My Natural Health Blog

Vinegar is probably one of the oldest fermentation processes there is, apple cider vinegar dates back to the days of Hippocrates, where he reportedly used it as a daily health tonic. He would also recommend it for the treatment of colds and coughs mixed with a little honey.

Apple cider vinegar is created by fermenting the juice from freshly crushed apples. Bacteria and yeast are added to the juice, and so the process of fermentation begins. The sugars are broken down and transformed into alcohol firstly, and then the ‘juice’ is finally transformed into vinegar by acetic-acid forming bacteria.

Unpasturised apple cider vinegar is said to have far more health benefits as it contains the “Mother”. The “Mother” is a naturally occurring cloudy substance which usually settles in the bottom of each bottle, it’s a live culture, rich in protein enzymes and friendly bacteria. Apple Cider Vinegar is a fermented food, and considered both a pro-biotic and a pre-biotic. (It said to contain soluble apple pectin fibers hence its prebiotic properties)

Below are just a few of the many things that apple cider vinegar can be used for. If you haven’t taken it before, we recommend starting with just a teaspoon in some warm water (never hot or freshly boiled as this will destroy the live enzymes and friendly bacteria) gradually building up to a tablespoon or 2 a day. There are a few BRAVE souls who take it straight off the spoon!!! Best to start taking it in water, perhaps add a dash of lemon juice or some honey while you’re getting used to the taste.

Restores pH balance: Unpasturised apple Cider vinegar is actually alkaline, and helps to balance and restore the pH (acid/alkaline balance) in your body when taken regularly. It creates an alkaline environment and supports the proliferation of friendly bacteria. It’s really beneficial for those who eat a lot of protein or whose systems are quite acidic.

Upset stomach or heartburn?: Taking ACV in water and sipping on it can significantly ease an upset tummy or even heartburn if something you’ve eaten really doesn’t agree. It aids digestion and helps correct acid levels. (Kids can take it too, if they’re not keen on the taste, pop some apple juice into the mix, it works a treat!)

Nutrient absorption: When the stomach is not breaking down food properly, taking ACV with a meal aids digestion in the stomach. It also helps the body to absorb nutrients more efficiently in the gut = better health and less bloating.

Weight loss: It has been found that ACV can help to not only increase satiety, but also help to increase your metabolism and there is much research which supports this. Take 1-2 Tablespoons a day, but obviously follow a sensible diet and exercise plan as well! (It is also suitable to consume as part of a keto diet)

Blood sugar balance: ACV has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, this action is probably one of the most studied benefits of ACV. One particular study showed that apple cider vinegar ingestion helped to improve insulin sensitivity by up to 34% in those with either type 2 diabetes or those with insulin resistance. 

Skin health and Acne: ACV softens and balances the pH of the skin. It can be diluted with 2 parts water and used as a toner for the face, especially beneficial for those with acne. It has also been known to get rid of some skin pigmentation spots when used neat to spot treat.

Apple cider vinegar is used for so many other things, and has many beneficial side effects when you get into the habit of taking it regularly…..

Healthy cholesterol, washing fruit and vegetables, hair rinse, soothing stings…the list goes on. Enjoy!! 

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