The Truth About Apple Cider Vinegar and Other ”Miracle” Health Foods

Apple cider vinegar, more fondly referred to as ACV, is a popular “miracle food” that claims to host a multitude of health properties including boosting energy levels and even treating ailments. Unfortunately, most of these health claims need further research.

However, some studies have suggested apple cider vinegar may offer some surprising health benefits including killing bacteria due in part to its acetic acid. (This is what also makes ACV such a good natural cleaner.) Studies have even shown apple cider vinegar may help lower blood sugar levels after meals and promote weight loss.

Verdict: ACV is safe to consume in moderate amounts and is a great staple to have in any home to be used as a cleaning agent and hair/skincare product, but do not bank on it for being a miracle food until you have tried it out for yourself.

Avocados seem to be another one of those miracle foods that can do almost everything, but are avocados really as awesome as they claim to be?

Nutrient-dense, rich in fiber and quality fats, avocados may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. There is, however, limited evidence that suggests eating avocados can help us feel more satiated after a meal to help prevent weight gain. Even though research in this area is limited, we will still enjoy our morning eggs for breakfast with a side of avocado toast.

Chia seeds are small but mighty and are nutritional powerhouses. Highly nutritious and full of antioxidants, chia seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber.

The majority of the fiber found in chia seeds is soluble fiber, which, when absorbed in water, forms into a gel-like substance. This expands the stomach and slows digestion, which can help you feel full after eating a meal.

The best part about chia seeds is they are incredibly versatile. We recommend making a batch of homemade chia seed pudding or adding them to a bowl of overnight oats or oatmeal.

Final verdict: Chia seeds are a delicious addition to any health and wellness routine.

Cinnamon is a delicious spice that lends delicate notes of subtly sweet flavor to recipes. Most known to reduce inflammation, cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce some risk factors of heart disease, though research is needed in both areas.

Just make sure to select Ceylon Cinnamon, which is known as true cinnamon. Cassia Cinnamon can be enjoyed in small amounts, but larger amounts can lead to negative health effects.​​

Good for more than just holiday baking, cinnamon is a low-lift food that can easily be incorporated into recipes like baked goods, chia seed pudding, oatmeal and overnight oats.

Celery juice has become a controversial topic because some people have claimed it is the cure-all for everything from acne to obesity. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, celery juice is hydrating, low in sugar and full of flavonoids and phytonutrients, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Unfortunately, celery juice is low in fiber due to the juicing process, which strips it all away. So, our recommendation? Stick to celery sticks, but enjoy a splash of celery juice every now and then if you are looking for a refreshing glass of vegetable juice.

Coconut oil is another one of those foods you hear a lot about, but there is some controversy surrounding coconut oil and its miraculous health claims.

Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties due to its MCT content, specifically lauric acid, which has been known to damage the cell membranes of certain disease-causing microorganisms. MCT oil has also been known to reduce hunger, which means less snacking throughout the course of the day.

Some people even incorporate coconut oil into their beauty routine and use it for their hair and skin health. Others use coconut oil as part of their oral health care in the form of oil pulling.

Coconut oil is clearly one of those foods that are good for more than just baking and cooking, so go ahead and stock up, but like with most foods, remember to use it in moderation!

There is nothing better than a hot cup of coffee in the morning to start off your day. Many of us swear by it, but coffee is another one of those miracle foods that may cause some questioning. One day it is a miracle food, the next day it causes ailments, so what is the scoop?

According to John Hopkins Medicine, drinking coffee may help you live longer, it may help prevent certain diseases and it may even help to strengthen cells in our DNA and liver among other things. The Cleveland Clinic agrees and reports coffee may even lower the risk of depression and disease, but this is not an excuse to increase your daily coffee intake.

Consuming too much coffee, and thereby caffeine, may come with some negative side effects, so even though this is a beverage you will want to drink, do so in moderation. Learn to listen to your body as it will let you know when you have consumed too much coffee and/or caffeine.

Chocolate is a sweet treat that many of us enjoy, but we are talking about dark chocolate here, not just any kind of chocolate. Dark chocolate contains 50-90% cocoa solids and usually tastes pretty bitter, so back away from the milk chocolate bars.

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and plant chemicals called flavanols that, according to Harvard Health, may help protect the heart, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of diabetes. Unfortunately, like coconut oil, dark chocolate is high in calories, which can lead to weight gain if eaten in excess. If you are a fan of chocolate, swap milk chocolate out for dark chocolate and enjoy a small square or two when you have a craving for something decadent and delicious.

Garlic is probably one of the few miracle foods that deserve that title. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), “garlic is most commonly promoted as a dietary supplement for conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, including high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure,” and the good news is a great deal of research has been done on garlic.

The Cleveland Clinic even touts the health benefits of garlic because it is a rich source of phytochemicals: plant chemicals thought to ward off disease and help boost the immune system.

Another great thing about garlic is it is easy to incorporate into cooking and recipes, so if you want to add any of these so-called miracle foods into your life, garlic should be at the very top of your latest grocery list.

Lemon water is known for its miraculous ability to help people lose weight, which is true, but for a very different reason. Water flavored with a splash of fresh lemon juice can encourage you to drink more water and stay properly hydrated throughout the day.

Most signs of hunger are actually cues that our bodies are dehydrated, so by hydrating with lemon water we may find ourselves eating less simply because we are not hungry, but instead are dehydrated.

Bottom line: Lemon water does not necessarily help you lose weight, but it can encourage you to drink more water throughout the day and can thereby keep you hydrated, which means less snacking. Plus, it adds a fresh burst of citrus flavor to your good old glass of H20.

Manuka honey is another miracle food that is getting a lot of buzz, but like garlic, this food is buzzworthy.

Made by bees that collect nectar from the flowers of the Manuka bush in New Zealand, Manuka honey contains antimicrobial properties. Although all kinds of honey contain antimicrobial properties, Manuka honey is the only honey that contains non-peroxide activity, which has greater antibacterial power and results in a nutritional profile greater than its generic honey counterparts.

Manuka honey's antibacterial and antimicrobial characteristics make it useful in immune health and in improving digestion. By consuming 1-2 tablespoons on a daily basis, we are taking in beneficial properties that can feed good gut bacteria, rid the body of potential toxins and ward off bacteria and infections. Plus, it can even be used in an herbal first aid kit. Manuka honey is definitely a miracle food to buzz about.

Red wine, enjoyed in moderation, has long been thought of as heart-healthy. According to the Mayo Clinic, “​​antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols may help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. A polyphenol called resveratrol is one substance in red wine that has gotten attention for its health benefits. Alcohol itself may even have some protective effects when consumed in moderation.”

However, just like dark chocolate, this is not an excuse to order that case of red wine you have been eyeing, especially if you have a history of alcohol addiction. The good news though is any guilt that may accompany that glass of red wine at dinner can now be eliminated.

Turmeric is what gives curry its distinct and vibrant yellow-orange color, which you often detect in Indian-inspired food. The turmeric plant contains an active ingredient called Curcumin that, according to the Cleveland Clinic, lends antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, turmeric can help fight depression and free radicals, improve memory, lessen inflammation and pain, and lower the risk of heart disease. If salt and pepper are your go-to spices, mix it up with new flavors like turmeric, perfect for homemade hummus, soups and stews. Just be careful because it stains!