8 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

I was first introduced to apple cider vinegar at a young age when my grandmother started using it as a natural remedy for her arthritis. She took just a few teaspoons of the stuff everyday and in a short period of time she started to notice her pain was diminishing. Back then of course I had no idea what ACV was, nor did I probably care. But, today when I think back I realize my grandmother was onto something.

Everybody seems to be jumping on the apple cider vinegar band wagon now, myself included. And why not? It has so many wondrous benefits. Its wonderful that such natural remedies for common ailments exist and we don't have to rely on drugs and prescriptions all the time.

The only downside to it is if you take too much it can consequentially thin your blood. That's what happened to my grandma when she started getting nose bleeds. So although it's very good for you shouldn't consume it too often; you'll still reap the many benefits.

Here are 10 benefits of apple cider vinegar:

1. Detoxification
   By drinking ACV diluted with water, it gently removes toxins from your body and liver due to its unique acids and ability to break up mucus within the body. It also encourages the lymphatic system to eliminate waste.
   
   
2. Digestive Aid
   Common indigestion and gastrointestinal discomfort, including heartburn (acid reflux), constipation, and upset stomach caused by certain foods can be alleviated by taking ACV right before meals.
   
   
3. Weight Loss
   Apple cider vinegar stabilizes blood sugar levels and is said to break down fats for your body to use as energy instead of storing them. You must be eating a healthy balanced diet at the same time though; this is no diet fad.
   
   
4. All Natural Wart Remover
   I have personally tried this one myself and I can tell you that it works. Its cheaper than spending $20 or $30 on wart remover kits and it's effective. All you need is some apple cider vinegar, cotton balls or the end of a Q-tip, and band-aids. Every night soak a cotton ball in ACV then apply it to the wart and hold it in place with a band-aid. Leave it on all night and repeat until it is completely gone.
   
   
5. Clear Skin & Shiny Hair
   It also works wonders as a skin toner and can help clear up acne. The acetic acid promotes blood circulation and helps regulate the pH levels in of the skin and body for a healthy alkaline state. Some people believe it also clears their skin when taken orally. Here is a link worth checking out if you're interested in making a skin toner with apple cider vinegar - Making Your Own ACV Toner.
   
   
6. Helps With Arthritic Pain, Stiff Joints
   ACV is rich in essential nutrients know to aid in pain relief due to stiff joint and arthritis including magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron and many more. You can take it orally (1 tsp in water before meals or mixed with a bit of honey and added to a cup of green tea) and you can also apply it to affected areas.
   
   
7. Fights Allergies
   A natural way to relieve itching, sneezing, and stuffiness when taken orally.
   
   
8. Reduce Bad Cholesterol & High Blood Pressure
   When taken orally it has been shown to help regulate blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol.

Apple cider vinegar is pretty potent stuff. When I take it I will add a couple of teaspoons to 1 cup of luke warm water to dilute it, which is also easier on the enamel of your teeth.

Common Questions About ACV:

• What brand should I buy?
  Always look for organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar that has "the mother". I like to use Bragg's, which can be bought at many grocery stores including Whole Foods and Zehers. You can also purchase it online here.

• When should I drink it?
  It can be taken anytime, but I prefer to take it first thing in the morning before I eat breakfast and/or before eating a meal.

• What is "the mother"?
  The powerful benefits of apple cider vinegar are found in that cloudy brownish tinged stuff floating towards the bottom of the bottle. This is "the mother" and is formed from the pectin and residue from the apples. It contains all the minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and vitamins.

Remember that apple cider vinegar is just like other vinegars and can be used in all sorts of cooking. It makes a killer addition to marinades and is also great in salad dressings.

Just keep in mind when taking it orally to always dilute it first either with water or juice. If the taste is still too strong you can always add a bit of stevia too.

So like the Buckley's cough medicine says, "It tastes awful. And it works."

If you would like to try apple cider vinegar for whatever is ailing you, I would highly recommend Bragg's brand, It's made from certified organic apples and has the "mother". I would love to hear if you have tried ACV and experienced positive results.

Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

I love balsamic vinegar, as does the rest of my household. In fact, I just bought a fresh bottle from a local wine maker in Barrie last month and have been roasting my vegetables with it ever since. That's one of my favourite ways to use it. It adds so much flavour! They make their own and sell it at a very good price. This stuff is gold!

It's such a versatile ingredient and I love using it to make all kinds of salad dressings and vinaigrette's. It's also a great addition to warm toasty sandwiches. I have yet to be adventurous enough to try it on ice cream. Apparently it's to die for, but for now I think I'm just going to stick to making salad dressings and marinades with it. I bet it would be great in a reduction! Hmm, me thinks I'll have to come up with something. . .

Balsamic vinaigrette isn't very hard to make; all you have to do is mix some balsamic vinegar with olive oil right?

Well sort of, but not really. It's not set in stone, but it's important remember to use a 3 to 1 ratio of oil to vinegar. This is the sweet spot when it comes to making a salad dressing. Often people will use too much vinegar and it comes out tasting harsh or tart. If you use this ratio as a general guide next time you make a dressing then you'll never need a recipe again. And of course it's important to let your taste buds be the judge. Only you know what you like. Take a taste test by dipping a small leaf of lettuce in and give a try!

Now, Let's face it, store bought salad dressings can be pretty atrocious when it comes to long lists of strange ingredients that you can't pronounce. This vinaigrette will beat any store bought version hands down.

Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette (makes approx. 1 cup)

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp whole-grain Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• sea salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

1. To make the dressing combine the mustard and vinegar in a large mixing bowl or blender. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Whisk in the maple syrup and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
2. Store in a jar with a lid or air tight container and keep refrigerated.

*Make sure your olive oil is at room temperature. If it is cold it will be more difficult to emulsify with  the  vinegar.

*If you let the dressing sit for an hour or so and then refrigerate, the flavours will meld together better.

I can't wait until apples are in-season and then I can start adding them to my salads along with this vinaigrette. Maybe some soft crumbled goat cheese and dried Bala cranberries too!

I'm getting ahead of myself. I shouldn't start wishing for fall when summer only just started, even though it's my favourite time of year.

Fall is far too short and winter is way too long. I should just buy an island with a small boat somewhere tropical and live there during winter.

Problem solved!