Raw apple cider vinegar has been a folk health remedy for centuries as fermentation goes far back in history. Hippocrates (known as the father of medicine) treated his patients with apple cider vinegar with much success. The health benefits of fermentation were later written about by the Bragg family as part of their natural hygienic approach to health (a natural health approach promoted by the Hippocrates Health Institute). The Bragg family name is well known in the health world as being proponents of natural health from the regular practice of fasting, eating an ultra clean organic vegetarian diet, optimal breathing, regular exercise, and plenty of water. They have proven by the example of many believers and followers that their diet will healthily sustain human life for well over 100 years, for some into their 120's!!
I highly endorse all of the Bragg books as valuable health references, but this blog is focused on one interesting nutritional practice that your grandmother could probably tell you a little something about and the Braggs dedicated an entire book on. The health benefits of fermentation, more specifically, apple cider vinegar.
Fermentation is a familiar process that we all are familiar with. The basic premise of fermentation is that live yeast and bacterias feeds off of sugar which results in the byproduct alcohol. When you continue to ferment, the alcohol will turn to vinegar. The living yeasts and bacteria feeding off of the sugars of the fruit produce enzymes and valuable nutrients that can help treat and prevent many illnesses and maintain good health.
Here are Some of the Possible Medicinal Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:
-Detoxification: Helps to improve the rate of toxin removal and improve bowel irregularity
-Arthritis: May help with joint pain and stiffness
-Diabetes: Helps control blood glucose fluctuations when taken before and/or after meals.
-Weight Management: Helps lower appetite resulting in smaller, more appropriate portioned meals
-Weight Loss: Helps to break down body fat due to its content of acetic acid, which may also help prevent the buildup of body fat and fats accumulated in the liver
-Skin: When used externally, it can improve the condition of the skin by restoring pH balance. Used diluted with water (1 part ACV, 3 parts water), ACV can be used as a treatment for acne and dandruff
-Other Potential Medicinal Uses: Lowered blood pressure, lowered cholesterol, sore throat, allergies, heartburn, gout, flu, chronic fatigue syndrome
The benefits of raw apple cider vinegar result from the beneficial nutrients and enzymes it contains. Raw apple cider vinegar contains: potassium, calcium, acetic acid (slows digestion of starch and prevents fat storage), malic acid (anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal), pectin (regulate blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol), and ash (helps maintain alkalinity and pH balance in body). Not all apple cider vinegars contain all of these medicinal ingredients. Only apple cider vinegar that has not been pasteurized and refined. It is only valuable as a health aid in it's natural state containing what Bragg calls 'the mother' which is the sediment that settle to the bottom of the bottle. The picture at the top is the apple cider vinegar that I recommend, it's made by Bragg and is found cheap in the natural section of every grocery store.
Here are my Favorite Recipes to Start Including ACV Into Your Lifestyle:
For a single serving
Pour a splash of ACV into a glass (start with about a 1/2-1 tbsp). Match amount of ACV with raw honey by eyeballing the level on the glass. Dilute with water, add cinnamon to taste. (Cinnamon also aids in the maintenance of blood glucose levels). Lower the amount of honey used as the ACV becomes more palatable.
This cider is especially delicious made with hot water on a cold winter morning!
To prepare for a full month or for a family
Pour 16 ounces of ACV into a gallon pitcher/jug. Add 1 can of frozen grape juice concentrate. Add up to 1 cup stevia (optional). Fill pitcher/jug with water and mix. Consume one or two half cup servings per day (morning and night) and add cinnamon with each dose. Dilute with more water if necessary.
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