Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), made by fermenting pressed, organic apple juice until the sugars turn to vinegar, has many positive health benefits. The best way to take ACV is to dilute 1-2 Tablespoons of it in a glass of water, although you can start with 2 teaspoons until you become used to it, and drink it before meals but at least 2 times a day for the best results. I find it most convenient to drink mine first thing in the morning (before I brush my teeth, but after I “swish”) and again before dinner. You can drink it up to 4 times a day for the benefits but doing it more won’t help you lose weight faster. It is best to dilute in water because it may be too strong for people with heartburn or potential ulcers. Vinegar means “sour wine” and is a taste which may need to become accustomed to.

The reason it is so good for us is that although the ACV, like lemons in lemon water, is acidic outside the body, it is alkalizing when injested. This alkalizing effect acts to neutralize the acidity in the body and aid in recovery of various symptoms. Acetic acid is the main active ingredient in ACV and is created during the fermentation process. The acetic acid helps to slow down the digestion of simple carbs and can help regulate blood sugar levels from high- carb/sugar-rich diets. Malic acid is also formed in the fermentation process and has been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.The acetic and malic acids are what give it the sour taste.

Drinking the ACV stimulates the digestive juices to assist in the better breakdown of food and to help reduce hunger. Many people with high sugar diets have a tendency towards an overgrowth of candida or yeast in their bodies and ACV can help to normalize the intestinal flora. ACV may also benefit the lymphatic system, the body’s drainage system, by helping break down an accumulation of mucus. Additionally, ACV helps to detox the liver.

ACV has potassium and sipping ACV can be helpful in calming restless leg syndrome or leg cramps. You can gargle with ACV (mixed with less water so it is more concentrated) to help with halitosis. Besides drinking it, ACV can be used for cooking or to make salad dressings. There are other topical uses for ACV like helping with skin conditions such for dandruff, acne, eczema and psoriasis. It can help soothe sunburns, lighten bruises and also to whiten teeth.

There are various brands of ACV but the most recommended and the one I prefer is Bragg’s Raw, Unfiltered, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. When you get it you will notice the “murkiness” in the bottle with fiberous pieces floating around the bottom. This is the good stuff, called the “mother”, the main substance responsible for the health benefits. These strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria are found at the bottom of the bottle of raw, unfiltered, ACV and for that reason it needs to be shaken well before pouring it so you get the benefits of the “mother”.

From all the research and reports I have read ACV appears to be safe when consumed as advised. It can be diluted in a glass of filtered water or even added to warm water and sweetened with 1 Tablespoon of raw, organic honey or Black Strap Molasses (another SuperFood). I would like to suggest that excess consumption may have some harmful effects and as I pointed out earlier it is advised that you not drink it without diluting it first. Another suggestion is that it is probably wise to take a break from using the ACV occasionally so that your body doesn’t become too used to it and possibly immune from it’s benefits.