Made from fermented apples, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar includes what is called 'the mother,' comprised of vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids, antioxidants and probiotic-friendly bacteria. Apple cider vinegar is about 5% acetic acid, which contributes to it's anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, metabolic effects, and is the main bioactive compound responsible for many of its health benefits.
Apple cider vinegar is by far, the most beneficial, multi-purpose item we can have in our pantry. From health and beauty to cooking and cleaning, the gains are truly astounding. Ready to be blown away? Here are just some of the many medicinal advantages of this versatile, time-honored elixir:
Apple Cider Vinegar For Wellness
- Overall Body Detox - The body continually strives to achieve a state of equilibrium, and apple cider vinegar helps in this effort by maintaining a healthy alkaline pH level. Sipping on a chilled fusion of ACV, honey and a shot of lemon juice in a glass of water, is widely popular for it's detoxification benefits. When the pH level within the body is balanced, energy is restored.
ACV stimulates circulation, helps detox the liver, cleanses the lymphatic system, and rids the body of unwanted fungi, such as yeast, which can cause fatigue, fogginess, sugar cravings and infections.
Another easy way to detox our bodies is through our skin. Just add a cup of apple cider vinegar to warm bathwater, along with some Epsom salts, and a few drops of essential oil, then just lay back, relax and enjoy! - Energy Boost - Who could us a little more pep in their step? Exercise and intense stress can produce a buildup of lactic acid in the body, causing fatigue. The amino acids in ACV act as an antidote, while the potassium and enzymes provide a super energy boost. To combat exhaustion or lactic acid overload, simply add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water, or chilled veggie juice.
- Clear Sinus - When allergens or bacteria reach the sinuses within the nasal cavity, it can provoke excess mucous and blockage. Since ACV naturally bonds to such pathogens, it can assist in clearing the sinuses, preventing infection and their related symptoms. Drinking a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water, can help reduce the effects of allergies, due to it's ability to mitigate sinus congestion.
- Regulate Blood Sugar - Taking ACV after meals has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower post-meal sugar spikes when consumed with carbohydrates. Another study showed that taking ACV before bed, reduced blood sugar levels by morning.
- Healthy Teeth & Gums - Want whiter teeth? Since excessive use of undiluted apple cider vinegar can erode tooth enamel, the safer way of whitening teeth, is a mix of 1-2 teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water. Swish around in the mouth like mouthwash, then spit out.
Just like the body, our mouths are striving to achieve a state of equilibrium, too. The same mouthwash mixture above, can help balance the pH level in the mouth, and reduce bacteria and prevent potential gum infections.
The antiseptic properties in ACV also makes it the perfect remedy for bad breath. Again using the same mouthwash mixture above, gargle for at least 10 seconds before spitting out. Repeat until glass is empty. - Heart Health - The health benefits of apple cider vinegar also extends to the cardiovascular system. Studies suggest ACV can lower blood pressure, enhance circulation, and reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which are two of the major contributing factors of heart disease.
- Healthy Skin - Apple cider vinegar boosts skin pH levels, which is essential for a healthy glow. To replace skin toner, mix a 1:2 ratio of ACV and water. Apply to skin using a cotton ball before bed, or in the morning before applying moisturizer. This technique has also been shown to reduce acne, and dryness.
Got sunburn? Try adding ACV to bathwater to soothe redness and ease pain.
For skin tags and warts, rather than using a chemical-based remover, or getting them lasered off, simply saturate a piece of cotton the size of the skin tag or wart, with straight (undiluted) ACV. Dab oil on the skin surrounding the nodule (this prevents burning), and place the soaked cotton ball directly on top of the growth. Cover with white bandage tape. Keep on for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. Remove all and leave it uncovered for a day. Then repeat process nightly. Once it goes deep to the root (it will begin to feel a bit sore), uncover and leave it alone. It will dry out, scab over and eventually just peel right off. I know, sounds unbelievable, right? But, it works! This same application can also lighten sun spots. - Soothes Sore Throat - For centuries, grandmothers have stopped potential infections in their tracks, by reaching for a bottle of apple cider vinegar at the very first sign of a sore throat. With it's anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, ACV is great at cutting through phlegm, while coating and soothing the throat. Simply mix equal parts of ACV and warm water (add a teaspoon of honey if desired). Then gargle every hour until soreness subsides.
- Healthy Hair - Apple cider vinegar benefits hair in many ways. As a detangler and shine restorer, add 1/3 cup of ACV to 4 cups of water. After shampooing, pour it over hair. Leave in for a few minutes then rinse. Since ACV's acidity is similar to natural hair, it makes an excellent conditioner, cleaning agent and germ slayer.
Equal parts of ACV and water can curtail dandruff, dryness, itchy scalp and is a home-remedy for hair lice. It also strengthens thinning hair and removes product buildup. - Ease Leg Cramps - Oh, the dreaded, middle of the night, muscle spasm. Ugh! They are the worst! To end the pain, make a tonic using 2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water, and drink it a few times throughout the day. It can dissolve acidic crystals in the blood and provide potassium, calcium, and other essential minerals the body needs to eliminate leg and foot cramps.
- Aids Digestion - Apple cider vinegar improves digestion by increasing stomach acid production, which serves to break-down food more efficiently. Before eating foods that are known to cause indigestion, add 1 teaspoon ACV and 1 teaspoon of honey to a mug of warm water and drink 30 minutes before meal.
The pectin in ACV builds a protective coating in the lining of the colon, that soothes intestinal spasms. It also forms bulk-fiber in the gut, that helps treat diarrhea. Mixing 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with water or apple juice, usually does the trick. ACV is fermented, so it supplies benefical good-bacteria (probiotics) to the stomach that support the immune system.
To relieve acid reflux/heart burn, swallow a teaspoon of ACV and immediately chase it with a glass of water. Heart burn indicates that the stomach has low acid, which makes apple cider vinegar the ideal solution. - Weight Loss - A study conducted in 2009, found that subjects that consumed acetic acid (the main ingrediant in ACV) for 12 weeks, experienced a substantial decrease in body weight, inches, visceral fat and triglyceride levels that contribute to bad cholesterol. To manage weight, add 2 teaspoons of ACV, to a 16 oz glass of water, and sip throughout the day. Data shows significant weight loss benefits from sustained daily intake of ACV.
A short-term study revealed, that apple cider vinegar may be a feasible appetite suppressant, because it increased a sense of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake during subsequent meals.
Beyond it's medicinal benefits, and all it's fabulous culinary implementations, apple cider vinegar is also exemplary for washing produce, preserving food, and unclogging drains. One of my favorites uses, is pouring a 1:2 ratio of ACV and water, into a jar filled with organic citrus peels. After letting it set for a couple days in the sealed jar, we end up with a terrific smelling, all-purpose, sanitizing cleaner, for spraying counters, tubs, sinks, mirrors and more! We can even make apple cider vinegar soaps, air fresheners and deoderant. It seems the sky's the limit!
The most important thing to remember, when purchasing apple cider vinegar from the store, is to make sure it's organic, raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized and includes the mother. But if you're feeling adventurous, and have ever wondered if there's a way to utilize all those apple cores after baking a pie, maybe you'd be keen on making your own apple cider vinegar. Below is a simple recipe that tastes just like store-bought. Well actually, a whole lot BETTER!
Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe
Ingredients
1 gallon-size jar.
Apples (using all parts including cores, seeds, stems).
1 cup of CANE sugar (equals 1 tablespoon per cup of water).
Non-chlorinated water.
1 piece of breathable cloth, like cotton.
Directions
1. Fill jar with cut-up apples (if just using scrap pieces, include a couple fresh apples too).
2. Pour cane sugar on top.
3. Fill jar with water and stir well (always use wooden spoon).
4. Cover jar with cloth and use rubber band to secure tightly (don't want any fruit flies getting in).
5. Let steep for 4 weeks in a dark cupboard or pantry - everyday for first 2 weeks stir it, getting all the sugar sediment at bottom mixed in.
7. After 4 weeks, it is now an alcohol.
8. Strain the alcohol liquid into a bowl (removing apple pieces), then pour liquid back into gallon jar.
9. Optional: Add a couple shots of an existing apple cider vinegar, to jumpstart next process (turning it into vinegar).
9. Cover with cloth and let ferment for at least another 3 months. The longer - the stronger.
10. After 3 months, remove cloth, add lid lined with parchment paper.
Let me know if you try it! 🍏