The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

This post and photography are courtesy of Nic Abraham.

As families opt for natural medicinal alternatives, Apple Cider Vinegar has become a staple in many households. Taken orally or used topically, apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is a powerful home remedy with many benefits. It is often added to a person’s daily routine to aid in weight loss, clear acne, improve heart health and so so much more!

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

In simple terms, ACV is fermented apple juice. To create ACV, yeast is added to the juice which turns the sugars to alcohol. Bacteria then turn the alcohol into acetic acid. This fermentation process gives ACV an overwhelmingly strong smell and taste. The result is a vinegar packed with enzymes, minerals and vitamins.

What are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

In antiquity, people used ACV to heal wounds, and Hippocrates prescribed a mixture for common colds and coughs. Today, ACV is said to help with:

• Acne
• Aging
• Cognitive function
• Dandruff
• Diabetes
• Eczema
• High blood pressure
• High levels of cholesterol
• Indigestion
• Insect bites
• Kidney stones
• Leg cramps
• Nasal and sinus inflammation
• Obesity
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Sore throat
• Sunburn
• Vaginitis
• Warts

How To Add Apple Cider Vinegar into your Daily Routine

If you’d like to introduce ACV into your daily regimen, here are a few ways.

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar All Natural Drink
Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar All Natural Drinks come in a variety of flavors to serve your taste and needs. This beverage boosts energy levels with all-natural, organic ingredients that are also non-GMO and kosher. A daily dose supports a healthy immune system and helps maintain healthy weight and glucose levels.

Trace Mineral OR Garden of Life Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
Everyone needs a healthy gut, healthy weight, healthy blood sugar levels and more. Trace Mineral and Garden of Life Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies are new to Heinen’s Wellness Department and almost taste like candy, making them a delicious way to introduce ACV to your entire family. These gummies are gluten-free, non-GMO, organic, unfiltered and vegan. Trust me, you’ll be happy to take these gummies every day!

Curb Appetite
Research suggests that ACV can aid in the weight loss process by controlling the appetite, suppressing hunger, reducing fat storage and rinsing the digestive tract. Of course, the results may take time but are effective on a 12 to 24-week regimen. Try one tablespoon of ACV in two cups of water daily for 12 weeks, then consume two tablespoons in 2 ¼ cups of water for another 12 weeks.

Salad Dressings
A few ingredients combined with ACV can make a great tasting salad dressing. One simple recipe is ½ cup of ACV, ½ cup of EVOO, 2 tablespoons of raw honey and a dash of salt and pepper. It’s tasty on a spinach or kale salad.

Here are the ingredients for my favorite ACV slaw vinaigrette.

• 3 Tbsp. ACV
• 1 ½ tsp. fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. raw honey
• ½ tsp. minced garlic
• 3 Tbsp. EVOO
• ¼ tsp. Himalayan salt
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper

Vermont Village Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Shot
If you need a way to consume ACV without the harsh taste, try Vermont Village Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Shots. The one ounce shots include one tablespoon of raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized ACV along with other kosher, non-GMO and organic ingredients. The rich flavors are enjoyable and help support a healthy lifestyle. Grab one in the morning or pack it in your lunch bag when on-the-go.

Bonus! ACV Soothes A Sore Throat
A combination of ACV and raw honey can help soothe a sore throat. Thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, the mixture can also kill bacteria. To calm most sore throats, combine warm water with one tablespoon of ACV and two tablespoons of raw honey. Drink up!

Regardless of the method of intake, please consult a physician before use of ACV. In its raw form, ACV is full of acid, so dilution is the best option. Undiluted ACV can erode tooth enamel and cause skin, stomach, and throat issues, among other things.