Throughout history, the health benefits of vinegar have been known and enjoyed. It is a great internal detoxifier and can be taken in liquid, capsule, or tablet form.
So what makes apple cider vinegar special — what about all of the other kinds of vinegar out there? The main reason apple cider vinegar gets the spotlight is that it is the most readily available raw, organic, un-pasteurized vinegar on the market. There's an important distinction there. Most types of vinegar on the grocery store shelf have been pasteurized, even distilled, and filtered. This kills all the good stuff. If you can find other raw, un-pasteurized, organic vinegars by all means enjoy them in your diet. Meanwhile, read on to learn more about all the wonders of the health world's favorite vinegar. The knowledge and reverence for apple cider vinegar health benefits are nothing new.
Here in North America we tend to focus on apple cider vinegar simply because apples are so abundant in our natural ecosystem, and have been for so long. Around the world, people have consumed different varieties of vinegar for thousands of years, as not only a seasoning but also as a health tonic:
Babylonians fermented the date palm into vinegar as far back as 5000 BC. Egyptian ruins dating back to 3000 BC turn up vessels with vinegar remains in them.
Early Greek and Roman artwork depict vinegar vessels in the scenery.
Hippocrates (5th century BC) mentions the health benefits of using vinegar to treat disease and infection, as well prescribing it for an overall elixir to balance the body’s natural fluids (potassium also helps our cells maintain ideal fluid levels by acting as an electrolyte).
Throughout the millennia, in practically every global culture, vinegar has been used as an antiseptic, an energizing tonic, and a disease prevention tonic, as well as a condiment and flavoring.
It's a Nutritional Powerhouse!
Another apple cider vinegar health benefit is that it's loaded with nutrients! It contains vitamins C, E, A, B1, B2, B6, as well as beta-carotene and bioflavonoid. In addition to its excellent potassium supply, apple cider vinegar also contains trace minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, boron — all important in the formation and maintenance of strong, dense bone structure.
Tannins, Enzymes & Potassium
Apple skins contain tannins (also found in tea, coffee, and red wine, as well as other fruits and vegetables).Tannins are effective antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radicals which damage cells. Apple cider vinegar is brimming with enzymes. Did you know that our bodies produce a finite amount of enzymes naturally, and that rest of these powerful little digestive aids must be obtained from the foods we eat? Cooked foods have no enzyme activity. Raw foods contain some enzymes. Raw, fermented foods, like apple cider vinegar are the most bountiful source of enzymes.
Another nutritional reason why apple cider vinegar is so good is that it is rich in potassium — in an ideal dose for the human body. Potassium is an important mineral with many health benefits.
Potassium acts like an electrolyte, which means that in the presence of sodium and chloride, it conducts electricity in the fluids of our bodies. Electrolytes are essential in allowing fluids into your cells and transporting waste products out.
Some enzymes require the presence of potassium in order to perform their functions. Potassium helps relieve muscle cramping, fatigue, and heart arrhythmia. It keeps our soft tissues (internal and external) soft and supple. This is major. It helps prevent hardening of the arteries! Arteries are just one of the soft tissues in our bodies. It's been reported that raw apple cider vinegar is good for helping reduce high blood pressure — this is attributed to the potassium. Potassium also helps prevent tooth decay, splitting of fingernails, and hair loss.
Apple cider vinegar has the ability to return an overly acidic body to a more neutral pH. Pollution, environmental toxins, over-consumption of carbohydrates and refined sugars all contribute to an overly acid constitution. Apple cider vinegar is naturally alkaline in our bodies, helping to counteract hyper-acidity.
Now You Know! Now, you may be tempted to go to the cupboard, pour a glass of apple cider vinegar and drink it down. Be warned — always dilute vinegar before you eat or drink it (or take it in capsule or tablet form). The acids found in liquid vinegar can erode enamel on your teeth, so be sure to dilute — whether it's tossed into a salad or sprinkled over steamed vegetables, or mixed with water for a wonderful health tonic. Just don't take it straight. Or if you do feel compelled to swish some in your mouth to combat oral thrush or other mouth infection (not a bad idea really), please remember to rinse your mouth and teeth very well afterwards.
Here are some of the additional benefits of apple cider vinegar:
ARTHRITIS – combats joint pain by reducing inflammation
ASTHMA - helps control
BLOOD LOSS - helps stem
COLITIS - diminishes
COUGHS - diminishes
DIARRHEA - diminishes and/or eliminates
DIZZINESS - diminishes and/or eliminates
EAR DISCHARGE - diminishes and/or eliminates
ECZEMA - diminishes and/or eliminates
EYES (TIRED AND SORE) - diminishes and/or eliminates
