Cider vinegar, also known as apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented cider. Vinegar is defined as a liquid that contains acetic acid, which is combined with water. In the case of cider vinegar, acetic acid is combined with cider to form this popular liquid. Over the years, cider vinegar has been linked to various benefits for consumers and for such reasons, the drink has many uses. The common uses for this type of vinegar include lowering blood sugar, lowering the risk of cancer, soothing a sore throat, weight loss aid, facial toner, preserving food, and for cleaning purposes. In terms of health benefits, this drink is linked to the killing of harmful bacteria, fighting diabetes, reducing belly fat, lowers cholesterol, improves the heart’s health and importantly, it has protective capabilities against chronic diseases. However, there are concerns about the alternatives of cider vinegar in case you might not find the bottle in the market near you. This article lists and describes the alternatives to cider vinegar, their uses, and benefits to consumers.
1. Balsamic vinegar
A different type of vinegar that is made from grapes, balsamic vinegar is a potential substitute for cider vinegar. This type is known to have a distinctive taste, which many have often described as complex and at times bold. Balsamic vinegar, just like the cider type, has various health benefits for consumers. If you opted for this alternative, the major health benefits that you would get include the drink’s ability to lower cholesterol, reduced risk of heart failure, reducing blood sugar, reduced risk of diabetes and controlling the body weight, among other benefits. Besides, if you have a skin problem, this type of vinegar is known to smoothen the skin and improve the overall skin health. Therefore, considering the benefits above, balsamic vinegar is fit enough to be used as an alternative for cider vinegar.
2. Fruit vinegar
Although cider vinegar is the most popular fruit vinegar, there are other types made from fruits such as pear, plum, raspberries, blackberries, and tomato, among others. Any of the vinegar made from these fruits would have close benefits like those linked to cider vinegar. Fruit vinegar is easily made from the peels or the inner contents of the various fruits mentioned above. If you happen to consume the fruit vinegar instead of cider vinegar, the following are the key benefits that you would get. First, fruit vinegar is linked to the ability to control cholesterol levels in the body, regulating blood sugar breakdown, assist with digestion, satisfy your appetite hence regulate the body weight and improve the body’s calcium absorption rates. In case you’re a diabetes patient, this type of vinegar is useful for preventing complications linked to the disease such as damages to the nerves and blindness.
3. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is a suitable alternative to cider vinegar due to its acidic nature and the fact that is has a low pH. In fact, many believe that lemon juice and cider have the same taste and most likely have the capability to serve the same purpose. With lemon juice, you can use it for hydration, in weight loss programs, improving the overall skin health, for digestion, and preventing the risk of kidney stones. Besides, lemon juice is a source of vitamin c in the body. In the stomach, regular consumption of lemon juice prevents constipation, facilitates digestion and improves the elimination of waste from the body. One of the reasons why it is considered an alternative to cider vinegar is the fact that it helps in controlling body weight.
