The Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

What’s the hype about Apple Cider Vinegar?

I have always been a big proponent of apple cider vinegar and often share its health benefits. According to my research on vinegar, it is said to have been discovered around 5000 BC, when unattended grape juice turned into wine and then vinegar. Originally used as a food preservative, vinegar’s medicinal uses soon came to light. Hippocrates used vinegar to manage wounds, while medical practitioners in the 1700s used it to treat everything from poison ivy and croup to stomach aches. Vinegar was even used to treat diabetes. Vinegar, which means “sour wine” in French, can be made from virtually any carbohydrate that can be fermented, including grapes, dates, coconut, potatoes, beets, and of course, apples. Additionally, vinegar is made through a long, slow fermentation process, leaving it rich in bioactive components like acetic acid, gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, caffeic acid, and more, giving it potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and many other beneficial properties. “Mother” of vinegar, a cobweb-like amino acid-based substance found in unprocessed, unfiltered vinegar, indicates your vinegar is of the best quality. Most manufacturers pasteurize and filter their vinegar to prevent the mother from forming, but the “murky” kind is best, especially if you’re planning to consume it. Vinegar is not only useful for cooking, it’s useful for health purposes, cleaning, garden care, hygiene, and much more. A jug of vinegar is easily one of the most economical and versatile remedies around. Here are some of the health conditions that AC vinegar can benefit the most: Diabetes, heart health, weight loss, sinus congestion, sore throat (as a gargle), acid reflux, skin irritations, warts, and energy-boosting. I recommend taking organic apple cider vinegar with the “mother” daily as a health tonic. Two tablespoons of vinegar to 6-8 ounces of water. Always buy organic AC vinegar with the “Mother” intact.

My favorite brand is Braggs. It can be found in most supermarkets as well as health food stores. I traditionally Intermittent Fast 3-5 days a week. During the fasting hours (traditionally 9 pm-1 pm the following day) I sip on a tall shaker bottle of purified water, three tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar with the “mother”, half a squeezed organic lemon, and 1/8 tsp each of the following (Cayenne pepper, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Ginger, Himalayan Sea Salt).

I am happy to discuss the benefits of Intermittent Fasting (IF) and the above “cocktail” in the office or as a future Health Tip!