightly sweet flavor and extensive health benefits, apple cider has become increasingly popular. But what exactly does this fall favorite deliver nutrition-wise? Below we dive into the nutritional profile behind cider's wholesome ingredients.

The Apple - Packed With Vitamins, Minerals and Fiber

Fresh pressed apple juice forms the base of apple cider. Apples deliver various vitamins and minerals, mainly:

• Vitamin C - antioxidants to boost immunity
• B Complex Vitamins - convert food into energy
• Potassium - lowers blood pressure
• Magnesium - builds bone, aids nerves and muscles
• Fiber - improves digestion and heart health

Additionally, apples contain polyphenol compounds linked to better blood sugar control and cholesterol reduction. That makes this fall favorite a nutritionally well-rounded fruit.

The Fermentation Process

What sets cider apart is the fermentation step. Yeasts convert natural apple sugars into alcohol, creating ciders signature tangy-sweet flavor. An unfiltered approach leaves beneficial probiotics and prebiotics intact for optimal nutrition.

This fermentation also generates key short-chain fatty acids that enhance ciders nutritional profile. Acetic acid holds antimicrobial power to fight harmful bacteria. Malic and lactic acids act as antioxidants while boosting mineral absorption and alkalizing the body.

Nutrition Highlights of Apple Cider

So what do all those wholesome ingredients add up to nutrition-wise? Here is an overview of raw, unpasteurized apple cider's key nutritional merits and stats:

1. Minimal Calories and Carbs

Cider delivers just 36 calories per 100ml serving. It contains around 9 grams of carbohydrate, of which 1 gram is fiber. The small carb load makes this beverage low glycemic for better weight and blood sugar control.

2. Beneficial Probiotics

Raw, unfiltered cider provides a source of probiotics for improved digestion and immunity. Key probiotics include Lactobacillus, Acetobacter and Gluconobacter species that survive ciders live fermentation.

3. Prebiotic Fiber for Gut Health

Apples pectin fiber acts as a prebiotic in cider, serving as fuel for healthy gut bacteria. Prebiotics enhance probiotic function to reduce bloating, normalize bowel habits and support overall wellness.

4. Bone-Strengthening Minerals

Cider contains calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus - all essential for building and maintaining strong bones.

5. Immunity-Enhancing Nutrients

Vitamin C leads cider's immunity-boosting nutrients, alongside vitamin A, iron and zinc. These vitamins and minerals ward off pathogens to reduce sick days.

6. Heart and Blood Health Support

The acetic acid and potassium in cider promotes healthy blood pressure and circulation. Polyphenols protect blood vessel walls from oxidative damage that can trigger cardiovascular disease.

7. Gallbladder and Liver Function

Cider's acids stimulate bile production to improve gallbladder function. Certain polyphenols also support healthy liver enzyme levels for optimal detoxification and waste removal.

Choosing the Most Nutritious Apple Cider

To enjoy apple cider's full spectrum of nutritional benefits, opt for raw, organic varieties free of chemicals. Unfiltered cider retains more gut-healthy probiotics than clear, processed types. Below are a few other buying considerations for optimal nutrition and wellness:

1. Seek Out Cloudy, Unfiltered Varieties

Hazy, brownish ciders contain the "mother" - a colony of beneficial yeast and bacteria that provides probiotics. The mother settles at the bottom along with wholesome apple residue.

2. Check the Ingredient List for Added Sugars

Many commercial ciders add extra sugar, sweeteners, and flavors. For the purest nutrition, choose brands with just one ingredient: organic apple juice or organic apples.

3. Store Cider Properly After Opening

To retain raw cider's live cultures, keep refrigerated after opening. Finishing within 1-2 months ensures highest quality and potency of delicate nutrients.

Beyond its stellar nutrition and easy drinkability, apple cider supplies vital compounds that target some of the most prevalent health conditions today. Savor a glass as a gut-friendly beverage that packs nutritional virtues galore.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.