***The Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a prime example of a “tried and true” natural remedy that has withstood the test of time and managed to remain an ageless staple in Mother Nature’s medicine cabinet. As far back as 400 B.C., Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used apple cider vinegar to treat a variety of health problems. Many civilizations through the ages have used apple cider vinegar for its healing and antiseptic properties. In 1492 Christopher Columbus used barreled vinegar to prevent scurvy and soldiers in the American Civil War used it to clean and disinfect wounds.
Today millions of people use apple cider vinegar to treat everything from insect bites and skin conditions to digestive problems, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, headaches and urinary tract infections. It has also gained popularity as a “fat-bu
er” and natural appetite suppressant which has made it a mainstay in many weight-loss plans. The enzymes in apple cider vinegar help regulate metabolism and reduce fluid retention. It is also helpful in restoring the body’s alkaline acid balance.

Apple cider vinegar contains several key vitamins as well as pectin and minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and iron. It also contains beta-carotene (a powerful antioxidant) and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols. While some people take apple cider vinegar to cure specific ailments, many people take it every day to maintain good health.

Apple cider vinegar is made by crushing fresh apples and placing them in wooden barrels to mature. This process boosts the natural fermentation of the apples. When the vinegar is mature, it contains a dark, cloudy residue which is called the “mother.” When you purchase apple cider vinegar, make sure it has been processed without chemicals or preservatives and that it is made from cold-pressed, organically grown apples. Many commercial apple cider vinegars have been pasteurized or distilled which significantly reduces the health-boosting properties.

There are many ways that apple cider vinegar can be consumed. Some holistic practitioners believe it is most effective if it is taken first thing in the morning. Because it has a strong acidic taste, it is easier to ingest if you mix two tablespoons with honey in a glass of water and drink it. Some people find the taste so offensive that they prefer to take apple cider vinegar supplements which are available at health food stores.

There are no negative side effects of apple cider vinegar when it is used in moderation to promote good health. It is hard to believe that something so simple can provide such comprehensive benefits to our health, but a natural cure that has worked this well for thousands of years is well worth checking out for yourself.