The use of traditional apple cider vinegar in treating an ever-increasing variety of ailments dates all the way back to 3,000 BC.Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician and ‘Father of Modern Medicine’, also believed in the healing properties of vinegar, as did the ancient Babylonians before him and the Samurai warriors in Japan later on.
Apple cider vinegar is mainly made by crushing the apples and collecting the concentrated pale amber color liquid as vinegar. Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar also contains “mother,” strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky, cobweb-like appearance. Apple cider vinegar is of two types natural & synthetic. Synthetic ACV is cheaper and natural ACV is expensive.
Nutritional Composition
The various ingredients found in apple cider vinegar serve to enhance its reputation as a true health benefit. Calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, malic acid and pectin are several of the minerals which it has in perfectly balanced amounts. The main component of ACV is acetic acid which is also known as ethanoic acid which is a colourless liquid that has a pungent smell and sour taste.
It also consists of the following nutrients-
Potassium: to avoid runny nose, hair loss, brittle teeth
Malic Acid: to fight infections from harmful bacteria and fungus
Acetic Acid: accounts for the sour taste of vinegar; lowers the blood’s pH levels thereby creating an inhospitable intestinal environment for bacterial and fungal infections
Pectin: facilitates regulation of blood pressure and removal of bad cholesterol
Lastly, it contains other ingredients like Folic Acid, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid,Sodium, Phosphorus, Calcium and Iron.
Choosing the right ACV
There are many brands of ACV available in the market – organic, synthetic and those which contain the ‘mother’. Most of us are confused as to which vinegar would prove to be beneficial for us and which variant of apple cider vinegar is better, so let’s take a quick look at the differences which would help us in deciding as to which variant of apple cider vinegar is better.
Organic apple cider vinegar
- Organic apple cider vinegar is vinegar in its natural form
- It is a rich, amber colour that has a cloudy appearance referred to as the mother of vinegar.
- The mother of vinegar is where all the vitamins, minerals and enzymes associated with apple cider vinegar are found.
- The organic apple cider vinegar contains bacteria because of the lack of any pasteurisation or distillation.
Synthetic apple cider vinegar
- Non-organic apple cider vinegar is vinegar that has undergone pasteurisation.
- It has a bright colour and is free from cloudiness, which the customers find very appealing
- The pasteurisation process of non-organic apple cider vinegar removes the mother of vinegar hence it lacks essential nutrients.
- The vinegar does not contain intact enzymes and is not as easy to tolerate by the body.
Some other benefits of apple cider vinegar are as follows
- Clears skin problems and stops acne. The acidity in the vinegar will dry out the blemish allowing new, healthy skin to take its place.
- Regulates the pH of your face: mix 1 part ACV with 2 parts water and use as a toner using a cotton ball and lightly blotting around t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)
- Soothes sunburn: add 1 cup ACV to your bath, and soak for 10 minutes
- Gives your hair body and shine: after you shampoo, apply 1/2 tablespoon ACV mixed with 1 cup of water, then rinse
- Encourages hair growth: ACV will stimulate hair follicles, and can also treat dandruff and an itchy scalp
- Give yourself an at-home pedicure by soaking your feet in equal parts warm water and ACV. Its anti-fungal properties will keep your feet healthy, soft and clean
- Helps with varicose veins because of its high levels of vitamins, which will work to deter and reduce the veins
- Targets age spots: mix 1 tablespoon orange juice with 2 tablespoons ACV to fade age spot
Immunity Booster
Ingredients:
Apple cider vinegar – 1 teaspoon
Green tea – 1 cup
Lemon juice – a squeeze
Raw honey – a drop or two
Ginger – 1 small slice
Cinnamon – a pinch
Method:
Steep the tea in water for 2-3 minutes. Remove tea and stir in the remaining ingredients. Remove ginger slice before drinking.
Khyati’s health-o-meter
This power-packed drink is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. The combination of green tea and ACV is an excellent source of antioxidants for the maintenance of good health. Green tea is high in catechins and hence will help to increase the metabolic rate, reduce body fat and improves overall weight loss. Cinnamon and ginger, both, helps lower cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
Kick it up salad dressing
Ingredients:
Liquid Stevia – ½ teaspoon
Cider vinegar – ¼ cup
Red pepper – 1 teaspoon
Lemon – 1
Oil – ½ teaspoon
Salt and pepper – to taste
Method:
Whisk together Stevia, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and red pepper. Slowly pour in oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Khyati’s health-o-meter
Apple cider vinegar is a classic salad dressing ingredient, which you can definitely get a little creative with instead of the most commonly used olive oil. On the other hand, liquid stevia is a natural sweetener which is low in calories, good for diabetics and helps to maintain healthy blood pressure.
Lose it salad dressing
Ingredients:
Apple cider vinegar- 2 tablespoons
Liquid Stevia – 3-4 drops
Finely ground flax seeds – 1 teaspoon
Red pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Small clove of garlic, finely grated – ½
Oil – ½ teaspoon
Salt – A pinch
Method:
Whisk together all ingredients until mixed and serve it.
Khyati’s health-o-meter
Apple cider vinegar and ground flax seeds both have amazing digestive properties which will help in the cleansing of the body. Flax seeds are high in fiber, omega 3 fatty acids and phytochemicals called lignins. They reduce LDL and helps lower the risk of heart diseases. The sulfur containing compounds of garlic prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and prevents the development of arteriosclerosis.
Detox drink
Ingredients:
Apple cider vinegar- 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
Raw honey – few drops
Cinnamon – 1 tsp
Water – 1 glass
Method:
Blend all the ingredients together.
Khyati’s health-o-meter
This incredible health drink helps you burn fat, boost metabolism, lose weight, fight diabetes and lowers blood pressure.
Healthy cider salad dressing
Ingredients:
Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons
Onion Powder – 1 tbsp
Powdered mustard – 2 tablespoons
Cloves – 3
Garlic, minced – 1 tsp
Thyme or Rosemary – 1 tsp
Dried Basil – 1tsp
Olive oil – ½ tsp
Method:
Blend all the ingredients and serve it.
Khyati’s health-o-meter
This incredible salad dressing is full of herbs rich in antioxidants. Rosemary and thyme are rich in polyphenols that are known cut the risk of heart diseases. Basil is a versatile herb having anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-cancer properties and also known to cure digestive disorders.
