“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This timeworn adage might have a whole new meaning since cider fought its way back into the mainstream. Luckily for cider drinkers, recent studies have found that a half pint (8 ounces) of cider can provide the same amount of goodness as a glass of red wine, the drink long praised for its health benefits when consumed in moderation. In addition to sating thirsty needs, cider also offers several health benefits that make it more than just a tasty tipple.
Antioxidants. Cider, like red wine, contains quite a few antioxidants due to the “superfood” qualities that the apple provides. A popular word that gets thrown around quite often in the health world and with good reason, antioxidants are compounds found in fresh foods and vegetables that helps slow down the free radicals in your body causing negative health issues, including cancer, heart disease and aging. In fact, cider contains more antioxidants than green tea and, when consumed in moderation, can offer positive results outside of just a buzz.
Vitamin C. With antioxidants comes the immune system’s best friend, vitamin C. Vitamin C has been raved about for decades by health professionals and dietitians, and continues to stand out in the health world for its array of benefits. Some of the most common advantages of this vitamin include strengthening the immune system, helping control symptoms of asthma and the power to potentially boost your mood. With a few months of winter still ahead (and more depending on your location) and flu season in full swing, getting an extra dose of vitamin C is a great idea and cider has plenty of it.
Sans Gluten. An obvious point as cider does not include gluten (simply apples, yeast, sometimes sugar and additives like hops, berries or coffee beans), but those sensitive to gluten or just aren’t huge fans find cider a perfect substitute for those drinks like beer. With the demand for ciders ever increasing, breweries, bars and restaurants are meeting popular demand by supplying unique and tasty cider options either in bottle or on tap. This enables those who are gluten-free an opportunity to indulge and enjoy along with their company.
Stomach Ache Aid. We don’t suggest making a habit out of drinking cider to start off your day — to each their own! — but if you’re feeling under the weather, the carbonation in the cider can aid your stomach problems in the same way that the light citrus soda pops would and, within sips, potentially ease an upset stomach. The more bubbles, the better.