The Healthy Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

If you are in the market for an organic natural substance that is both a superfood and an excellent medicinal product, look no further -- Apple Cider Vinegar just may be the ticket. This versatile and cost-effective "wonder drug," as some have called it, has a myriad of beneficial applications.

It also has a long history of use, dating back thousands of years. For Hippocrates, The Father of Medicine (400 B.C.), Apple Cider Vinegar was a mainstay of his medical practice. In fact, legend has it that he used only two main substances to treat his patients: honey and Apple Cider Vinegar. In more recent times, Apple Cider Vinegar has been a popular home remedy for both doctoring and as a nutritional powerhouse for use in foods and beverages.

Not All Apple Cider Vinegars Are Created Equal

Before we get into the specifics of how to use this amazing natural substance, let me clarify that there is a huge difference between most Apple Cider Vinegars available in the grocery stores and the "real thing." True, raw, natural Apple Cider Vinegar should be a brownish liquid containing a gelatin-like substance that appears as little cobwebs floating in the vinegar. This is known as "the mother of vinegar," and is a natural by-product of the fermenting process that is the heart of all the many nutritional and medicinal benefits. Choose an Apple Cider Vinegar that is made from whole, organic apples and is not filtered, distilled, or pasteurized. Apple Cider Vinegar is actually fermented twice, once to form hard cider and then again to become vinegar. Most commercially available vinegars are clear because they have been distilled, filtered, and otherwise manipulated to improve their appearance. However, by doing this almost all of the benefits of true Apple Cider Vinegar are lost.

How Can Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used?

A great way to start the habit of including Apple Cider Vinegar in your wellness program is to begin every morning with a glass of pure, filtered water with 2 Tbsp. of Apple Cider Vinegar, along with 1 Tbsp. of raw honey if you wish (some individuals prefer the vinegar alone, minus the honey). Many people practice this religiously, and find that it gives them a natural boost of energy, helps to keep their bowels regular, treats aches and pains, and even improves their skin by giving it a vibrant, healthy glow. However, I think that one receives the best benefit by drinking ACV water throughout the day. I recommend making up a gallon of distilled water or Wellness Water and adding 2-4 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and then using this as your water for the day. Some prefer to add a capful of ACV to each glass of distilled water or Wellness Water that they drink. It doesn't take long to get used to the taste of ACV water and most people find that in no time they actually prefer it over their regular water.

What Are the Known Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

The double fermentation process creates many beneficial enzymes and acids that are terrific for all of the body's processes, especially digestion, the immune system, and skin/hair health. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar includes a host of bio-active ingredients including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some of the main components and their benefits.

Pectin is a fibrous substance that clears the arteries and brings down blood pressure.

Enzymes in Apple Cider Vinegar help extract calcium from your diet and make it more available to the body.

Potassium is found in Apple Cider Vinegar (which also helps calcium to work better), and this mineral is needed for many bodily functions including proper cellular operation, strong teeth, fingernails, and healthy hair, as well as aiding the body to rid itself of toxins.

Several major antioxidants are also present in Apple Cider Vinegar, including beta carotene, which protects from free radical damage and bolsters the skin by firming it up and acting as an anti-aging agent.

Apple Cider Vinegar also has helped many people to lose weight. Researchers are not exactly sure why this occurs, but believe it has to do with how the vinegar helps the body to break down fat.

Malic Acid is also an active ingredient in Apple Cider Vinegar. This wonderful substance acts to fight off fungal and bacterial infections and dissolves uric acid, a compound that is often responsible for joint pain.

Other Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

The list of how people have benefitted from Apple Cider Vinegar is long and impressive. It makes an excellent household cleaner, a fine hair conditioner, and a topical treatment for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Many people like to marinate meat, fish, and vegetables with the vinegar as well, providing flavor, tenderizing, and adding a powerful nutritional punch. Healthy salad dressings and vegetable dips can also be made with Apple Cider Vinegar. Experiment with this elixir of health and come up with ways of your own to enjoy its many benefits.