Apple cider vinegar has long been touted for its variety of uses and purposes. From making pickles to cleaning coffeemakers, killing weeds and dressing salads, the tangy, flavorful substance is effective in a number of ways in the home. Aside from even these household purposes, however, apple cider vinegar is an operative health remedy that can treat a wide range of ailments.
Not simply a condiment anymore, apple cider vinegar has been lauded as one of the most beneficial health tonics available. Medical research backs many of the healing claims attributed to apple cider vinegar while research even suggests that apple cider vinegar is effective for treating such widespread conditions as diabetes and obesity.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar goes by several different names including cider vinegar and ACV. The substance is made from cider or the renderings of apples and is typically a pale to medium amber color. The most potent form of cider vinegar is unpasteurized or organic ACV, which contains the “mother” of the vinegar – a cobweb-like appearing substance that makes the vinegar look slightly congealed.
Used in a variety of home recipes including marinades, vinaigrettes, food preservatives and medicinal poultices, apple cider vinegar is made using a straightforward process. Initially, the apples are crushed which releases the liquid from them. Following this crushing, bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid. The addition of these elements begins the fermentation process during which the sugars are turned into alcohol. A second fermentation process is utilized to convert the alcohol into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria. The acetic acid and malic acid present in the mixture give the vinegar its sour taste.
Health Benefits of ACV
In addition to the acetic and malic acid, apple cider vinegar also possesses a number of characteristic acids, vitamins, mineral salts and amino acids. These nutrients work together to make cider vinegar the effective health tonic it is today. Among the tonic’s active ingredients are soluble fiber in the form of pectin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, beta-carotene and lycopene. The compound also contains minerals such as sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.
With all of these nutrients and others, apple cider vinegar is effective for treating a wide range of conditions. Often used in conjunction with organic honey, cider vinegar has a range of useful applications including treating osteoporosis, weight loss, leg cramps and pain, upset stomach and sore throat. The liquid can also be used to alleviate sinus congestion, high blood pressure, arthritis and high cholesterol. The tonic is even effective for detoxing the body, stimulating thinking, reversing the aging process, regulating blood pressure and fighting infection.
Apple cider vinegar can be used effectively internally and externally. The vinegar is often used as an astringent or toner for treating a number of skin conditions. Other common ailments apple cider vinegar can treat include acne, sunburn, shingles, insect bites, dandruff, allergic reactions and vaginal infections.
A fermented juice made from crushed apples, apple cider vinegar contains high concentrations of acetic acid, B vitamins, vitamin C and a host of other nutrients. All of these nutrients together function in the body to treat sickness and alleviate illness. Among its treatment applications are diabetes, arthritis, sinus congestion, high blood pressure and several others. It is believed that apple cider vinegar alters the very way the digestive and circulatory systems function in a positive way, making them more effective. More than just a flavoring agent, apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective health tonics available today!
Our list of where to buy apple cider vinegar around the world (e.g. India, UAE, South Pacific) is here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/apple_cider_vinegar_buy.html
If you are interested in learning how to make apple cider vinegar at home, please see:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/how_to_make_apple_cider_vinegar.html
Also check out these EC pages:
The Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss Program
Apple Cider Vinegar for Gout
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