Benefits of Apple Cider

As the leaves begin to change and the air becomes cool and crisp, it seems as though the only drink that can really satisfy the season’s cravings is the fall favorite:  apple cider. Apple cider is probably one of the most popular beverages during this time of year, and it tastes great ... especially when you use it to wash down that delicious apple cider donut you picked up during that Saturday morning farmers market stroll.

While the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” stays true, in many ways, the same can be said for apple cider. Cider is made from fresh picked pressed fruit and it is not filtered like juices are – apple juice, for example - so it retains more nutrients. Here are some other health benefits of apple cider:

1. Pectin

Apples are a great source for pectin and cider contains just as much as the whole apple. Pectin has been shown to help absorb bad cholesterol in the body.

2. Vitamin C

Although fall is a beautiful season, it is also cold and flu time. Cider is an excellent source of vitamin C which is great for the immune system and cardiac health.

3. Potassium

One glass of apple cider contains 135 milligrams of potassium, which equates to about 4 percent of your daily needs for muscle, nerve and heart health.

4. An apple a day…

It isn’t always easy to get your recommended number of fruit servings every day. Good thing one 8-ounce glass of apple cider counts as two servings of fruit!

5. Iron

Cider contains iron – a mineral essential for brain and blood function – and about 2 percent of your daily needs exists in just one glass.

So, the next time you’re out and about this fall during an apple-picking outing or just roaming around your local farmers market, don’t forget the apple cider! Never mind the great taste, the health benefits of cider alone offer a great reason to keep on sipping all season long!

Source:

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/5-ways-drinking-apple-cider-actually-healthier-174100729.html