Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Apple Cider Vinegar

 
 
John 19:29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.
 
 
Apple Cider Vinegar was used in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Babylonia, Greece, and Rome.  It was known for the treatment of many medical conditions from simple digestive problems, gout, arthritis, liver and gallbladder problems, to wound care.
 


What's in it?Scientists have measured ninety different substances in apple cider vinegar such as thirteen types of carbolic acids, four aldehydes, twenty ketones, eighteen types of alcohols, and eight ethyl acetates.

It also contains important minerals, trace elements and vitamins (as listed underneath).   It also contains acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, enzymes, amino acids as well as roughage in the form of potash and apple pectin.

Minerals and trace elements

Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Chlorine, Sodium, Sulfur, Copper, Iron, Silicon, Fluorine.

Vitamins

Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Provitamin beta-carotene, Vitamin D


Not all Apple Cider Vinegar is Created EqualFirst of all, not all vinegar is created equal..pretty much the problem with most foods. You have to get unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized organic apple cider vinegar to reap the benefits...just plain old vinegar won't do it. Also, vinegar pills..not going to do it..The main reason is due to the "mother".
This brown stuff at the bottom..that's the "mother"


Many commercial apple cider vinegars have been pasteurized, filtered, refined or distilled in order to make the product look good, and thereby more appealing to the general public.
Unfortunately this extra processing destroys much of the healthy goodness and thus many of the apple cider benefits that were in the product in the first place.
The best type of apple cider vinegar to use is one made from cold pressed, organically grown whole apples, in which no chemicals or preservatives have been added, which contains the "mother of vinegar", and is not pasteurized. The "mother of vinegar" is a natural gelatinous substance formed during the last fermentation step. This is the part with the most health benefits. The mother contains the enzymes and minerals. Remember that apples are one of the highest fruits in pesticides, so buying organic apple products is a must.

Apple cider vinegar should be mixed with water, tea, or juice. It can be used is salad dressings and other recipes. For the best health benefits mix 2-3 Tbsp in to 8 ounces of water. Undiluted, it can erode tooth enamel and burn your mouth and throat due to it's acidic ph levels of 5-7.

I take ACV every day.  I took Prevacid for heartburn for years.  In all my research efforts to avoid consuming chemicals and preservatives in my foods, I thought I needed to not take chemical medications.  So in searching for a natural cure for heartburn, I found this.  Modern medicine is treating heartburn incorrectly and in return worsening the problem.  Heartburn is caused by indigestion.  Indigestion is caused by..get ready...not enough acid to digest our food.  So modern medicine gives you an anti-acid further worsening the condition.  Our stomachs need acid to digest food.  So, here is where vinegar comes in.  Add the acid to your diet in the form of apple cider vinegar.  The first day I tried this, I thought "This is going to go great.  I am going to be up all night with heartburn, can't wait!!".  BUT,  much to my surprise, IT WORKED! I have not taken any medications for heartburn or reflux since December.  There are certain medical conditions with the esophagus where these medications are needed, but I am talking about simple reflux and heartburn here.  I just mix it and chug it like it is medicine before breakfast.  BUT wait......my skin also cleared up and my weight is easier to maintain! So, let' talk about all it's benefits!


Health Benefits

Weight Loss

While it is not known why, many people claim that Apple Cider Vinegar promotes weight loss. Some theories suggest that ACV helps to speed up the metabolism, while others suggest that it burns calories. A number of nutritionists also believe that combining Vitamin B6 and Lecithin with Apple Cider Vinegar is highly effective for weight loss. A suggested remedy is to mix 2 teaspoons of ACV mixed with a glass of water and drink this before every meal.

Bad Breath

Due to its acidic properties, Apple Cider Vinegar makes a wonderful remedy for bad breath or halitosis. Simply add 1/2 tablespoon of ACV into a cup of water and gargle the mixture in your mouth for 10 seconds at a time until the cup is empty.

Skin Problems and Infections

Acne

Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural cure for acne.

Dilute the Apple Cider Vinegar in water by one part of vinegar and 3 to 4 parts of water.
  • Apply the solution directly to your skin with clean cotton, and leave it there for about ten minutes.

  • After ten minutes, rinse off the vinegar.

  • Repeat this three times a day. For severe cases of acne, the solution can be used overnight without rinsing.

    For more severe acne, the water ratio can also be reduced to 2 or 3 parts per one part of vinegar, but this stronger solution should not be left on overnight.

    Age Spots

    Apple Cider Vinegar contains sulfur that fights the effects of aging, which makes it suitable for treating age spots.

    Cellulite

    Many women have found that Apple Cider Vinegar can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

    Stomach Problems



  • Heartburn.
    Take orally mix 3 tsp with 8 oz water

    Constipation

    Apple Cider Vinegar is frequently used as a natural cure for constipation.

    Diarrhea

    There are various causes for diarrhea, and although it should not be left untreated, it is often a natural way for the body to rid itself of harmful compounds and ingested materials. Apple Cider Vinegar is a fantastic natural remedy for diarrhea since the high pectin concentration acts as a protective coating which soothes the irritated lining of the colon. A suggestion is to add 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to a large glass of water, and drink this 3 times daily while the symptoms persist.

    Major Illnesses

    Diabetes

    Apple Cider Vinegar may help to control high blood sugar levels, which is why it is often used as a natural treatment for Diabetes.

    Fatigue

    Lactic acid is released in the body during exercise as well as periods of stress, and this can lead to fatigue, which in turn can be combated by the amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar. The enzymes, as well as the potassium contained in apple cider vinegar can also be of great help in the quest for more energy and vitality.

    Arthritis
    Taken orally often helps relieve joint pain and stiffness.

    High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure
    There are recent studies that have shown that apple cider vinegar helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure in lab animals, but further humans studies are in progress to confirm.



    KEEPS BERRIES FRESHER LONGER!! 
    Try this one..Mix one part apple cider vinegar to 10 parts water and soak your berries in it for about 1 minute. Take them out on to a paper towel and pat them dry.  Store them in an air tight  container with a paper towel.  The vinegar kills off the bacteria and mold that make berries go bad.  The paper towel helps absorb extra moisture.


    You can buy it at your local grocery..Ingles, Food City, and Kroger have it..Walmart does not.  If you add honey, or stevia to the mixture of vinegar and water, it takes the bitterness edge off :D 

    Brandy Kisner
    Health & Wellness Coordinator