ACV - The Ancient Folk Remedy
by Tennille Giampietro
More than ever before, people are looking for the most effective, convenient and financially viable ways to improve their wellbeing while also enhancing the way they look and feel overall.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been used medicinally for many, many centuries for its wide range of health benefits. The word vinegar comes from the Latin words Vinum (wine) and acer (sour), which is what vinegar basically is – a sour wine.
With its diverse medicinal properties and various health benefits, ACV was originally used as a natural antibacterial and anti-fungal. Today, it is used to assist with detoxification, as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, weight loss aid, skin care, hair care, a home remedy, deodoriser, disinfectant, natural preservative and house cleaner as well as used in vinaigrettes, soups, sauces and the list goes on.
ACV, or cider vinegar is a vinegar made by fermenting the sugar from the liquid of apples. This turns them into acetic acid, which is the active ingredient in vinegar, and is known to kill harmful bacteria. This is the by-product of the ACV – also known as “The Mother”. The Mother consists of protein, enzymes and good bacteria, hence, this is the main ingredient and where most of the health benefits come from. ACV containing the Mother is usually unrefined, unpasteurized and unfiltered Apple Cider.
As the most popular type of vinegar in the natural health community, it is claimed to lead to all sorts of benefits for general and overall health, many of which have been supported by science. This includes reducing cholesterol and the risk of heart disease, lower blood sugar levels, improve symptoms of diabetes, detoxify, aid in weight loss, and can increase the feeling of fullness. Adding two tablespoons each day has been found to help dieters lose nearly twice as much weight in three months compared to people who didn't consume apple cider vinegar.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used as a toner to treat a breakouts as well as help balance the skin's pH levels. By reducing pH levels of the skin it can help dry up acne spots and remove dead skin cells. Its praise for being rich in vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and B also mean it’s good for hair, helping exfoliate scalp skin, and its anti-inflammatory properties can help with dandruff.
Overall, it helps to restore the body back to equilibrium while also assisting to soothe and heal.
Some of the main conditions and illnesses ACV has been thought to assist with include:
Diabetes
Trials have shown that ACV may assist in the way the body absorbs blood sugar and also increase insulin sensitivity (reducing hyperglycaemia). It is thought that consuming ACV before meals helps to slow the rate in which the stomach is emptied, therefore reducing large spikes in blood glucose. Studies have also shown that patients consuming ACV before bed have had a reduced fasting blood sugar level upon waking.
Vinegar has been shown to have numerous benefits for blood sugar and insulin levels:
- Improves insulin sensitivity during a high-carb meal by 19–34% and significantly lowers blood sugar and insulin responses
- Reduces blood sugar by 34% after eating 50 grams of white bread
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bedtime can reduce fasting blood sugar in the morning by 4%
- Numerous other studies in humans show that vinegar can improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels after meals
Immune
ACV contains an array of vitamins and minerals which assist with building up the immune system. Some of the key nutritional components in ACV are potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, polyphenols (antioxidants) and of course, probiotics. The antibacterial properties assist with fighting off pathogens, therefore reducing the severity and duration of the common cold, while its function in the gut boosts the absorption of certain nutrients.
Vinegar can also help kill pathogens, including bacteria. It has traditionally been used for cleaning and disinfecting, treating nail fungus, lice, warts and ear infections. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used vinegar for wound cleaning over two thousand years ago. Studies show that it inhibits bacteria (like E. coli) from growing in food and spoiling it.
Digestion
There are certain foods that the body requires to aid in the breakdown of foods before, during and after digestion. ACV has been shown to stimulate and support in the digestion of fats and proteins by stimulating the production of a vital stomach acid, or hydrochloric acid and the pro and prebiotics support the growth of microflora in the gut. As a result of this, it is said the ACV may assist with bloating, constipation, abdominal distension, gas and heartburn.
Weight management
Besides reducing blood sugar and insulin resistance, ACV has shown to help with weight management by increasing satiety – or helping you to feel full. Due it its thermogenic effect, it assists with energy expenditure and fat burning, therefore reducing fat storage. Due to its role in digestion, it is also able to reduce sugar cravings.
Cholesterol and heart health
Heart disease is currently the world's most common cause of premature death. It is known that several biological factors are linked to either a decreased or increased risk of heart disease. Several of these "risk factors" can be improved by vinegar consumption. Although there are few studies on the correlation between consuming ACV and cholesterol, from evidence we do have, we can see that there is a positive effect of ACV in lowering triglycerides and total cholesterol.
How to take it
There are many variables as to the dosage of ACV, when it should be taken and how. The general rule of thumb is 1-3 tablespoons in a cup of water each day. The most common time to take it is first thing in the morning. It is said that there are more health benefits by taking it on an empty stomach. This however, will not suit everyone. For some it is best taken just before a meal and others, just before bed.
ACV can be an acquired taste, therefore honey is commonly added. Some other ways to introduce ACV into your diet including using it cooking, baking, dressings, marinades, as a preservative, a household cleaner and in your beauty treatment.
It really is one of the most diverse products you can have in your pantry.
Try an ACV Tonic
- 1 cup chilled, brewed green tea
- 1 Tbs Lotus ACV
- 1 tsp Global Organics maple syrup
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Lemon - optional
Stir tea, vinegar, syrup and ginger in a medium glass. Add a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
This weight-loss tonic might help you slim down, even though it's not a quick fix for healthy habits. Green tea has caffeine and antioxidants that may help boost fat loss. Ginger might help you burn more calories. And maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness to this hydrating drink. Add this tonic to your diet in addition to sensible eating and exercise to help boost your weight-loss efforts.
Incorporating Apple Cider vinegar into your diet is one of the best ways to increase your metabolism and start your journey to wellness. It is something that is easily incorporated into your diet while still providing a range of health benefits and flavour to foods.
