Apple Cider
Apple cider —often confused with the misspelling cidar or cider (the correct spelling is ‘cider’)— has long been a fall favorite, especially during harvest season. However, it’s important to be cautious, particularly when it comes to unpasteurized cider. While it may seem like a harmless seasonal treat, unpasteurized apple cider carries risks that you should be aware of, especially if you’re in a high-risk group like children, pregnant women, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
What is unpasteurized apple cider?
Unpasteurized apple cider is made from freshly squeezed apples and lacks any heat treatment (pasteurization) to kill harmful bacteria. The FDA warns that these untreated juices may contain dangerous bacteria that can lead to foodborne illnesses such as E.coli or Salmonella. Even though most juices sold in stores are pasteurized, untreated cider can still be found in certain places, such as farmers’ markets, orchards, and some roadside stands.
Why is unpasteurized cider dangerous?
The lack of pasteurization allows harmful bacteria to survive in the juice. For certain people, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and individuals with weakened immune systems, this can lead to serious health problems. Food poisoning from such products can cause severe symptoms or even death in these vulnerable groups.
Where is Unpasteurized Apple Cider Typically Found?
Unpasteurized cider is often sold at apple orchards, cider mills, farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and juice bars. It might also be available in some restaurants. While the FDA requires unpasteurized products to carry a warning label, these rules do not apply when the cider is sold “by the glass,” which is common at local markets or farms.
How Can You Stay Safe?
To protect yourself, always check labels for pasteurization information. If you’re buying cider from a farm or market, don’t hesitate to ask if the cider has been pasteurized. If it hasn’t been, it’s best to avoid it, especially if you or a family member is in a high-risk group.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become a wellness trend, with many touting its supposed health benefits for everything from weight loss to blood sugar control. But are these claims backed by science? Here’s a look at what the research really says.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apples, a process that converts sugars into acetic acid. This gives ACV its strong, sour taste and accounts for most of its supposed health benefits. It is often promoted as a cure-all, but the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Lower Blood Sugar?
Some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar can help reduce blood sugar levels, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes. A meta-analysis found that consuming ACV reduced fasting blood glucose levels by about 8 mg/dL in individuals with higher initial glucose levels. However, this effect is relatively minor, and experts agree that ACV should not replace standard diabetes treatments.
Can apple cider vinegar lower cholesterol?
There is some evidence that daily consumption of ACV could help reduce total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. But much like the blood sugar effects, these findings come from small studies and should be interpreted cautiously.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Promote Weight Loss?
While some short-term studies indicate that ACV might reduce appetite and promote modest weight loss, it is not a miracle solution. Experts caution against relying on ACV for long-term weight management, as the effect on weight loss is minimal and not sustainable for most people.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Gut Health?
Since ACV is a fermented product, it contains probiotics, which can promote gut health by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. However, the benefits are minor, and other fermented foods like kimchi or kefir offer better sources of probiotics.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Be Harmful?
What Are the Risks of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar?
Despite its potential benefits, ACV is very acidic, which can lead to health problems if consumed improperly. Drinking it undiluted can cause erosion of tooth enamel, damage the esophagus, and contribute to acid reflux. Additionally, long-term excessive consumption may lower potassium levels and lead to osteoporosis.
How to Safely Consume Apple Cider Vinegar
If you decide to incorporate ACV into your diet, it’s essential to dilute it. A common recommendation is to mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water. You can also use it in salad dressings, sauces, or marinades to enjoy its benefits without risking harm to your teeth or digestive system.
Brief
While apple cider can be a fun fall tradition, unpasteurized versions pose significant health risks to vulnerable populations. Always check the label or ask about pasteurization to keep your family safe.
As for apple cider vinegar, while it may offer some health benefits, they are generally small and not well supported by scientific evidence. Additionally, consuming ACV improperly can lead to significant health risks. Moderation and proper dilution are key.
