The Many Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
The Many Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
While white vinegar, a common kitchen staple, has its fair share of benefits, it doesn’t compare to apple cider vinegar. For instance, treating health concerns that range from minor issues like hiccups to relieving cold symptoms. Also, diabetes, heart problems and much more. There are a lot of important reasons to keep apple cider vinegar in your pantry.
by Jon Bender
A Bit of History
Apple cider vinegar has been used for health-related purposes for centuries. Commonly used to help heal wounds, for cleaning and sanitizing and to preserve food. Even Hippocrates, recognized as the father of medicine, recommended a concoction of honey mixed with apple cider vinegar. He would give this to sick patients to help treat coughs.
How Apple Cider Vinegar is Made?
There are several ingredients that vinegar can consist of, including apples, honey, molasses and grains. First the apples are put through a crushing process. Bacteria and yeast are then added to the liquid to start the alcohol fermentation process. The sugars are transformed into alcohol as well. During the second fermentation process, the alcohol is turned into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria, also referred to as “acetobacter”. Acetic acid is the key ingredient in vinegar that causes its bold, sour flavor.
Unfiltered, organic, apple cider vinegar is nutrient rich. This contains a substance referred to as the “mother”. Included are strands of proteins, friendly bacteria and enzymes that give it a cobweb like, cloudy appearance. Many believe that it’s the “mother” that delivers most of the health benefits.
The Key Role of Apples in Apple Cider Vinegar
Apples are known for their health benefits. These include, but are not limited to reducing the risk of asthma, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Research indicates that consuming apples improves the intestinal environment. In addition, apples contain several phytochemicals that work as antioxidants. These phytochemicals are also found to be successful at lowering cholesterol and suppressing cancer cell proliferation.
Health Related Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains healthy ingredients. These include vitamins B and C, minerals, amino acids, acetic acid, citric acid, magnesium and polyphenolic compounds. All key elements for optimal health. Following are additional health benefits of this powerful vinegar option.
Disease Fighting Properties
The high concentration of beneficial ingredients in apple cider vinegar helps prevent disease by combating oxidative stress. This type of stress is caused by free radical toxins found in food, water. Also, in the environment that burdens the body. In a healthy body, free radical production is counteracted by antioxidant activity. If this balance is negatively affected, you’ll experience more free radicals than healthy antioxidant activity. Thus, resulting in oxidative stress. This imbalance will ultimately result in disease. It appears that apple cider vinegar has the potential to help the body maintain a healthy balance. This is done by adding antioxidant rich vitamins and enzymes which encourages good health.
Detoxifies
Having a healthy liver and kidneys is crucial when it comes to sustaining optimum health and a quality life. Apple cider vinegar can help protect the kidneys and liver by supporting the body’s detoxification pathways. Also, battles the constant bombardment of chemicals we all face environmentally.
Candida
When Candida is out of balance, it can trigger a yeast infection or overgrowth in the stomach. The balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut (stomach and intestines) is disrupted by many things. For instance, poor food choices and/or antibiotic medications. Candida can accumulate in the GI tract and grow uncontrollably.
Thus, candida can result in numerous symptoms, including fatigue, irritability, sugar cravings, digestive issues and poor memory. It’s important to note that apple cider vinegar is the only kind of vinegar recommended to fight Candida. This is because of its probiotic and other gut health enhancing elements.
Fights the Common Cold
There are several ways to take advantage of apple cider vinegar’s anti-microbial benefits. When diluted with warm water, it can help relieve a scratchy sore throat when used as a gargling solution. The acetic acid in the vinegar also fights bacteria and germs that make us feel sick.
Melts Belly Fat (and Hip Fat)
Apple cider vinegar can also be used to stimulate your metabolism. Also, combined with a healthy lower-carbohydrate diet and basic exercising. These include, walking or calisthenics. They can quickly melt away unsightly belly and hip fat. The famous Health Crusader, Paul C. Bragg, of Bragg’s Vinegar recommends the following:
- 2 tsps of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tsps of Organic Honey
- Put in 8 oz. of distilled or purified water
- Enjoy 3 times a day
Purifies the Skin
Apple cider vinegar can also be used to help stimulate healthy, vibrant skin by helping restore its natural acidity. Devoted apple cider vinegar users have said that it makes skin tones look more even. They also experience fewer acne breakouts. It can also help reduce age spots and other signs of aging and remove toxins from your face.
Here’s a quick and easy recipe depending on skin type. Combine 1 part apple cider vinegar and 4 parts water for sensitive skin; 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts water for normal skin; 1 part apple cider vinegar and 1 part water for oily skin.
Antiseptic Abilities
Apple cider vinegar has been used as a wound disinfectant and local antiseptic for thousands of years. This is due to its acetic acid. Numerous studies comparing acetic acid to common household antiseptics were performed. In conclusion, they verified vinegar can successfully kill an impressive variety of bacteria.
Promotes Scalp Health
Apple cider vinegar is frequently used to treat dandruff because of its anti-fungal properties. It also helps fight common causes of dandruff that include oil buildup and Malassezia, an irritating yeast-like fungus.
The Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar Are Not Just Limited To The Body… Here’s Some Additional Benefits:
Repeals Fleas
Spraying your pooch with an apple cider vinegar mixture after giving them a bath will keep the fleas at bay. Fill a spray bottle with half water and half apple cider vinegar. You can also make a bit more powerful flea spray by adding 2 or 3 drops of peppermint essential oil. Saturate your pet’s coat with the spray and repeat once a day for a week.
Eco-Friendly Weed Killer
Apple cider vinegar can be used as an organic weed killer. Not only does it do a great job, it’s an environmentally friendly option. Traditional weed killers are loaded with harsh chemicals that can seep into the water supply. Thus, ultimately having a hazardous effect on our health and environment.
Healthy Fruit and Vegetable Wash
Research shows that vinegar combined with lemon juice reduces the number of salmonella bacteria. These are frequently found on fresh vegetables and fruit. Even if you usually buy organic produce, there’s still a chance that pesticides are on them. So, give it a good wash with apple cider vinegar before eating it.
Handy Household Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
You can use apple cider vinegar to remove mold and mildew from shower curtains. Also, to unclog a drain or to remove stains and odors from clothes. Mix 1 part water with 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle. You’ll have a highly effective, all natural, all-purpose cleaner. You can also use it in the dishwasher as a dish detergent substitute in a pinch. Also, use it to clean windows, kitchen surfaces, microwave, glasses, etc.
Safety Considerations
Medical professionals consider apple cider vinegar safe if it’s not excessively used. Consuming more than 8 ounces a day has been linked to low potassium levels. This can cause muscle cramps and weakness. In extreme cases, low potassium levels can cause the following:
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Frequent urination
- Paralysis
Diabetics should avoid consuming apple cider vinegar because it can lower blood glucose levels. Apple cider vinegar should never be consumed straight. Because it’s highly acidic, which can cause tooth decay and damage the esophagus. It is highly recommended those with any chronic health condition, consult with their health care provider before using apple cider vinegar as a supplement.