What's so great about Apple Cider Vinegar?

Do you have a bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in your pantry? Ever use it as a medicine?

A couple years ago I was turned onto this elixir/vinegar when I was sick, Mike told me to try drinking some in a glass of water. The old wives tale seemed to help. I like to think of it as a healthy cocktail! I try and drink this elixir a couple times a month and make a glass whenever I feel a cold coming on or an upset stomach. No doubt it has helped me cure an upset stomach.

Research shows it’s more than an old wives tale. It may not be a miracle medicine, but there are many proven health benefits.  Dating back to the ancient times of the Greeks, Hippocrates used ACV as a natural antiseptic, as s healing agent and for coughs and colds.  At its base, the properties of ACV help fight germs and bacteria. Dr. Oz even recommends taking a drink of it before eating a large meal (thanksgiving and Christmas especially) because it has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity—slowing the rate that blood sugar levels rise.

Other benefits: 

• Supports a healthy immune system
• Helps control weight
• Improves digestion & ph Balance
• Helps detox/cleanse the body
• Maintains healthy skin
• Relieves muscle pain and stiffness

A study done by Arizona State University on the effect of use in people at risk for type 2 Diabetes showed positive results for improving health.  The study was done over a 12 week period where individuals were given two daily treatments of 2 tablespoons of ACV. The data indicates that daily vinegar consumption favorably influences fasting glucose concentrations in healthy adults and contribute important information to the growing evidence base supporting the anti-glycemic effects of vinegar.

Here is my elixir recipe:

• 2 tablespoon ACV
• 12 Ounces Water

You can also add a tablespoon of honey to help cut the bitterness.

What to look for in the store:

Bragg’s ACV – No, this isn't a sponsored post, but they are one of the few on the market that sell’s organic ACV and has kept their brand wholesome and un-adulterated as far as I can tell. You should by organic natural ACV “with the mother”. It should be brownish color and if held to the light you might see a tiny "cobweb-like" substances (that’s the "mother"). This is one time where organic, non-pasteurized, non-distilled is best. Distilling and pasteurizing takes out the health properties we are looking to gain from this vinegar. Shamefully, on a recent trip to Wally-World I spotted it on the shelf for $5, Bragg's brand is not as friendly to the wallet. 

Go ahead and try a glass! There are also other recipes you can use it in, like my honey mustard vinaigrette. Bragg also makes other ACV drinks that make it more palatable. Look for them in the health food aisle at your grocery store.

I highly recommend the ACV Honey drink!