Benefits of Apple Cider

Legends of Apple Cider

Much can be said of the legendary benefits of drinking apple cider, and apple cider vinegar. Our family always drank cider in the fall, when noses were sniffly. Then the kids seldom missed a day of school.

When we would be out raking leaves for hours on our one-acre lawn covered with big old trees, we'd come in for a cup of hot mulled cider and powdered donuts.

Sometimes we would have an easy dinner, where we may have omitted vegetables, or perhaps the kids just wouldn't eat them. We'd serve apple cider and rest assured that our family was getting their basic four food groups.

If someone did come down with a cold, we'd go to the hard stuff and serve hot tea with a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar. We saw miracles happen and early strep throat symptoms sometimes vanished within 24 hours.

Another serious home remedy was to stir two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a 1/4 cup of honey. A teaspoon of this mixture upon retiring would produce a peaceful night's sleep. Apple Cider for our family was one of the rites of autumn.

Of course, a visit to the cider mill was also one of my favorite memories related to apple cider. The fresh crisp air of fall, together with family and time to talk, seeing friends with the same idea, and getting the freshest apple cider in town made for a delightful Saturday excursion.

Scientific Evidence about Apple Cider

Scientific evidence about Apple Cider is not as easy to obtain as legends are to remember and pass along. But here are a few facts, and a great recipe for those who search for the evidence of cider's benefits!

Apples contain vitamin C and flavonoids. Vitamin C helps with wound healing and in reducing the severity of colds and flu symptoms.

Flavonoids are a family of compounds (there are more than 4000 of them in plant foods) which are currently being studied for their health benefits. Plants produce flavonoids to protect themselves against infection with bacteria and fungi, and to prevent too much oxidation, which can damage cell structure.

Scientists think that humans who eat flavonids may benefit from these properties, and particularly the anti-oxidant properties. In addition, pure apple juice/cider (with no sugar or preservatives) is an excellent beverage to drink during pregnancy. One cup of apple juice is a good source of iron, potassium, and magnesium.

In sum: Eating apples every day may really help keep the doctor away!

Pot roast with apple cider

Southern Food about.com

Apple Associations

Michigan Apple Committee