Kitchen Confidential: Apple cider vinegar
Perfect Shaken or Stirred
An apple a day keeps the doctor away goes the old adage and so does a shot of apple cider vinegar! A folk remedy that is certainly older than the adage. ACV, as Apple Cider Vinegar, is called has legions of believers and has been used for centuries as a remedy for a host of ills.
Historically the origins of vinegar are very murky. But the ancient Egyptians, as far back as 3000 BC kept it in the medicine cabinet. In 400 B.C, Hippocrites too raided the kitchen shelf and treated patients with vinegar, making it one of the world's first medicines. In biblical times, vinegar was successfully used to treat infections and wounds. For centuries medical textbooks have listed various ways to use vinegar and these uses include everything from keeping a sharp mind to purifying the body and to easing pain and alleviating dozens of other ailments. Modern research has also verified the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of vinegar.
And apple cider vinegar is considered the ultimate in 'vinegars'. Regular intake can cure: allergies (including pet, food and environmental), sinus infections, acne, high cholesterol, flu, chronic fatigue, candida, acid reflux, sore throats, contact dermatitis, arthritis, and gout. Apple Cider Vinegar also breaks down fat and is widely used to lose weight. A daily dose of apple cider vinegar in water can have blood pressure under control in two weeks!
All the effort it takes is to get over the taste. Once you have dealt with the pucker-factor you are good to go. Just in case you are wondering it is acetic acid is that gives vinegar its tart taste.
But what really is ACV? The base of course is apple juice. When the juice is allowed to ferment the result is alcoholic apple cider. At this stage allowing oxygen to interact with it, turns the alcohol into acetic acid - one of the "magic" ingredients. Helping this process along Is "mother", a spider web look-alike bacteria foam that forms during the fermentation process.
Scientists have found 90 different substances in ACV such as carbolic acids, Important minerals, trace elements and vitamins as well acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, enzymes, amino acids as well as roughage in the form of potash and apple pectin.
Regular intake leads to a well functioning metabolism; reduces cholesterol (LDL); regulates water content in the cells; reduces water retention and excess sodium; helps regulate blood pressure; assists in preventing circulatory problems; helps with diminishing premature calcification of the arteries; helps increase concentration and memory; normalizes acid levels in the body; assists in blood circulation, body temperature as well as vitality and energy.
Many herbalists recommend raw, unpasteurized, unheated, undistilled, organic apple cider vinegar but if you can't get your hands on that look for regular organic ACV. The strength of vinegar is important too. All varieties of vinegar contain about 4 to 7 percent acetic acid, with 5 percent being the most common amount. But organic is the key. A lot of commercial distilled ACVs don't work as well. Villa Supermarket, however, does stock the organic variety including the most recommended Braggs.
The remedy works wonderfully with animals too so those of you who have pets start them on it too. The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care too heartily endorses the remedy for Rover, Polly, Kitty and others from the animal kingdom.
According to experts the reason why ACV is a miracle cure is because it keeps the pH levels on an even keel. Also it has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, and acts as a buffer. It also reduces the toxicity of certain compounds by converting the toxin into an acetate compound, which is less toxic.
Another wonderful side effect of drinking apple cider vinegar every day? Regulars swear it brings a healthy, rosy glow to the complexion.
The dosage: 2 tablespoons of ACV in 8 oz of water three times a day. Add honey to taste.
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