Benefits and properties of cider
Every Christmas, every year, it increases considerably the consumption of cider, that delicious drink that in many countries (especially ours), serves to toast at Christmas dinners and meals in the company of family and friends. In addition to its taste, the truth is that we have a digestive drink that helps regulate certain intestinal functions, which is why it becomes an ideal drink after the copious meals and dinners so common in this special time of the year .
The cider It is an alcoholic beverage, generally low in alcohol, which is obtained from the fermentation of apple juice. That is, it is a drink that is made from fermented apple juice. It is therefore common that this drink is also popularly known as apple wine (although obviously it is not).
Although it is an alcoholic drink, it is actually low grade, having a graduation of less than 3% in volume up to a maximum of 8% in volume. While, from a nutritional point of view, 100 cc. of cider provide 4 grams of alcohol, 6 grams of carbohydrates and around 52 calories.
Nutritional benefits of cider
As we mentioned briefly in the previous lines, cider stands out for being a drink of natural origin with a low alcohol content, in addition to providing few calories and not containing fats. If we take a look at the calories of cider, we find that a glass of cider of less than 3% volume of alcohol provide only 31 calories. Therefore, everything will depend on the graduation of the cider, since there are some varieties that can reach 8ยบ of alcohol.
Cider is a natural drink especially rich in the following essential nutrients:
- Vitamins: provides vitamin C, vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B3, B6 and B7), vitamin E and vitamin K.
- Minerals: provides potassium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium.
- Other nutrients: as natural antioxidants, which help reduce the negative effects of free radicals. It also provides polyphenols and peptide substances.
Properties of cider
Antioxidant benefits
Cider stands out for its richness in certain antioxidant substances, in the same way that wine does. However, we can say that it would be a much more recommended and beneficial alcoholic beverage, since its contribution in alcohol is much lower.
Thanks to its richness in antioxidants is an ideal drink to protect against cardiovascular diseases Y coronary diseases. In fact, it stands out for its pectin content, helping in the prevention of myocardial infarction and arteriosclerosis.
Good for cardiovascular health
Precisely because of its content in pectin and in antioxidant substances, cider is an ideal beverage for the care of our cardiovascular health, helping us positively in the prevention of coronary and cardiovascular diseases.
It helps reduce high cholesterol and triglycerides. In the particular case of cholesterol, it is a drink capable of lowering the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing the levels of good cholesterol (HDL).
It is also interesting when there is hypertension, since its richness in antioxidants and minerals such as potassium helps regulate blood pressure levels. While its content in quercetin is a beverage that prevents strokes.
Rich in digestive enzymes
As with apples, cider is a very digestive drink, being rich in digestive enzymes that they help regulate our intestines, so that it is interesting in case of occasional constipation.
On the other hand, it also helps balance the intestinal flora. In this sense some scientific studies have found that it can be a preventive drink of colon cancer.
Other interesting benefits that we could not forget
In addition to the benefits of cider indicated above, it also provides other interesting qualities:
- It is a drink rich in polyphenols such as quercetin. This compound helps fight allergies naturally.
- It is a purifying and diuretic drink.
- It helps to eliminate uric acid, being adequate in case of high uric acid.
- It helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Useful to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Images | Rebecca Siegel / Sarah J. / Matt Beldyk This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesAlcohol
