The use of vinegar has been documented in human history for centuries. The Babylonians used vinegar as a tonic as far back as 5000 BC. At that time, the date palm was used to create vinegar, wine, and as a pickling agent. Residue from vinegars has been discovered in urns from ancient Egypt dating back to 3000 BC.
The benefits of apple cider vinegar were touted as far back as 1200 BC in Chinese historical documents.
Today, the medicinal properties of apple cider vinegar have been discussed in modern medicine. Its benefits have been founded and confirmed. The phrase, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" may seem like an old wives tale, but the noble apple has proven its health benefits in so many ways. They are full of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Since they come straight from nature and are a pure food, apples contain no fat or sodium to speak of. When left unprocessed, the goodness of the apple transfers to apple cider vinegar.
Not only are all of the nutrients in the apple preserved during the fermentation process which turns the crushed apple into vinegar, but additional enzymes and organic acids are produced.
My favorite brand is Bragg's apple cider vinegar. It also happens to be the most popular. It is pure and organic and most importantly it is raw apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar benefits are vast. In addition to the fiber and antioxidants it contains, it can be used as an antiseptic as well. There are minerals, magnesium and pectin in it and they are all easily absorbable.
For optimal health benefits, a popular use of natural apple cider vinegar is as a tonic that you drink. To prepare the tonic, mix 2 to 3 teaspoons of the vinegar into an 8 ounce glass of purified water. Drink this before or during each meal. Many consume this tonic as a way to help to balance their internal pH and make their systems more alkaline.
It is important, however, to rinse your mouth before bed after drinking the ACV tonic as it can errode the enamel on your teeth. Some add a teaspoon of baking soda to the vinegar before mixing it with water. This will neutralize it before it hits your system. It is almost like a science experiment! When the baking soda hits the vinegar it fizzes up.
Some of the ailments that apple cider vinegar are used for are acne, asthma, warts, for weight loss, yeast infections, eczema, fatigue, fungus, headaches, heartburn, insomnia, sore throat, ulcers, and varicose veins - to name a few!
I also use Bragg’s apple cider vinegar to make salad dressing. I crush a glove of garlic, add a squeeze of lemon juice from a fresh lemon, Himalayan sea salt and pepper to taste, a few tablespoons of olive oil, a splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of turmeric. Mix all of the ingredients together. I poor this over my salad and mix well. Simple and delicious!
Enjoy your ACV! Here’s to your health!
