This fermented beverage is popular for its gut-friendly health benefits, try it this holiday season

While hot chocolate and mulled wine continue to be popular winter beverages, this holiday season, add tangy hot apple cider to your list. It is not just another drink, but boasts powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and plant nutrients that boost heart health and help lower the risk of inflammation linked to cancer. What’s more? It reportedly carries the same nutritional value as apples.

Health benefits of apples

Apples are an excellent source of phytochemicals, including flavanols, which are great for your body, as they help in managing weight and protecting your heart from disease. They contain polyphenols, which are linked to better heart health and controlling blood glucose levels.

They also have high fibre content, particularly pectin, which helps lower bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. Pectin is also responsible for reducing the amount of sugar and fat absorbed from food, supporting more stable blood sugar levels.

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that help keep free radicals in the body under control, maintaining a healthy balance between antioxidants and free radicals. This lowers long-term inflammation that can contribute to conditions like cancer and heart disease.

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Additionally, apples are rich in vitamin A, which supports night vision, boosts the production of white blood cells, and plays a role in metabolism. Their vitamin C content also boosts immunity, along with vitamin K, which prevents muscle cramps. They also contain quercetin, a compound known to support gut health and reduce inflammation in the respiratory system.

What you should know about hot apple cider

While apples offer many science-backed health benefits, the case may not be the same for apple cider. It may not have the same amount of fibre and may be a lot more sugary. Reportedly, a cup may contain up to 30 grams of sugar and 120 calories, depending on the preparation, while a whole apple typically contains about 19 grams of sugar and 110 calories.

Hence, it’s best to avoid consuming more than a cup, as it increases the chances of a blood sugar spike and weight gain. Experts also warn against consuming unpasteurised cider, as it can make people fall sick due to harmful bacteria.