5 Reasons Why You Should Keep ACV In Your Kitchen

5 Reasons Why You Should Keep ACV In Your Kitchen

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is not just a kitchen staple but a highly regarded remedy that has been used for centuries. Diluted raw ACV has many potential benefits, and has been used to treat various health issues, from high blood pressure to a sore throat for centuries. It contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, and Vitamin B 6, Biotin, Folic Acid. Niacin Pantothenic Acid, and Vitamin C, Acetic Acid, Pectin, Potassium, and Calcium. Two spoonfuls of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in a glass of water and taken regularly before having a meal can work wonders for you.

Below are the reasons why you should keep Apple Cider Vinegar in your cupboard:

Regulates Blood Pressure

Research shows that ACV can help lower blood pressure, which consequently lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. The potassium contained in it helps to balance sodium levels in the body, which then maintains optimal blood pressure.

Promotes Healthy Blood Sugar

ACV has shown to support lower glucose levels and helps maintain healthy blood sugar responses after meals if taken right before a meal.

This claim has been investigated. In one study, that aimed to investigate the effects of Cider Vinegar on glucose tolerance in diabetic rodents, it was discovered that ACV has a considerable reducing effect on blood glucose levels in diabetic mice.

The results of the study showed that apple cider vinegar was effective in lowering glucose level after 60 minutes of glucose administration and this was maintained up to 120 minutes.

Lowers Cholesterol

ACV has also been found to promote cardiovascular health by regulating cholesterol levels. This was evident in an animal study that was conducted in Iran, which showed that supplementing rats with ACV reduces bad LDL cholesterol, and improves the good HDL cholesterol.

Balances Digestive System

Another benefit of using ACV is that it helps stimulates digestive juices that help break down food in your body.

These digestive juices help reduce stomach gas, combat constipation, which consequently balances your digestive system.

Therefore, individuals with lower stomach acid levels may benefit from this vinegar. Taking a tablespoon of ACV in a big glass of water about 20 to 15 minutes before a meal will stimulate digestive juices for better digestion of your food. Some people do not like the taste of vinegar. If you are one of them, try adding a dollop of honey for a better taste.

Promotes weight loss

Those in health and fitness community promote ACV for weight loss. For centuries, this vinegar has been regarded as one of the effective remedies for weight loss. This claim is supported by a scientific evidence. Another study on obese participants indicated a remarkable reduction in weight, fat mass and triglycerides. Researchers selected 155 obese Japanese adults to consume about 15 milliliters, or 30 milliliters, of vinegar daily, or a placebo drink and administered their weight, fat mass and triglycerides. In both the 15 and 30-milliliter group, researchers noted a reduction in weight, fat mass and triglycerides.

Take Away:

It is clear that Apple Cider Vinegar is not just one of those foods that you have in the kitchen, but a multi-purpose remedy that you should always have. There are many other health benefits that this vinegar has. However, despite all this, it is important to remember that it is acidic. Therefore, you must dilute it before you use it. Furthermore, there is a lot that is still to be investigated further about this vinegar. It is advisable to use it carefully.

The Top Uses Of Apple Cider Vinegar

The Top Uses Of Apple Cider Vinegar

The acidic liquid known as Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has become a very popular health remedy, especially in the health and wellness community.

The fermented apple juice is very acidic and must be diluted with water before drinking or using it. There are however many reasons why this liquid has become so familiar. Small studies have shown that it may help lower blood sugar levels, suppress appetites, kick-start the metabolism, and even lower cholesterol. When looking at external benefits, it claims to help promote great skin, stop dandruff, rid foot odors, and ease sunburn.

Even though the evidence is little, many people state that this liquid is very beneficial. It is best to mix about a teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of ACV with a glass of water before drinking it. Below you will find the top uses of ACV that may improve your health.

#1 Improve Gut Health

Due to the liquid’s high acidity, it may help with digestive issues like constipation and bloating. It is also been seen to help with food poisoning due to the antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties thereof.

#2 Diseases

A few studies have shown that drinking diluted ACV may help with the following medical conditions:

  • Weight Loss – Seen as an appetite suppressant and metabolism booster.
  • Diabetes – Helps to lower glucose levels.
  • High Cholesterol – Pectin helps to lower LDL and raise HDL.

If you are taking any medication, it is best to first ask your doctor if you can drink ACV as it may cause interferences.

#3 Pain in the Joints

Apple Cider Vinegar claims to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As a result, it can be used to help relieve pain in the joints like the neck, back, and shoulders. It also claims to be beneficial for arthritis.

#4 Detox Drink

The liquid contains high levels of potassium which can help clarify the body. These include candida, sinus infections, allergies, and even a sore throat.

#5 Skin Benefits

Due to the liquid’s acidic nature and antiseptic properties, it claims to be beneficial for soothing bug bites. It can also be used as a toner for the skin as it claims to help reduce acne and blemishes. In addition to this, you can add a cup of ACV to bath water to help relieve the sting associated with sunburn.

#6 Hair

You can rinse your hair with a few tablespoons of ACV to leave your hair looking shiny and healthy. It can be used to help fight dandruff and an itchy scalp as the vinegar regulates pH levels and relieves irritation.

#7 Soothe a Sore Throat

You can even try to soothe a throat that feels sore by gargling ACV mixed with warm water. This is due to the properties provided by the vinegar that protects the throat against germs.

In conclusion, the use of Apple Cider Vinegar is safe and in certain circumstances it may be very beneficial even though it has an unpleasant taste for many people. Just remember, it is not a miracle elixir.

Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Be Dangerous?

Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Be Dangerous?

Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV, it fermented apple juice. It is originally used to give some flavor to a tossed salad or cooked veggies – thus, it is safe to use. The only problem is some people get carried away about the supposed benefits this product has for your health. As a result, the product is consumed straight out the bottle or swigged down in one gulp. This can be very dangerous for you. In this article, we will discuss the bazaar ways people drink ACV and what it can do to you. We will also look at the wiser way of consuming this liquid.

The Dangers of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Straight

Before you just throw back some ACV, it is best you know what it is. As mentioned above, ACV is apple juice that has fermented. As a result, it is acidic and sour. This means it has a very strange taste and smell to it and if you drink it clean – your esophagus and stomach will not thank you.

To start off, the acidity in this liquid will damage and weaken the enamel on your teeth. Moving to the esophagus and stomach, this can really burn when consumed clean. In addition to this, the acidity may damage the lining of the gut. When breathing in this potent acetic liquid, it may seriously harm your lungs leaving a burning sensation. Also, it is best to take small sips at a time to allow your body to get used to the taste. Another thing you should not be doing is drinking it straight before you go to bed as it may move back up the throat. Other than these side effects, certain people may experience nausea and other symptoms if they already have a sensitive stomach.

Do not be disheartened by these facts mentioned above. This usually happens because certain individuals get excited and think the benefits may be even better if the liquid is consumed clean and fast.

How Should You Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?

The best and safest way to drink ACV is to dilute it. Mix a teaspoon to two tablespoons of ACV with a glass of water. This will make it much more palatable. In addition to this, you can sip it through a straw to help prevent the liquid from touching your teeth. This will also help you drink it more slowly and give your body time to get used to the acidity.

It is also best to not drink it just before training or vigorous movement and also not before bedtime. Many people claim that the best time to drink it – also to achieve the best results, is in the morning. Another smart way of getting in your daily dose of ACV is by sprinkling some over a salad instead of using an oily high-fat salad dressing. The nice thing about this is that vinegar contains almost no calories. It can also be used overcooked veggies, in a smoothie, or in a stew.

So remember, drink ACV diluted, slowly, and in small amounts. You will do more harm to your body and health than anything else if you do not follow these simple rules.

ACV and Weight Loss – Fact or Fiction?

ACV and Weight Loss – Fact or Fiction?

The Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) diet has become very popular and many celebs swear by it. However, the research for the use of ACV as a weight loss tool is far and few between. One small study shows that this product may slow down digestion which in turn may help stabilize blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, the science behind this is very thin and the claims cannot be fully backed.

So what is ACV exactly? It is fermented apple juice. Due to the fact that fermented foods have the ability to increase the good bacteria in the intestine and as it is linked to a healthier weight, ACV has now been said to promote weight loss. The only problem is, it has not yet been scientifically proven.

The Smell and Taste of Apple Cider Vinegar

It has been established that consuming this product is safe, thus, many people have started using it to improve weight loss results. It is recommended to dilute about a tablespoon of ACV in water as it is very acidic and sour and this will make it taste better. It has been said to taste like sour apple juice mixed with kombucha and it really smells like something that is well fermented. For certain individuals, the taste was pleasant, however, for other people this was too sour and weird to consume.

Can It Make You Eat Less?

ACV claims to help kick start the metabolism in the morning and also suppress one’s appetite. However, as there is so little scientific research to back these claims, one will have to try it out and see what happens. Many people drink ACV diluted in water first thing in the morning. This may be a little difficult as your tummy is empty and now it gets this shock from this sour liquid. Just remember to not drink ACV just before training as the movement from the training may cause it to move back up the esophagus. This will really burn. In addition to this, it is best to not drink it fast, as this will also not provide any positive results – especially not for your throat and stomach. Still, the research for weight loss benefits is too little to be able to make a clear conclusion.

Are There Any Other Benefits?

Other than drinking ACV to try help promote weight loss, there are other benefits. It claims to help lower cholesterol by lowering LDL and raising HDL. There are also claims that it can help individuals better digest their food if their stomach’s acidity is too low and they tend to be bloated. Furthermore, a few more studies have shown that drinking ACV may help lower blood sugar in persons with diabetes.

Our Final Conclusion

Drinking ACV early in the morning to give your metabolism a boost for better weight loss results will probably not provide the benefits you so desire. Naturally, due to the current craze about the use of this product – one will start to think it might actually work. Thus, as it is safe to use (just remember to dilute it and drink it slowly), the best thing to do is to try it out for a month and see what happens. Maybe you are the lucky one and it works for you.

Want to Make Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar At Home?

Want to Make Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar At Home?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has many health benefits. It is made through the process of fermentation and is high in magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) helps to prevent heartburn, aids with digestion, promotes healthy detoxification of the liver and other organs, eliminates candida overgrowth, eases digestive ailments, accelerates weight loss, helps prevent osteoporosis, slows the aging process, maintains a healthy alkaline pH Level, helps to regulate blood sugar, can help lower blood pressure, improves heart health, and assists in the fight against free radical damage.

ACV May Be Used Topically

It is wonderful for the skin, it may be added to bathwater, to naturally restore the skin’s PH  balance. It eliminates bacteria and fungus on the skin which can lead to a host of problems, including eczema, dandruff, and many other skin conditions. Because of its great dandruff preventing abilities, may be used after shampooing as a conditioner.

Making Your Own ACV Ensures That Your Vinegar Retains The Beneficial “mother.”

The vinegar which still has the culture of beneficial bacteria that turns regular apple cider into vinegar is the ‘mother’. This culture of beneficial bacteria is responsible for most of the health benefits associated with ACV.

Important Notes

This recipe contains sugar – the sugar is necessary as it  “feeds” the bacteria.

Preparation

Make sure that the jar and equipment are perfectly clean (not to introduce any bacteria other than what is naturally taking place in the process).

Supplies

  • Organic apple scraps
  • Any size clean jar
  • Organic cane sugar
  • Filtered water
  • Cheesecloth or coffee filter
  • Rubberband
  • Fermentation weight or small glass jar

Ingredients

  • Gala, Fuji, McIntosh, or Granny Smith Organic apple scraps –  enough to fill your jar ¾ of the way full.
  • 2 TBSP cane sugar
  • 2 cups filtered water

Instructions

  • Fill the jar ¾ full with apple scraps.
  • Dissolve 1 tablespoon of cane sugar into one cup of water.
  • Pour sugar water over the apple scraps until they are completely submerged – make sure the apple scraps are covered with the sugar water.
  • Push the apples down with a fermentation weight or with the small glass jar. Apples which are exposed to the air could mold.
  • Cover with a cheesecloth or coffee filter and secure with the rubber band.
  • Store in a dark place at room temperature.
  • Check to make sure the apples are staying under the water and to make sure no mold is growing every few days.
  • The apple pieces may be strained out and return the liquid to the jar.
  • Leave the liquid mixture for an additional three weeks – stirring the liquid mixture every few days.
  • After six weeks the ACV should have reached the taste required and you can put a lid on it or transfer it to a different jar with a lid and start using it!

Final Notes

When the ACV is ready to be consumed you can save “the mother” which has floated to the top or just a small quantity of the finished ACV to start a new batch that will ferment much quicker.