NY’S LATEST FIT DRINK

What similarities do Karlie Kloss and a 19th century Amish hay farmer share? Well, their drink of choice – a ginger, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and maple syrup mix called Switchel. The tincture, glugged by thirsty farmers to keep hydrated during harvest has, in an unlikely turn, become the wellness drink of choice for NYC’S discerning fitterati due to its reported healthboosting properties and natural electrolytes. But is it really good for you? Time to break it down:

GRATED ROOT GINGER

Ginger is quite the wonder spice, with studies showing it may even help to prevent cancer. Its daily consumption has also been linked to less achy muscles post-exercise. The claim that Switchel is nature’s sports drink? That’s from the ginger: ‘The sodium and potassium content may replace electrolytes lost through sweat,’ says registered nutritionist Claire Baseley. Okay, now we’re interested…

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Want to fight fat, reduce calorie intake and manage the blood-sugar spiking effect of carbs? Make apple cider vinegar your new best friend. ‘Early studies have shown it can improve insulin response and may contribute to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes,’ says Baseley.

MAPLE SYRUP

Packed full off healthboosting compounds, that maple syrup may protect you from Alzheimer’s, according to research. But, warns registered nutritionist Sarah Coe, ‘It’s made up of around 60 percent sugars, providing around 3 cals per gram.’ Maximise the benefits by choosing nutrient-dense and antioxidant-rich darker varieties.

LEMON JUICE

It may be tart but boy is this juice worth taking – thanks to its abundance of vitamin C (‘2tbsp contain 14% of your RDA,’ says Baseley). This vitamin will not only fend off performance busting bugs, it will also support your skin against the elements; studies show that vitamin C-rich diets equal younger, less wrinkled skin. Score!