Even though apple cider vinegar has been used since 400 BC when Hippocrates proclaimed it to be a medicinal miracle, its use to promote wellness is just now starting to catch on outside of holistic circles. The Father of Medicine would mix it with honey as a prescription for his patients. However, just one ounce of apple cider vinegar in any form can be just as effective in improving overall health. Before moving on to the popular uses and benefits of apple cider vinegar, let’s address which ones are the best.
Choosing the Best Apple Cider Vinegar
To enjoy maximum benefits of apple cider vinegar, it’s essential to choose the right kind. You’ll want to go with a raw, unfiltered, wholly organic apple cider, because non-organic apples typically contain pesticides and/or GMO’s — two items that should never be involved in any health regimen. You’ll note that some brands claim to contain ‘mother’ on their labels. This indicates that it boasts mother strands of proteins, valuable enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give the cider a murky appearance. Essentially, the best apple cider vinegar you can choose should be organic and feature ‘mother.’
The Amazing Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Household Cleaning to Clearing the Weeds
You likely know that vinegar solutions make excellent non-toxic household cleaners. From countertop cleanups to tackling bathrooms, it’s a cheaper and healthier alternative to most cleansers that inundate your lungs and have you bathing in harmful fumes. However, top-quality apple cider vinegar boasts bacteria-fighting abilities that aren’t in most standard grade vinegar. With the cleaning done, you can take your half-vinegar/half-water solution and use it as a weed killer.
2. Natural Weight Loss
Apple cider vinegar’s effectiveness in promoting natural weight loss is likely the primary reason it’s surging in popularity. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which studies have proven slows fat accumulation, making it a valuable tool for weight-loss seekers. It’s also reported to give users a feeling of fullness and curbs cravings. The fact that its high in potassium and acetic acids, allows it to boost energy levels and combat lactic acid buildups post-exercise, which greatly benefits dieters. Consider using it as a salad dressing to supplement your dietary efforts.
3. Daily Detox
Apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium, an essential substance that helps clear lymph nodes and break up mucus. An ounce a day improves circulation vital to liver detoxification, and the acetic acid binds to toxins and flushes them out of the body. If you’re serious about detox, consider supplementing your daily routine with calcium montmorillonite clay — another natural detox and mineralizing health product.
4. Lower Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and Triglycerides
It appears that apple cider vinegar helps lower blood sugar levels, which also contributes to its weight loss attributes. Additionally, the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published a study exhibiting that it can lower cholesterol and triglycerides — two primary contributors to health issues today.
5. Diabetes Prevention
Diabetes is a major health concern around the world, but the good news is that apple cider’s ability to lower blood sugar levels can help prevent the onset of diabetic symptoms. Its anti-glycemic properties can also help regulate insulin sensitivity in those with the disease.
6. Itching, Bruising, and Sunburns
This healing solution is a natural anti-inflammation wonder. Just dab a bit of concentrated apple cider vinegar on itchy areas and bruises to help soothe your skin. This is the perfect way to handle poison ivy, insect bites, scratches, and stings naturally. Sunburn pain is uncomfortable, but you can add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath for fast relief..
7. Digestive Relief
If you suffer from ulcers, slow digestion, or went a little heavy on the hot sauce (or plan to), take a tablespoon or two of diluted ACV. Apples contain pectin, which can help remedy intestinal spasms and its anti-bacterial and antibiotic properties can help soothe upset tummies.
There are literally dozens of conditions that apple cider vinegar is purported to help, so there’s no reason to not incorporate this natural remedy that’s been used for thousands of years into your daily health regimen. Considering it costs about the same as a bottle of vitamins or one household cleaner — why wouldn’t you give yourself a shot at apple cider vinegar?