## A few facts Cider is made by fermenting apple juice (more rarely pear juice, then it is called perry). Its strength usually varies from 2% to 8% alcohol, depending on the method of production and the raw materials used. Traditionally, apples with high acids and tannins are used for making cider. Sometimes, other fruits and berries are added to apple juice for a more intense flavor and aroma. The caloric content of cider depends on its variety, sugar, and alcohol content. On average, 3.3 oz of cider contains: - Dry cider: 40-50 calories - Semi-dry cider: 50-60 calories - Semi-sweet cider: 60-80 calories - Sweet cider: 80-100 calories ## What are the benefits of cider? Cider has a minimal concentration of alcohol, so it is not as dangerous in terms of alcohol dependence as other drinks. It also has several other advantages: - Not only does the finished drink retain all the beneficial properties of apple juice, but as a result of fermentation, additional compounds of substances beneficial to the body are also formed. - Apple cider contains polyphenols, plant compounds that act as antioxidants. They help the body fight free radicals and cell damage, reducing the risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases. Polyphenols also help reduce inflammation in the body. - It strengthens immunity and increases the body's ability to resist harmful bacteria and microbes due to its fairly high content of vitamin C, as well as other vitamins and minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and others. - The macroelements and microelements contained in cider improve the elasticity of vessel walls and prevent the formation of blood clots and plaques. Additionally, moderate consumption reduces the level of bad cholesterol. - Although apple cider doesn't have much fiber, it can still help people with constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. Because the drink is not filtered, it retains pectin, a soluble fiber that helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. Thanks to pectin, cider cleanses the body of toxins and improves intestinal flora and the digestive system in general. ## Who should avoid drinking cider? Despite a number of benefits, cider should not be consumed by people with diabetes or chronic diseases of the stomach, duodenum, or ulcers in the GI tract. It should also be completely avoided by those with cholecystitis, gastritis, or pancreatitis. If apple cider is not pasteurized, harmful bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli can get into it. This is especially possible if the apples used to make the cider were picked from the ground.