Food Focus: Apple Cider Vinegar

A food that has been used for over 5,000 years and by Hipprocrates himself? I'm in.

Vinegar, which means "sour wine" in French, can be made from virtually any carbohydrate that can be fermented. Some favorites are grapes, dates, coconut, potatoes, beets, and apples. Lately I have been fermenting a few jars in my kitchen. Homemade ferments are fantastic!

I love the taste of most vinegars, but ACV is my go-to for health + wellness.

"Mother" of vinegar, a cobweb-like amino acid-based substance found in unprocessed, unfiltered vinegar, indicates yours is of the best quality. Most manufacturers pasteurize and filter their vinegar to prevent the mother from forming, but the "murky" kind is best, especially if you're planning to consume it. I personally love Bragg's brand best, followed by a close second to Thrive Market's name brand.

Apple cider vinegar is made by combining apples with yeast. Simple. The yeast then converts the sugar in the apples into alcohol. Bacteria are then added to the mixture, which ferment the alcohol into acetic acid which is what is said to help aid in weight loss. Given that vinegar lowers blood sugar and insulin levels, it makes sense that it could help you lose weight. Several human studies suggest that vinegar can increase satiety. That way you make better food decisions instead of eating out of hunger and grabbing that junk!

I take 1-2 TBSP of ACV in room temp water in the morning and then again at night. Craig and I actually started taking these refreshing drinks down to the pool this summer in leu of an alcoholic beverage.

Alkalinize and energize.

Other health benefits? Plenty.

• Anti-glycemic effect helps with insulin sensitivity

• Helps lower cholesterol

• Can help promote circulation and detoxify the liver

• Bacteria fighting properties help with a soar throat - gargle once you feel that dreaded itch!

• Settles the stomach - sip diluted in juice or water

• Antibacterial so it can also prevent a sinus infection or cold

• Promotes alkalinity - WHY this is important

• Removes warts

• Energizing drink

• Facial toner

• Helps smelly feet

• Makes a great mouthwash

• Relieve gas, bloating and heartburn

• Natural deodorant

• Repels fleas

• Helps with sunburn

And more. Many, many more. Just ask Pinterest.

In conclusion, this is a very reasonably priced superfood to add to your daily diet! Who here uses ACV already? If you have a personal way, please list below in comments. The more ways we have to use it, the better! Cheers to your health and apple season!

Sources and Additional Reading:

https://articles.mercola.com/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits-uses.aspx

https://www.mamavation.com/2015/01/25-ways-apple-cider-vinegar-will-change-life.html

https://draxe.com/apple-cider-vinegar-uses