Hippocrates, known as the “father of medicine”, knew about apple cider vinegar benefits more than two thousand years ago. Some say that apple cider vinegar and honey were the only remedies he ever used. Today, many people use this product today for cooking, marinating meat and for salad dressings, and many know that apple cider vinegar has fantastic health benefits.
Filtered vs. unfiltered apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made from ripe apples that are crushed and the juice that is extracted from them is then fermented with the help of yeast and then with acid-forming bacteria.
Not every apple cider vinegar has health benefits. The one which is sold in most stores is sparkling and completely clear, which means it has probably been filtered and pasteurized. The process of filtration destroys some of vinegar’s properties and has little to none health benefits.
The one to look for is vinegar that is somewhat cloudy and that has a small substance floating in it, looking like a cobweb. That substance is called “mother of vinegar” and it is responsible for all the health benefits that are attributed to apple cider vinegar.
Health benefits
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent source of many vitamins, beta-carotene, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, phosphorus, and iron.
It contains pectin, a fiber which is known to reduce cholesterol levels and to regulate blood pressure. Calcium, which is present in this vinegar, is necessary for proper bone growth, especially for children and for women who enter menopause. Potassium is needed for skin, nail and hair health, it prevents sinusitis and helps with nasal congestion. It is also very good for eliminating toxins from the body.
Apple cider vinegar is recommended for persons who wish to lose weight, because it increases the breaking down of the fat.
Malic acid in apple cider vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties and it is helpful for people who have problems with their joints.
Apple cider vinegar helps with hair loss, constipation, indigestion, weak bones and brittle teeth, eczema, sore eyes, fatigue, and many other conditions.
Consumption
It is said that the best way to take advantage of apple cider vinegar’s many health benefits is to drink it first thing in the morning, making a mixture of two tablespoons vinegar, two tablespoons honey and one glass of water, preferably lukewarm.
This beverage can be used to treat constipation as well, which is important since constipation can cause many health problems.
Apple cider vinegar can be used for marinating meats, especially lamb and beef, and for this purpose it can be mixed with assorted herbs.
It is fantastic in salads and it can be used for pickling fruits and vegetables.
Apple cider vinegar with honey and water makes a refreshing and healthy beverage on hot summer days, and it can even be used for soaking the feet, especially for people who suffer from fungal infections.
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