Healthy Living Makes a Difference

It is said that in 400 B.C., Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used apple cider vinegar as a cleansing and healing agent. It turns out that it is not only valuable for our internal health but also used as an external natural beauty aid. Not to mention, it serves as a tasty ingredient!

How is it made?

Apple cider vinegar is made by crushing fresh apples and squeezing out the liquid. Yeast is added to the liquid to start the first fermentation process, and the natural sugars are turned into alcohol. In a second fermentation process, bacteria converts the alcohol into acetic acid, the main compound in vinegar that gives it its strong, sour taste.

What is “mother”?

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar also contains “mother”, which are strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria that give the product it’s murky, cobweb-like appearance. The “mother” is formed from naturally occurring pectin and apple residues. Apple cider vinegar is also a source of key minerals and antioxidants.

Why are people using it?

While not all popular claims of apple cider vinegar benefits have been fully researched, here are some of the many reasons why it has been traditionally used and recommended over time.

Internal:

• Detoxes the body
• Treats acid reflux and heartburn
• Supports digestion
• Kills candida (yeast) and boosts probiotics
• Supports healthy immune system
• Alkalizes the body/pH balancer
• Supports weight loss, appetite and metabolism
• Improves insulin sensitivity & improves blood sugar response
• Lowers blood cholesterol, pressure & triglycerides
• Fights seasonal allergies, congestion
• Cold and sore/dry throat remedy

External:

• Natural hair shine conditioner
• Natural teeth whitener
• An all-natural household cleaner/disinfectant
• Effective skin cleanser/toner
• Used as a natural preservative
• Keeps skin looking youthful & vibrant
• Soothes a sunburn & irritated skin
• Heals poison ivy
• Repels fleas on your pets
• Kills fungus on toes and skin
• Eases varicose veins
• Natural deodorant
• Wart treatment
• Relieves joint pain

How to use it?

Most people like to dilute ACV in water and drink it as a beverage. Common dosages range from 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml). Often, other ingredients such as raw honey or cinnamon, are added for extra health benefits.

Another way to incorporate ACV into your diet is by cooking with it and using it in place of white vinegar or even wine in your favorite recipes such as in marinades, sauces, dressings, condiments, dips or vinaigrette.  It can be used on salads, veggies or even popcorn!

What to look for?

Look for certified organic apple cider vinegar that contains “mother” and is unfiltered and unpasteurized.

Recipe ideas:

Healthy vinaigrette dressing/dip/marinade

• 1/2 cup organic raw apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup organic extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/2-1 tsp liquid aminos
• 1-2 tsps raw honey

Shake well before using.

Skin tonic facial:

Wash skin in warm water (no soap). Apply a wrung-out, hot water-soaked cloth to face 3-5 minutes, then remove. Then soak cloth in warm Apple Cider Vinegar water (1 Tbsp. ACV per cup of water) and again apply to face. Cover ACV-soaked cloth with towel wrung out in hot water. Now lie down for 10 minutes or longer with your feet elevated up on the couch or against the wall. This is said to bring more blood circulation to revitalize the face for cell rejuvenation.