ACV, It's Easy as 123

In this week's edition of the Shoot Your Shot blog, we're taking you back to where it all started:  Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV).  In the early days of Favor, Ben's primary focus was, in essence, "how do I make consuming ACV less miserable?"  A few secret formulas and label iterations later, and the brand you all know and love today was born.  

But this begs an important question:  why would you want to drink fermented apple juice in the first place?  Great question, Jack!  Let's dive into what ACV is and why it's one of the most widely-used remedies out there.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple Cider Vinegar is the result of combining apple juice with yeast, leading to a process called fermentation.  When the sugar in the apples is exposed to yeast, it is converted into alcohol.  But don't get too excited, the alcohol isn't around long, as bacteria is released into the mixture for a second round of fermentation, turning the alcohol into acetic acid.  Most research suggests that this acid is responsible for a majority of ACV's health benefits (more on that later).

Why should I drink ACV?

Due to the process used to create Apple Cider Vinegar, it is classified as a fermented food, which play a critical role in creating a healthy gut microbiome.  Fermented foods introduce healthy bacteria into the gut that help us digest food and maintain a balanced pH level.  In recent years, several studies have emerged citing gut health as a key factor in overall health.  Roughly 70% of your immune system lives in your gut, so ignoring gut health is like trying to save the planet but forgetting about the ocean.

In addition to promoting gut health, ACV can also assist in blood sugar regulation.  Adding a tablespoon or two of Apple Cider Vinegar before or after a meal can help prevent spikes in glucose.  

The primary characteristic of ACV that deters people from drinking it is the taste.  As someone whose mom forced him to drink plain ACV every day as an adolescent, I can attest to this.  Lucky for you, we combine Apple Cider Vinegar with other synergistic ingredients--such as cinnamon, honey, ginger, and lemon--to not only enhance its effects, but taste much better, too.  

How does fermented apple juice have a Mother?

You'll often hear or see different Apple Cider Vinegar brands reference the 'Mother' being present in their product.  This simply means the bacteria that converts the alcohol into acetic acid is left intact, and the juice is completely raw and unfiltered, resulting in a cloudy appearance.  The 'Mother' contains dozens of probiotics and healthy enzymes, and is where all the good bacteria exists, so in removing it, you are also removing a majority of the health benefits associated with ACV.  For this reason, the Apple Cider Vinegar we use in both of our Wellness shots is raw.  

Hopefully that helps clear the air on this cloudy (literally) superfood.  And remember, we went through the trouble of making it taste better, so you don't have to.