If I ever want a quick laugh, I think about how many of the wellness practices we take for granted that, ten years ago, would have seemed ludicrous. For all the tongue scraping, kefir fermenting, collagen quaffing, feet grounding, dry brushing, red light absorbing rituals we prioritise now, then, there were chubby pots of Activia and a near-frenzy for avocados. You’ll forgive me for adding one more to my ever-growing list of wellbeing fripperies: blending my morning bone broth with apple cider vinegar.
A beloved drink rich in collagen and amino acids, bone broth needs little to no introduction. It’s the result of simmering bones (usually chicken or beef) in filtered water for lengthy periods of time – overnight or even longer – alongside onions, turmeric and root vegetables to add flavour. “Bone broth is rich in minerals and amino acids that the body can readily absorb,” nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner Farzanah Nasser explains. “It’s also rich in glutamine, which can heal and support the gut lining.” Beyond that, bone broth is a ready source of electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium, etc.) – the clever minerals that help to regulate bodily processes and help with replenishing minerals excreted through sweat and urine.
Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, can be swigged straight from the bottle and is lauded for its ability to help with blood sugar management, support digestion and even bolster the immune system. “Drinking apple cider vinegar, either diluted in water or as a shot, is a popular wellness habit,” says Nasser. “Drinking a diluted form can help promote satiety (fullness), due to the acetic acid content, which slows down the release of sugar into the bloodstream and, therefore, supports optimal blood sugar levels.” As a shot, Nasser describes its ability to help with digestion and the breakdown of food, as well as providing a dose of beneficial bacteria straight to the gut.
Is there an upside to mixing them both together, though? According to Nasser, maybe. “There is possible digestive value in mixing the two, as apple cider vinegar can help to stimulate digestion,” she begins. “However, apple cider vinegar is usually added at the beginning of the cooking process as the acidity helps to leach out the minerals and amino acids from the bones.”
Like my nettle tea fixation, drinking bone broth and apple cider vinegar together is one of the wellness habits that makes me feel calm and, crucially, like I’m looking after myself. And, for that matter, my teeth.“The only downside of apple cider vinegar is the potential erosion of tooth enamel,” naturopathic nutritionist and founder of Rejuv Simoné Laubscher cautions, going on to say that mixing it with water is key. “You can take a shot – 1 to 2 tablespoons in 15-30ml of water before or after a meal,” she recommends.
Rather than dilute the ACV in water, I like to add a tablespoon into my morning mug of bone broth, cutting out a step (and a drink) from the ritual roster. It might not be any more beneficial than drinking it separately, but it’s not doing any harm. In fact, when I drink it, my digestive system is less cranky, less prone to sharp pain and free from the embarrassing groaning noise that tends to kick in around midday. Not only that, but my energy levels are more consistent, and I’m not frantically scrounging my desk drawers for chocolate in the afternoon. For all that and more, it’s a non-negotiable fixture in my wellbeing bag o’ tricks.
