When browsing the internet, we have found countless articles on the healing benefits of apple cider vinegar. The majority of these articles are unreferenced and contain predominantly anecdotal evidence. While we don't dismiss these completely, they do need to be kept in context and you should always seek the advice of a professional health care practitioner when you have health issues.

Apple Cider Vinegar as a budget friendly digestive enzyme for protein

For each macro-nutrient in the body, there's a corresponding digestive enzyme. The digestion of protein is done by the digestive enzyme protease. When the body consumes protein, your body breaks these proteins down in to amino acids, and then uses these amino acids as nutrients for body function. While I won't begin to tell you that I understand the whole process, I will share with you that a major part of the digestion of protein happens as the result of the hydrochloric (HCL) acid in the stomach. If your acid levels are unbalanced (and something as simple as stress can cause this to happen), the digestion of protein becomes a struggle for your body.

We asked Central Coast Naturopath Julie McNab about the role that a good quality organic apple cider vinegar that contains the 'mother' can play in assisting the digestion of protein. Julie explained to us that she recommends many of her patients try the simple and cost effective addition of ACV to their morning routine. Simply take a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar, place it in a cup of warm water and drink it before your breakfast. Some people do this with lemon water, which has similar benefits in giving your digestive system a little bit of a stimulating 'wake me up' before your first meal of the day.

Of course, apple cider vinegar is also a great substitute for balsamic vinegar in salad dressings and a really good splash in the water you poach your eggs in will keep them together.  The better quality the vinegar, the better the nutritional value. We recommend the Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar. It contains the mother, the two smaller sizes come in glass bottles, and for those who use a lot of it, you can purchase it in a 3.8 litre bottle to save money (the bulk k size is no longer available in our store).

Need something with a digestive enzyme in it?

Depending on your struggles, sometimes apple cider vinegar just isn't enough to help you. With the introduction of Organic 3 in our health range this month, we now have a dedicated digestive enzyme in store. With Gutzyme HCL and Gutzyme Assist, this premium digestive enzyme formula contains Protease specifically for the absorption of protein. People say you are what you eat,  but really, you are what your body can absorb.

This article was originally published in October 2014 and has been updated in May 2019 to include information on a specific digestive enzyme available in store.