Would you ever consider apple cider vinegar as a natural health booster? Who doesn’t have a jar of this valuable ingredient in your cupboard?
While in the process of solving my hubby’s high cholesterol problem, I have stumbled across this valuable vinegar and learned of its amazing health benefits. Apple Cider Vinegar excels in potassium.
Here are some of the reasons:
~Balances pH (acid-alkaline balance in the blood)
~Helps control cholesterol levels
~Increases muscular and nerve strength and vitality
~Fights viruses and bacteria
~Improves brain function
~Promotes healthy hair and skin tone (more on this in my next post on Friday in the Natural Living on a Budget series!)
~Softener of the artery walls
~Increases efficiency of all body processes and elimination
~Pain reducer
When the pH balance of the body becomes too acid, the body becomes susceptible to wide variety of disease conditions and break-down. The typical American diet supplies an over-abudance of acid-producing foods. In addition to potassium, apple cider vinegar contains the full range of major and trace minerals, and malic acid, which assists in removing toxins from the body.
Rather than taking all those additional supplements at high costs, try this natural substance! You only need to take 2 teaspoons a day to enjoy its full health benefits. It is a powerful fermented vinegar, so definitely take it with juice! We just started doing this at the beginning of the day. It is supposed to give you more energy…and I can use all the help I can get!
Or try this recipe:
Potassium Tonic
Drink first thing in the morning before breakfast.
1 glass warm or cool water
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1-2 tsp honey, to taste
Also, try using ACV in your salad dressings! Try covering it up in a smoothie!
To receive all the benefits of this vinegar try buying it in a raw-unfiltered brand. It will appear clouded, as it contains the “mother”. This cloudy mixture of beneficial enzymes and bacteria is usually removed by heat or filtering. Why not get the full benefit? Most health food stores have at least one brand with the mother in it. Spectrum Naturals is one brand. I get mine at Trader Joe’s. Bragg’s brand, as pictured in the above photo, is another excellent brand, and is also a Christian company.
Enjoy, or at least try to, but your body will greatly enjoy the benefits if you don’t like the taste!
Most of the above information is supplied through Sue Gregg “Breakfasts” cookbook.
Hi Lindsay,
Do you give ACV to your kids? how much? I have a 1 yr old and 3 yr old.
does ACV provide the same benefits as drinking alkaline water?
I have enjoyed your vantage point. My reading has shown your views to be true, then again, I have also seen the opposite from different sites like this one. Do you have any thoughts for getting more savvy ideas on natural health or related topics? I would definitely appreciate it!
I love the taste of apple cider vinegar! Cucumber dipped in apple cider vinegar tastes really good.
Just curious if consuming apple cider vinegar has had any impact on your husband’s cholesterol level? Actually, I’m really curious if you’ve had any blood work done since you started eating a nourishing traditions lifestyle? I can’t seem to find any documented information, other than personal reports of feeling better or having more energy, about the impact of eating this way. For example, has there been weight loss, gain, or stability? Increase or decrease in cholesterol? Any change in blood pressure. For the most part I find myself agreeing with the nourishing traditions philosophy, but every now and again I have this underlying doubt about the long-term impact on health….gasp! I know.
Honestly, we have not been consistent with this in the last few months, nor have we had him rechecked since the original issue. He has been perfectly healthy and has not had any weight loss or gain…but stable.
The concern I have is that a person can look, or feel, “perfectly healthy”, but that doesn’t always reflect the true condition of our health. Sort of why heart disease is frequently referred to as the silent killer. I’d love to get some documented information on the impact a NT lifestyle has had on people–preferably for the better, but I do want to know if there have been any negative effects. Do you happen to have any reference to this sort of information? I’ve searched, but can’t find much other than personal testimonies.
Have you read the book ‘Nourishing Traditions’ by Sally Fallon. This book refers to lots of medical studies that have been conducted. A great book.
Greetings….you could watch the movie Food Matters or A Beautiful Truth or read a book The Gerson Therapy; these all refer to eating a healthier lifestyle and the medical benefits from it. The food you eat directly effects your body and it’s systems…if you choose overly processed foods and consume high amounts of High Fructose Corn Syryp, MSG, Aspartame….you will slowly destroy your liver which is the main detox organ in your body….this has been a proven scientific fact. Choosing to eat healthier is a wise decision….you would be amazed at what is really in the processed foods you buy
Great site Lindsay! I learned from my family at an early age, to use cider vinegar to treat sunburn. Also, apply cool yoghurt directly on the skin to help the healing from a sunburn. The naturals enzymes, vitamins, and cream heal soothe the burn and aid in healing the skin, much faster than those commercial ointments. Just make sure to apply treatment within 6-8 hours of being burned!
I’ve recently discovered your wonderful website and I love it! I have been making smoothies for breakfast for several weeks now and just began adding apple cider vinegar two days ago. Can’t taste it a bit! I have tried Crock Pot Yogurt, thanks to your website, and the results are great. The yogurt is perfect for my morning smoothies, and I figure I saved at least $.44 per quart. I am looking forward to trying many more of your ideas for frugal and healthy family living.
I wanted to report back to say that I’ve been making a ACV cocktail most mornings before the gym and it’s great. I use 2 teaspoons Bragg’s ACV, 1 teaspoon raw honey, and water. It’s kind of hard to get the honey to mix in, but whatever.
It’s much easier for me to drink this cocktail than plain water first thing in the morning – and it’s so important before going to the gym to prevent the headaches/light-headedness/dizziness I used to get. I think the raw honey in it helps too. In addition to tasting yummy (in my opinion), I also find that it soothes my stomach a lot…I have somewhat touchy digestion (and celiac).
So…yay for raw unfiltered ACV and raw honey! I continue to learn so much from your blog, Lindsay! Thank you so much!
I am a true believer in ACV. On occasion, when I get indigestion or heart burn, I head to the kitchen and grab a bottle of vinegar. I take a big drink, and then go on my way, thinking no more about the indigestion. It’s almost like magic!!
Hi Lindsay,
Do you know if the Trader Joe’s ACV is raw like the Braggs?
Also, I was wondering what are your thoughts on agave and stevia? I see you recommend honey often. I like honey, too. Unfortunately, my honey turned white and solid this past winter…do you know how to fix this? It’s in a plastic bottle so I’m hesitant to submerge the entire bottle in hot water. So far, I’ve been just using it in baking recipes where a liquid is used and heating up that liquid and the honey separately and stirring until it looks normal and then adding to the mixing bowl.
Thanks for all of your advice, I appreciate it.
Yes, TJ’s ACV is raw. You can tell by the fact that it has the “mother” in it (the cloudy substance). It is dark and unfiltered.
As to agave, I understand that it is really just fructose. You can read more about my thoughts on these natural sweeteners here.
Hi Lindsay,
I wanted to report back that, at least in Illinois, organic apple cider vinegar can be found for half the price at Whole Foods than at Trader Joes.
TJs: $3.99/16 oz = $0.25/oz
(This was the only bottle I saw at TJs).
Whole Foods’ two cheapest options both work out to $0.13/oz:
– $15.99 for gallon of Braggs (I will not be doing this as it’s more expensive upfront and comes in plastic, though I suppose it could end up being the cheapest option with a coupon or if it goes on sale, since TJs and Whole Foods store brands very rarely go on sale)
– $3.39 for 32 oz of Whole Foods Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (the larger of the two store brand glass bottles). This is what I plan to buy, and it seems to have the ACV mother too!
Whole Foods also makes their own organic expeller-pressed coconut virgin oil. I bought the glass jar version near the cooking oils, since it’s less expensive for what appears to be the same product in Whole Body section of Whole Foods (in black plastic, no less!). Mountain Rose Herbs virgin coconut oil 1 gallon = $0.38 including shipping; Whole Foods to $0.41 (but the upfront cost is much lower since the jar is much smaller. For me, buying the smaller jar is a good way to gauge how much I’d use…to see if the Mountain Rose Herbs is worth it (because of expiration, etc.). Trader Joes does not sell coconut oil.
EEK…I just saw the fine print – that Whole Foods’ ACV is pasteurized. Sorry about that!
Trader Joe’s ACV is organic & ‘raw’ but it is pasteurized. Pasteurizing is a heating process so it does break down the healthy bacteria and enzymes in the ‘mother’. Bragg’s is about the only brand in my area that I can find that is both organic, raw and unpasteurized.
I’ve heard about apple cider vinegar hurting your teeth as well. I really want to drink it more, any other tips about avoiding enamel damage.
I have never had any problems with damaging enamel and I have personally never read this myself. Sue Gregg was the person who originally turned me on to drinking ACV in her breakfast cookbook and never mentioned this problem. Someone else here mentioned drinking through a straw if you are concerned.
They say that it can damage the enamel after time, but rinsing with water after consuming and avoiding harsh tooth brushing immediately after can help prevent damage.
I wondered if anyone else noticed breakouts upon taking ACV? I began taking it with my water as well as applying it topically for a “digestion-related” issue
and my face started breaking out?? I am wondering if it is toxins?
This happened to me, as well, but I diluted it a little further and my skin became accustomed to it over time. I use it as a toner, and have found that it makes my skin so soft that I also don’t require a moisturizer with this. Hope this helps!
Be careful to protect your teeth from this though. I have read it can eat away at the enamel on your teeth. My mother in law drinks her warm tea through a straw to prevent it touching her teeth. Just something to think about.
Great article! I have to reccomend this site http://www.the-apple-cider-vinegar-company.com to everyone as it has the best apple cider vinegear out there! if your from the uk its free shipping
http://www.the-apple-cider-vinegar-company.com
I have also heard & read that apple cider vinegar(1 tbsp)mixed in water w/honey is good for heartburn (now called acid reflux “disease”) when did it become a “disease”? Is that so doctors could help the drug co. make more money by have to write an rx?
Actually, acid reflux (GERD) is different from heartburn and it can be very serious. My son was hospitalized for a week at age 9 months and my otherwise healthy 25 yr old husband ended up with grade 3 erosions in his esophagus and lost 25 pounds in a few months, so he was 144 lbs at 6’2″. It’s a problem with the stomach producing excess acid and also, in my DH’s case, a problem with his sphincter not working properly.
I think ACV can really help but by the time we tried it with my husband his erosions were so severe that it caused him pain. I just wanted to reply because I felt you were making light of this or treating it skeptically and it’s much, much more than just the heartburn you might get after filling up on a fried meal.
I had severe digestion problems and tried the acv. Ended up buying a book Heartburn No More by Dr. Sherry Rogers and curing myself. She has a natural healing protocol for gerd.
Wow! This totally new to me, how interesting! Have you noticed any obvious changes since you first started taking it?
Yes, you can read more about it in my update post. See above.
Just a question–do you know of any natural remedies for acne? I have some teenagers…Especially troublesome is the acne on chest/shoulders/back because so many OTC medications bleach your clothes and ruin them.
We use a lot of tea tree oil, and they take fish oil, but I just wondered if you knew anything about this? I know this is kind of a random place to ask this question, but I couldn’t figure out where to ask.
That is a good question. I have come across a few ideas, but haven’t had this problem myself, so I haven’t had the opportunity to try them. The list is too long to post it all here, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Coconut oil -apply daily or repeated times daily (only use extra virgin cold-pressed if possible)
2. Raw apple cider vinegar rinse – excellent for acne too!
3. Eat one raw clove of garlic each day – I think you could even do a capsule of garlic
I will post some other ideas in another post later this next week.
For me I find if I eat too much sugar my face breaks out terribly! I read about it and they call it “Diabetes of the skin”. So I just watch my sugar intake. When I have that week of cravings, I think “Is it worth having my face break out for this?” Try eating other alternatives to processed sugar, like good old natural fruit! When I stop eating sugar, after a few days my face is all cleared up.
great post! i linked back to you at http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2007/12/passionate-about-homemaking-and-high.html
Hey Lindsay, I have taken ACV many of times for some of my different health concerns. I have actually found it to be refreshing and an energy booster as well.
But it did take a while to get used too.
Amy, I am more than willing to keep you accountable with the APV!
I need some help too…but I am making baby steps to improve our health!
Stephanie, thanks for all your sweet comments and ideas. I have heard of the lemon juice idea as well. I will only be using ACV for my dressings now and might try it in the other areas you suggested. Thanks for the ideas! I do like supporting Bragg’s because they are a Christian company.
Lindsay
Good info, Lindsay! I’ve read a lot about apple cider vinegar, and although we don’t take it by itself, I use it as the only vinegar in my kitchen, and make great salad dressings with it. It also adds a lot to all of my broth, soups, stews, roasts, etc. I love the Bragg’s brand, personally.
Taking lemon juice in a bit of water before meals also has a similar effect on improving digestion.
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
This is a good reminder- I was once told by a naturopathic to take a little apple cider vinegar mixed with water 20 minutes before meals to help with digestion (as I have allergy issues that partially stem from a messed up digestion process). I think I’m going to start again! Maybe you can keep me accountable???