Raw Apple Cider Vinegar- The Elixir Of Life.

Apple cider vinegar has been considered a vital health remedy for centuries. It’s believed to have been used to treat various ailments as far back as 10,000 years ago. The Babylonians, the Greeks, the Parisians and the Japanese are just some of the civilizations that are believed to have used apple cider vinegar as a condiment, preservative and as a healing elixir.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Essentially, apple cider vinegar is vinegar made from apples. The apples go through fermentation, a process by which the sugars are broken down by bacteria and yeast into alcohol. The alcohol is then fermented further and that turns into vinegar.

What is the difference between raw, organic apple cider vinegar and conventional apple cider vinegar?

Raw, organic apple cider vinegar (I recommend Braag’s brand) is the kind that you want. It is cloudy and more amber in color and will have small pieces floating around in the bottle. These bits are referred to as “the mother,” the beneficial enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria that promotes healing.

Conventional apple cider vinegar is much more pale in color with no sediments floating around in the bottle. This kind of apple cider vinegar undergoes pasteurization, a heating process, which destroys “the mother” and therefore lacks the beneficial properties of the raw variety.

Benefits of raw apple cider vinegar

DIABETES

Studies have shown that drinking a teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar before a meal increases insulin sensitivity and slows down the rise of glucose in the blood after a meal. In addition, taking 2 teaspoons of ACV vinegar before bed has been shows to reduce fasting blood sugar levels upon waking.

WEIGHT LOSS

Raw apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss in several ways. Drinking 1-2 teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water before a meal will help to suppress your appetite. This is due to the pectin in the apples, which is a water soluble fiber that helps you feel fuller quicker. In addition, ACV stimulates the breakdown of proteins and the digestion of fats. Breaking down the proteins helps speed up your metabolism and decreasing the digestion time of fats, allows your body to absorb less of it.

GAS, BLOATING, HEARTBURN

Drinking raw apple cider vinegar diluted in water before a meal can thwart the symptoms of bloating and heartburn by increasing stomach acid. Too much stomach acid is often thought to be the culprit for heartburn, but the opposite is usually the case. In addition, drinking a glass of water with 1-2 teaspoons of ACV when you’re having stomach discomfort can help to calm it down. I’ve experienced amazing relief from this remedy when I’ve suffered from bad stomach pains.

DETOXIFICATION

The acids in raw apple cider vinegar bind to toxins and help carry them out of the body. In addition, it helps to purify the blood, detoxify the liver and improve circulation. Including raw apple cider vinegar in your diet can also help alleviate symptoms of constipation helping to release waste and toxic material from your body.

BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL

Some studies have shown that the acetic acid and potassium in raw apple cider vinegar can help to regulate blood pressure and reduce cholesterol, by improving circulation and balancing the body’s pH levels. By alkalanizing the body, there is also less chance for disease to foster. While the change maybe be slower than taking medication, at least you don’t have to worry about all those scary side effects.

ALLERGIES AND SINUS INFECTIONS

Drinking 1-2 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar in a glass of water in the morning has been shown to improve symptoms of seasonal allergies by blocking the body’s histamine production and improving one’s beneficial gut bacteria and immunity. ACV can also help to break up mucus and reduce inflammation, easing chronic sinus infections.

ARTHRITIS

One of the more popular uses for raw apple cider vinegar is to ease arthritis pain. The high mineral and potassium content in ACV may help to reduce calcium build-up in joints and relieve pain. The vinegar’s ability to improve digestion also helps to reduce arthritic pain because poor digestion can lead to improper absorption of nutrients and more joint pain.

CLEAR SKIN

So many people have experience clearer skin by introducing raw apple cider vinegar into their daily routine. As discussed above, because of it’s detoxification properties, it’s only natural that apple cider vinegar will also help to detoxify your skin, your largest detoxification organ. You can drink it in a glass of water or even dab some on a cotton ball and use as a toner on your face.

These are just some of the many reported benefits of Raw, organic apple cider vinegar I’m usually a skeptic of remedies until I try them myself and I have to say that raw apple cider vinegar is and will forever be a part of my everyday diet. I would recommend always diluting it in water as the acidity in the vinegar can erode the enamel on your teeth (drink with a straw) and cause you throat discomfort. You can also add a bit of honey if the taste is too much for you.