Apple cider vinegar is a brown liquid made from fermented apples. Apple cider vinegar has been used since thousands of years ago because of the benefits that can cure various diseases and infections, such as sinusitis, fever, and flu. Drinking apple cider vinegar every day will help improve digestion and cure many chronic illnesses, such as depression, fatigue, arthritis, and can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Apple cider vinegar has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of complaints diseases. Hipprocates, the father of modern medicine, recommended the use of apple cider vinegar mixed with honey to treat colds and flu in the year 400 BC. Since then, continued to use apple cider vinegar to treat a variety of diseases, including pain. Apple cider vinegar is also used by the Romans and the Japanese samurai warriors as ingredients for health, strength and vitality. Apple cider vinegar is also used in the American Civil War as an antiseptic to clean the soldiers wound, and continue to be used for the same purpose during World War I.
Nutritional Value of Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which helps get rid of harmful bacteria and fungi in the gastrointestinal tract. This helps the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food in the intestines. Apple cider vinegar also contains pectin, a water-soluble fiber, which helps to absorb water, fat, toxins and cholesterol from the digestive tract and throw it out of the body.
The use of Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a lot of uses, such as:
- Apple cider vinegar has a strong cleansing properties and help cure many diseases.
- Apple cider vinegar can be used to cleanse the colon and digestive tract.
- Apple cider vinegar also has the ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and is able to remove fat and toxins out of the body.
- Another use of the apple cider vinegar is to cleanse the skin and fight acne.
- Apple cider vinegar is known to have antibacterial properties and may reduce the symptoms and severity of colds, flu, sinusitis, and infections.
Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar
1. Lowers Glucose
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can slow down starch digestion, consequently lowering glucose levels in the bloodstream, according to an article published by the American Diabetes Society in January 2004 called "Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes."
2. Reduces Bad Cholesterol
The presence of pectin in apple cider vinegar helps reduce bad cholesterol in the body. Some individuals exhibit an allergy to pectin and should therefore avoid apple cider vinegar.
3. Contains Minerals
Potassium, magnesium and other minerals are present in apple cider vinegar. Potassium controls the water balance in the body and maintains a healthy heart rhythm. Magnesium is a catalyst in enzyme activity, helping digestion and assisting in the uptake of calcium to form healthy bones.
4. Helps Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is cause by acid crystal buildup in the body, and apple cider vinegar can disperse these buildups by balancing the body's pH, says Dr. Deforrest Clinton Jarvis in his book "Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor's Guide to Good Health." There is still no substantial scientific evidence for this claim, but Dr. Jarvis lists successful cases of patients recovering from osteoarthritis under his care with apple cider vinegar.
5. Antioxidant Activity
Apple cider vinegar contains beta-carotene, which according to the Mayo Clinic possesses antioxidant properties that counteract damage caused by free radicals and that boost your immune system.
6. Antifungal
The fungus Malassezia furfur, which causes dandruff, is eradicated by the antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar. A solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent apple cider vinegar should be applied to the scalp and left to dry without rinsing until dandruff is gone.
7. Anti-Inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar work to soothe the effects of sunburned skin when added to a bath. It can also help internal inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract when added to salads or taken diluted with water.
8. Weight Loss Aid
By helping balance blood sugar levels, apple cider vinegar also assists in weight loss, since insulin will not direct sugar to be stored as fat, says nutritionist Dr. Carol Johnston of the Arizona State University East.
9. Skin Toner
Apple cider vinegar is astringent, which helps with toning the skin, especially on the face and neck. Avoid getting it in the eyes, as it may cause irritation.
10. Yeast Infection Remedy
Apple cider vinegar reduces yeast infections in women by adding 2 tbsp. of the vinegar to a douche. Not all women react positively to this remedy, and it should be taken with caution.
Apple cider vinegar Doses
Apple cider vinegar can be consumed every day. Two to four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar every day will improve the vitality and health. If you consume an apple vinegar first thing in the morning, then apple cider vinegar will have a powerful effect on the body cleanse.
If you want to use apple cider vinegar for weight loss, take three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and mix with a glass of water and drink three times a day. A popular way to consume apple cider vinegar is to drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed in a glass of water coupled with the honey and lemon juice.
