My Experience With the Marukan ACV Challenge
We are an official ambassador for Marukan. For this post, Marukan provided us with product samples and compensation for our time. As always, all opinions expressed are our own.
The health benefits of apple cider vinegar aren’t exactly new — and I don’t mean that in the sense that you’ve probably been hearing about it for a few years. Sure, it’s often made headlines as a part of “detox diets” and the like, but if that’s the extent of your ACV knowledge, let me challenge you to learn more.
In ancient Greece, around 400 B.C., Hippocrates prescribed ACV, mixed with a little honey, as a remedy for coughs and colds. Since then, it’s been used to fight infections, manage blood sugar, and — most interesting to me — improve digestion because it contains probiotics.
While my tummy isn’t terribly sensitive, toward the end of 2020, I realized it was … well, let’s say it was acting a little more rebellious each morning than usual, and I wasn’t sure why. Was it stress? (Entirely possible!) Had my eating habits changed? (Probably — I’d gotten pretty tired of cooking every. Single. day.) Was it something else? (It could be digestive issues in my family.)
So, as 2021 kicked off, I began implementing a few changes designed to soothe my stomach. I switched from a mesh filter to a paper filter for my coffee to reduce the acidity of my morning joe; I cut out weekday booze. I stuck to just a glass or two for the occasional weekend happy hour, and in February, I began the Marukan ACV 24-Day Challenge — which turned out to be the most straightforward change imaginable.
As longtime readers know, here at FBG, we are all about focusing on the good things you can add to improve your health rather than looking at what you need to reduce—so knocking back an ounce of Marukan’s ACV each day? You can do it!
And that proved especially easy to do thanks to their new Marukan Organic Apple Cider & Rice Vinegar Drink Blend, which is the world’s first blend of apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar with just 1 gram of sugar per serving. Whereas pure ACV should be diluted before drinking, Marukan’s ACV Drink Blend can be consumed as a 1-ounce shot requiring no preparation or mixing — and I quickly found myself craving it each morning. It’s sharply sour, of course, and made with vinegar, but the blend offers just enough sweetness to give it a kind of kombucha vibe. It’s also tasty in smoothies; I particularly enjoyed mixing it with frozen pineapple, banana, kale, fresh ginger, and a splash of OJ, adding just enough water to help it blend nicely.
But smoothies aren’t the only type of recipe where ACV works well. The Marukan ACV 24-Day Challenge calendar (which you can save and print for yourself) includes recipes using their ACV Drink Blend and their new Organic Apple Cider Vinegar for chicken thighs, Waldorf salad, beef, and broccoli. And the recipes on their website go well beyond that, offering everything from Instant Pot-friendly recipes to sushi to marinades and more.
That being said, the recipe I’ve gone back to over and over again is one that also supports my goal to consume less booze. I’d been pretty into shrubs and switchels for a while but had only ever ordered them when out at a restaurant. (This means, of course, that I haven’t had one in quite some time. Thanks, 2020!)
As I looked into mocktails that could easily replace a post-work glass of wine, I quickly realized that the switchel was a perfect option.
After tinkering around with a couple of recipes, I found my ideal switchel concoction:
- 2 Tablespoons Marukan ACV
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- a blob of honey (probably around a tablespoon, although if you prefer sweet, use more!)
- eight oz. club soda
- squeeze of lime
Just be sure to stir it up thoroughly; I serve mine over ice, and trust me when I say it’s really a treat.
Now, something else I’ve learned on this ACV journey is that the type of apple cider vinegar you use really does matter. If you’re looking for health benefits, you want to stick to raw, unfiltered options that include “the mother;” filtering and heating vinegar causes it to lose the proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that make it so good for us.
Since Marukan has a 370-year Japanese vinegar brewing legacy, I feel confident when the brand says that its ACV products, made from fresh-pressed apples grown in the U.S., hit all these marks—and, on top of that, are gluten-free, calorie-free, and fat-free, as well as certified organic, non-GMO, and Kosher.
As I near the end of my 24-day challenge, the first thing that comes to mind is that I don’t actually want it to end. Fortunately, I don’t have to stop here — I can keep taking my morning ACV Drink Blend shot, mixing ACV into smoothies, and enjoying the occasional switchel in the backyard for happy hour. (I’ve started looking more forward to that than a glass of wine.)
I won’t say my digestion is perfect, but the improvement is notable. Without going into detail, let’s just say that my stomach feels better in general, I’m experiencing less bloating, and mornings are … more predictable. And sure, I’ve made a few changes, so I can’t chalk it all up to the ACV Challenge, but I’m comfortable giving it some credit. Between that improvement and the fact that I legitimately enjoy the taste, I think you can call me a convert. I’m living that ACV life and don’t want to return!
Have you ever gotten into the ACV habit? What benefits did you experience? Learn how you can take the Marukan ACV 24-Day Challenge here! –Kristen
Continuation of my Experience With the Marukan ACV Challenge
About a month ago, I decided to take on the Marukan apple cider vinegar (ACV) challenge after hearing about its numerous health benefits.
I had read about how ACV can aid in weight loss, improve digestion, boost immunity, and even enhance skin health, so I was curious to see if these claims held true.
I chose Marukan ACV specifically because of its reputation for quality and purity. I started off by taking one tablespoon of ACV diluted in a glass of water every morning on an empty stomach. Here’s how my experience with the Marukan ACV challenge unfolded –
Week 1 –
During the first week of the challenge, I noticed that the taste of ACV was quite strong and sharp. It took some getting used to, but adding a bit of honey helped make it more palatable. I didn’t notice any major changes in my body or overall health during this week.
Week 2 –
By the second week, I started to notice some subtle changes in my digestion. I felt less bloated after meals, and my regularity improved. I also noticed that my skin started to look more transparent and radiant. These early signs of improvement motivated me to stick with the challenge.
Week 3 –
As I entered the third week of the challenge, I began to experience more significant changes. I had more energy throughout the day, and my cravings for sugary snacks decreased. I also noticed that I was sleeping better at night, which was a pleasant surprise.
Week 4 –
By the fourth week, I was fully convinced of the benefits of the Marukan ACV challenge. Not only did I feel lighter and more energized, but I also noticed that my clothes fit a bit looser. I weighed myself and was pleasantly surprised that I had lost a few pounds without drastically changing my diet or exercise routine.
Overall Impressions –
After completing the 30-day Marukan ACV challenge, I can confidently say I am a convert. The benefits I experienced during this time were undeniable, and I plan to continue incorporating ACV into my daily routine. Here are some key takeaways from my experience –
- Improved digestion and regularity
- Increased energy and reduced sugar cravings
- Clearer and more radiant skin
- Weight loss without making drastic changes
I highly recommend trying the Marukan ACV challenge if you’re looking to improve your overall health and well-being. Remember to start slowly and gradually increase your intake to avoid adverse effects. Cheers to a healthier you!