Apple cider vinegar has been getting a lot of press recently. From better blood glucose control and skin health to boosting immunity and killing harmful bacteria, the sheer number of proposed health benefits does make you wonder whether a single product could really live up to all those claims?
I met the prize-winning producer of ACV, Willy’s, at the Balance Festival over the weekend and was lucky enough to sample a few of their products. They all tasted fab (which seems enough of a reason to buy!) but I wanted to try using them for a bit longer to see what, if any, additional health benefits there might be.
Willy’s ACV
The founder of Willy’s ACV, Willy Chase, is already a well-known face in the food and drink industry. Creator of premium brands such as Tyrell’s crisps and Chase Vodka and Gin, his first foray into the health and wellness market is just another addition to this ever-growing list.
An avid farmer, Willy makes his probiotic apple cider vinegar using 100% organic apples from their 300-year-old orchards in Herefordshire, UK. For him, ‘ecology and sustainability are absolutely keys to every step of the brand’s unique organic apple cider vinegar process’.
Products in their range include:
- Their original live apple cider vinegar
- Flavoured vinegar, including turmeric + honey and ‘fire cider’ and balsamic
- Daily probiotic shots, available in apple + ginger, turmeric + honey and beetroot apple
- Kombucha ACV drinks, in flavours such as apple, blackcurrant and raspberry
Willy’s Organic Live Apple Cider Vinegar with ‘Live Mother’
Willy’s live, raw ACV is carefully produced by their small family-run business, whose ingredients are all locally and organically sourced. They make the product (which contains a blend of 48 wild apple varieties!) from scratch and never use any additional additives or refined sugars.
In addition, every drop of Willy’s ACV is raw, unpasteurised and full of good-for-gut bacteria known as the ‘live mother’. These natural probiotics, in turn, have been shown to have powerful health-promoting effects, such as boosting your immune system and improving digestion. The additional ingredients used in their vinegar, such as turmeric, garlic, ginger and black pepper further promote gut health and contain plenty of antioxidants which decrease inflammation in the body.
Willy’s recommends taking 25ml of vinegar per day to achieve these health effects, either by simply diluting in warm water or using it in recipes such as salads. To help you with this, alongside their signature ACV, they also offer flavoured versions such as their ‘fire cider’ and turmeric + honey.
The Verdict
As I alluded to in the intro, despite only trying apple cider vinegar for the first time this weekend I’m already obsessed. I LOVE Willy’s ACV and was particularly impressed by their fire cider which certainly packs some heat! I’ve started having 25ml every morning simply mixed with an equal amount of warm water, but also had a look on the website and tried it in some of their recipes.
It makes a great addition to a salad as a quick dressing when mixed with olive oil and, if you use the honey and turmeric, makes the process so simple since it doesn’t need anything else added. It also tastes great in mocktails and can be used to make other summer drinks. I felt great after drinking it too. Within days I’ve found that I had more energy in the mornings and I think my skin even began to improve.
I’d highly recommend giving Willy’s a try, not just for the taste but also for the myriad of health benefits!
