Coconut Vinegar Is Taking Over the Superfood Scene
Coconut milk, coconut flour, coconut oil—coconut madness has been sweeping health food stores for the past few years. But there’s one nutty product you may not have tried: coconut vinegar.
Chances are you’ve heard a thing or two about but another trendy vinegar, apple cider (ACV). ACV has been touted for its antibiotic-like properties and ability to help prevent indigestion and aid in weight loss—but not without a few moans about how terrible it tastes going down.
Turns out, coconut vinegar has all the same benefits of ACV, but with fewer calories and a much more tolerable taste and smell. A shot of coconut vinegar while not quite as delish as a kamikaze shot—is definitely worth the pucker though.
Popular in the Philippines, this type of vinegar is relatively new to the U.S. market, so there isn’t much established research on the benefits of it. But we do know a few pretty convincing facts: For starters, it’s a naturally fermented food, made from the sap from coconut trees. “This makes it extremely good for your gut health because of the prebiotics and probiotics (healthy bacteria for your gut) they contain.”
Looking for more than a Kickstarter for your gut? Coconut vinegar has most of the same health benefits of other foods in the family, but amplified, since the natural fermentation process improves the nutrient content of any fruit. Coconut vinegar, specifically, is high in potassium, B vitamins (bring on that energy!), and 17 health-promoting amino acids. This is an added perk since amino acids are building blocks for protein and muscle tissue and are linked to energy and fat loss. Plus, like all natural vinegars, the coconut variety also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which help fight illness and infections.
Not only does it offer a multitude of health benefits, but it’s figure-friendly too. With zero calories and no sugar, there’s no need to stress about adding it to your already health-conscious diet.