Apple Cider Vinegar – What is it?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV), a.K.A. Just plain cider vinegar, is a type of vinegar made from Apple cider. For ACV to be considered “truly medicinal” it must have a pale to medium amber color similar to a wheat beer. You may see it sold as unfiltered and unpasteurized as an organic natural product. In fact, this is the better type to buy.
ACV has been used as a treatment for all kinds of sicknesses and ailments for centuries. For hundreds of years, folk medicine practitioners have recommended daily doses of apple cider vinegar for many problems. They also encouraged people who weren’t sick to use it for overall good health.
In many Asian healing traditions vinegar is called the friend of all herbs because it is often used to make herbal preparations. It has and is also successfully used in modern Chinese medicine. ACV is also said to address conditions such as gout, acne, arthritis, Candida, high cholesterol, warts, varicose veins, allergies, burns, and others.
Historical researchers cannot find where the origin of vinegar was ever specifically noted. Vinegar itself was probably discovered when one of our ancestors left the wine exposed to the air and it became sour. This then became vinegar. While the time of its origin is murky, it is amongst the oldest of foods and medicines know to man. Because of its healing properties, vinegar has been in use for thousands of years.
Hippocrites also known as the father of western medicine, in 400 B.C, was said to treat his patients with vinegar. This was the beginning of one of the world’s first prescribed medicines. Also, during biblical times, vinegar was successfully used to treat infections and wounds. And for hundreds of years medical textbooks have listed various ways to use vinegar. Among other things, vinegar was used to keep the mind clear, to purify the “waters” of the body, and, to relieve pain.
Modern research has substantiated the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of vinegar. Scientific studies have shown that ACV is able to destroy many microorganisms. These include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. ACV also has a unique ability to prevent certain poisons from reaching the rest of the systems of the body.
In the laboratory, it has been proven to inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacilli such as Pseudomonas. It also inhibits the growth of Candida. When you take it internally the acidic nature of ACV makes our digestive tract an unpleasant environment for germs and fungus. When you think about it, a lot of the old uses are just as applicable now as they were centuries ago.
ACV is very popular, due to the health benefits and also its so-called beauty benefits. ACV can be very harsh because of the acidity when taken internally. Some say that they feel a burning sensation in the throat if taken straight. What many recommend is that it is diluted with water, fruit juice, honey, or sugar before drinking it.
Some have reported side effects such as irritability, nervousness, and palpitations. Large quantities should also be avoided when taking certain blood pressure medications.
The process of making ACV is in stages. In the first phase, the liquid is squeezed out of crushed apples. After that, they put yeast in the liquid. This starts the alcoholic fermentation process, during which the natural sugars are turned into alcohol.
Then there is the third or, last stage which is the final fermentation process. During this process the alcohol is converted by acetic acid-forming bacteria called acetobacter into vinegar. It?s the acetic acid that gives vinegar its sour taste.
When you buy ACV, it?s good to know that unpasteurized or organic apple cider vinegar may have a cob web, congealed appearance. Don’t be alarmed as this is natural. The appearance is formed during the acetification process.
In addition to all the other benefits, some believe that ACV will also lower the blood’s natural alkalinity. This is beneficial because the typical American diet is very acidic in nature. Some speculate that using ACV will bring the body closer to a naturally healthy pH balance.
A naturally acidic digestive tract digestive, with the correct pH balance, is more apt to discourage bacterial growth and is less likely to grow yeast and fungus.
If all of this is true about the properties and uses of apple cider vinegar, then it might just be one of the most affordable health medicines on the planet.