Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
Apple cider vinegar benefits have been recognized since the age of antiquity. Apple cider vinegar has long been treasured for its vaunted anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties.
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from fermented apple juice. It usually has a pale to golden brown color. Apple cider vinegar is produced by crushing apples and then extracting the juice. Yeast is then mixed on to the juice to initiate the fermentation process. This transforms the sugars into alcohol. This alcohol is then converted into vinegar by acetobacter, an acid-forming bacteria. Apple cider vinegar is typically stored in wooden barrels during the fermentation process.
When the vinegar is mature, it will show a dark, cloudy, web-like bacterial foam called mother, and this becomes visible when the amber-colored liquid is held to the light.
The health food benefits of apple cider vinegar were noted by Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine when he advocated the use of this vinegar as an energizing tonic and a healing elixir. He discovered that apple cider vinegar is able to effectively fight germs, bacteria, and viruses. The ancient Babylonians used apple cider vinegar as a preservative, while the army of Julius Caesar used this as a weapon to fight diseases.
Apple cider vinegar benefits are derived from the following trace minerals and nutrients:
- calcium
- chlorine
- copper
- iron
- magnesium
- phosphorus
- potassium
- sulfur
Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic in its purest form, however, it is said to create highly alkaline ash when it is digested. This is said to help neutralize or weaken harmful acidic ashes in the body. There is a degree of debate as to whether the alkaline effect on the body of apple cider vinegar comes at the expense of draining calcium stores in the body that result in more brittle bones in the long run. Proponents of apple cider vinegar counter that it already comes with calcium and so it doesn’t need to “drain” the body of this trace mineral.
The following are the apple cider vinegar benefits that may be derived from eating this superfood:
Apple cider vinegar is said to help fight sinus infections and allergies.
Apple cider vinegar is said to help lower cholesterol levels.
Apple cider vinegar is said to help alleviate pains from arthritis and rheumatism.
Apple cider vinegar is said to help fight the flu and fever.
Apple cider vinegar may help control blood sugar levels and may help in the fight against diabetes.
Apple cider vinegar is said to help break down fat and contribute to weight loss efforts.
Apple cider vinegar is said to help lower blood pressure.
Apple cider vinegar is said to help relieve a sore throat.
Apple cider vinegar is said to help increase stamina and prevent muscle fatigue.
Apple cider vinegar is said to help improve digestion.
Apple cider vinegar is said to help fight bad breath and body odor.