Switchel is an old-timey beverage which is refreshing, energizing, healthful, and thirst-quenching. Back in the 17th century, switchel was a popular refreshment in the American colonies and it was a beverage for everyone regardless of social or economic status.
It has been drunk by laborers, sailors, politicians, and students because switchel was perfect for combating long days in the sweltering heat and kept them hydrated.
It contains just four ingredients: water, vinegar, sweetener, and ginger. The combination may seem strange but switchel offers a great balance between tartness, sweetness, and spiciness.
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The Benefits of Drinking Switchel
It Restores Electrolytes
Electrolytes carry an electrical charge in the body and we need them in our bodies for many physiological functions. Anytime we exercise we lose electrolytes as well as when we go to the bathroom or sweat. During times of dehydration is when the electrolyte imbalance occurs and the telltale signs of an electrolyte imbalance include anxiety, muscle aches, headaches, stomach cramps, joint pain, fatigue, heart palpitations, and dizziness.
Switchel is made with apple cider vinegar which contains potassium- an electrically-charged mineral, and it can help maintain a good electrolyte balance in the body.
It Helps Ease Pain & Inflammation
It combats pain and inflammation and that’s why switchel is the refreshment choice of farmers. It allows them to work just as hard the following day. With this being said, switchel is a great post-workout tonic due to the presence of ginger. Ginger suppresses pro-inflammatory enzymes associated with the aches and pain that come after an intense training.
Get Your Daily Dose of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps balance the body’s pH levels, aids in digestion by fostering the growth of healthy gut bacteria, keeps blood sugar levels balanced, promotes healthy weight loss, and protects the heart. Switchel offers a tasty way to get your ACV fix.
Enjoy the Healthful Effects of Ginger
You really don’t want to miss out on the amazing benefits of eating ginger. It has been shown to help lower cholesterol, improve blood circulation, reduce blood sugar levels, and ease the symptoms of indigestion. Also, it has antioxidant properties, therefore it can help give the brain a boost by improving mental processing, working memory, attention span, and reaction time.
How To Make Traditional Switchel
It is really easy to make your own switchel at home with these natural ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
- 6 ounces of fresh ginger root
- 4 cups of water or club soda
Preparation:
Grate ginger root until you have about 1/3 of a cup. Then, combine ginger, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and water in a large container. Stir until the maple syrup has completely dissolved.
For immediate enjoyment pour over ice or place the jug in the fridge and let it steep for 24 hours. You can add mint leaves and a tablespoon of fresh lemon. Enjoy!