The Wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar

Did you know that vinegar has been made and used by people for thousands of years? There have been traces of vinegar found in Egyptian Urns from around 3200 BC and recently still sealed clay urns of Vinegar were found in the south china sea area that may well be 5000 years old. If so, vinegar has been around for a remarkable long time.

And did you know that the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar can be traced back to Biblical times and before? The Greek Hippocrates is known to have treated his patients with Apple Cider Vinegar (Or ACV). The Greeks and the Romans kept apple cider vinegar around for its healing and flavoring uses and Japanese Samurai Warriors were known to drink it for strength and power.

Apple cider vinegar, otherwise known as cider vinegar or ACV, is a type of vinegar made from cider or apple must and has a pale to medium amber color.  During the fermentation process, sugar in the apple cider is broken down by bacteria and yeast into alcohol and then into vinegar. Like many types of vinegar, apple cider vinegar contains a substance called acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar also contains some lactic, citric and malic acids.

In todays world more and more people are discovering the benefits of apple cider vinegar. Enthusiasts claim that apple cider vinegar can help with the following health conditions:

• acne
• allergies
• arthritis
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• diabetes
• flu
• gout
• heartburn
• high cholesterol
• sore throat
• lower blood sugar
• Blood pressure
• weight loss

Other Uses Of Apple Cider Vinegar

To Cure Athlete's Feet

Soak a cotton ball in Apple Cider Vinegar and apply it to your feet. Usually 2-3 applications will cure it up.

To Cure Acne

Mix 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in a 8 oz. glass of water three times a day.

Asthma

Same as the cure for Acne.

Colds or Coughs

Mix 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey to taste to a 8 oz. Glass of Water 3 times a day. When you have a cold your body becomes unbalanced. The Apple Cider Vinegar helps to rebalance the acid level in your body.

Fatigue and Loss of Energy

Try the same recipe as for Colds and Coughs above. You will find after a few days that you will have more energy.

Sore Throat

Try using a gargle made of 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in a 8 oz. glass of water. You will find that it produces amazing results.

To Lower Blood Sugar

Take 2 teapsoons of Apple Cider Vinegar before each meal and you will find your blood sugar average readings may drop by as much as 1/3. Remember to carefully monitor your blood sugar readings. 

Losing Weight 

Mix 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey in a 8 oz. glass of water. Drink one before each meal and you will find your appetite will not be as great.

Remember this information is given for information purposes only. Before you use Apple Cider Vinegar as a natural health remedy you should check with your medical professional and tell him or her what you are planning to do.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns

Undiluted apple cider vinegar, in liquid or pill form, may damage the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract. Apple cider vinegar drinks may damage tooth enamel if sipped.

One case report linked excessive apple cider vinegar consumption with low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) and low bone mineral density. People with osteoporosis, low potassium levels, and those taking potassium-lowering medications should use caution.

People with allergies to apples should avoid apple cider vinegar.

Vinegar applied to the skin may cause burns and scarring.

Excessive doses of apple cider vinegar have been found to cause damage to the stomach, duodenum, and liver in animals.

Possible Drug Interactions

Theoretically, prolonged use of apple cider vinegar could lead to lower potassium levels, which could increase the risk of toxicity of cardiac glycoside drugs such as Lanoxin (digoxin), insulin, laxatives, and diuretics such as Lasix (furosemide).

Because apple cider vinegar may affect blood glucose and insulin levels, it could theoretically have an additive effect if combined with diabetes medications. Apple cider vinegar may also lower blood pressure, so it may have an additive effect if combined with high blood pressure medications.

 “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” 

 ~Hippocrates