Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV)
ACV is produced when apple juice obtained from crushing whole apples is first fermented to alcohol (making wine) and then to acetic acid (making vinegar).
History of ACV
ACV is mentioned in the Bible as an antiseptic and healing agent
Hippocrates, the father of medicine thought of ACV as a powerful elixir and a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. The Romans, the Greeks and the ancient Egyptians as far back as 3000 BC used ACV for various ailments.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Form of beneficial ACV
Beneficial form of ACV is organic, unfiltered and in its raw, undistilled state with the “mother”. Many producers distill their vinegar to produce a customer-approved, clear, light-colored vinegar.
- Distillation heat removes beneficial phytonutrients and destroys malic and tartaric acids. Important in fighting toxins and inhibiting unfriendly bacteria.
- Don’t take ACV pills. There’s no guarantee that they contain any ACV and there are reports of them causing chemical burns to the throat.
- Get ACV with “The Mother”(mother of vinegar). This is a cobweb-like substance made of cellulose and the fermentation bacteria, which makes the vinegar look murky brown. Today, manufacturers often distil the vinegar to remove this nutritious component, since the clear, sparkling look sells better.
Nutrients in ACV
Beneficial nutrients
Phytonutrients (plant nutrients / chemicals). Modern laboratory analysis has found ACV to be rich in beneficial phytochemicals, including:
- Quercetin. A flavonoid studied for it’s role in cancer prevention and suppression of tumor growth;
- Certain phytochemicals act to deliver calcium to the muscles. Ending once and for all restless leg syndrome and cramps;
- A phytonutrient that enhances proper acid and enzyme production in your stomach;
- ACV contains NO caffeine, theobromine, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, or zeaxanthin
Acids. Acetic acid, malic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid.
- Malic acid enhances cellular energy production and helps burn fat. Szent-Gyorgyi found that malic acid kicks red muscle into using oxygen to produce its energy rather than anaerobically (Note that red muscle is red because of its oxygen content). Instead of reducing the effects of lactic acid, malic acid signals the mitochondria to use oxygen to burn fat or glucose. Malic Acid is a key intermediate “player”in the “Krebs Cycle”- a complex, naturally occurring process within the cell mitochondria, which produces ATP.
Malic acid is alkalizing. Although acidic in the stomach, malic acid becomes alkaline when it enters the blood stream and may help to offset the high acidity that builds up as a result of lactic and uric acid.
- Acetic acid buffers base and acid toxic compounds. Fermenting apple juice to alcoholic apple cider, and then letting the oxygen interact with it, turns the alcohol into acetic acid. To help this process along from the alcoholic base, “mother” is added – this is the spider web look-alike bacterial foam that forms during the fermentation process.
▲ Increases the body’s absorption of important food minerals. As a salad dressing it aids absorption of minerals from the vegetables. E.g. calcium, so important in preventing osteoporosis.
▲ Dissolves Body Toxins. ACV acts as a buffer in the body because its acetic acid reacts with base or acid compounds to form an acetate, therefore rendering them chemically bioavailable for the body’s utilization. ACV can reduce the toxicity of certain compounds by converting the toxin into an acetate compound, which is less toxic. This is why they are ideal for insect bites and certain skin allergies.
Enzymes. Aid digestion; enzymes can be destroyed if ACV is heated too high;
ACV does not contain . . .
Contrary to information on many websites ACV DOES NOT CONTAIN significant amounts of minerals, trace minerals, vitamins, fiber or amino acids
- Only 1mg. calcium /Tbsp. ACV. Compared to 300mg in 8oz. milk;
- A mere 11mg. potassium /Tbsp. ACV. Compared to 159 mg in a medium sized apple or 433mg in 1 medium banana;
- Insignificant iron, magnesium, sodium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, chlorine, silicon, fluorine, or sulfur;
- No Vitamin A, C, E, K, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), folate. According to the USDA;
- No measurable amount of pectin!. A water soluble fiber that soaks up water and adds bulk, and is reported to prevent cholesterol’s reabsorption in the body;
- No amino acids
Generally accepted functions of ACV in the body
- Antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral; antiseptic – primarily coming from the malic and acetic acids in ACV.
- Anti-inflammatory;
- Boosts the immune system;
- Normalizes acid/alkaline balance
- Reduces LDL cholesterol;
- Regulates water content;
- Reduces water retention;
- Reduces excess sodium;
- Helps regulate blood pressure;
- Helps concentration / memory;
- Assists in blood circulation;
- Improves vitality and energy;
- Helps diminish artery calcification;
- Aids metabolism;
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Health benefits of ACV
Systemic health benefits of RAW apple cider vinegar | |
Health Problem | Comments |
| Aids blood vessels, arteries and veins | |
| Arthritis / Stiffness | Believed to be partly caused by a build-up of toxic wastes in the tissues. causing irritation. After several months of taking the ACV cocktail, stiffness and pain will be gone. Flushes toxic crystals from joints; also Soak or Poultice |
| Asthma | ACV Cocktail; some have found relief by applying ACV poultices under pressure to the inside of the wrists; |
| Candida | Main culprits for a vaginal yeast infection/ imbalance are a dietary disturbance and taking antibiotics. Douche twice a day with the ACV douche solution until the symptoms disappear. The solution assists in restoring the acid balance. |
| Cataracts | Cataract development in the eye is associated with alterations to the structure of the lens caused by oxidation of the lens by free radicals. The antioxidant properties of beta-carotene contained in ACV combat free radicals. Anecdotal Removal: Solution of 2-3 drops ACV in water applied to eye 3 x daily. |
| Cholesterol | Results from a 2006 rat study showed that vinegar may potentially lower cholesterol levels. Amino acids in ACV have shown promise in neutralizing some harmful oxidized LDL cholesterol. |
| Chronic fatigue / Fatigue | Lactic acid, released in the body during exercise and stress, can lead to fatigue. Lactic acid can be combatted by ACV amino acids. ACV enzymes and nutrients can also assist the body’s energy production. |
| Colds / Flu | The pH of the blood becomes slightly more alkaline just prior to coming down with a cold or the flu. Consuming ACV helps to rebalance your pH level; ACV cocktail 3x daily. |
| Constipation | As we age our bodies produce less digestive acids (e.g. hydrochloric acid), pepsin and digestive enzymes – which can cause constipation. |
| Cough | |
| Cramps including menstrual cramps) | Alleviates agony of menstrual cramps and cramps in calves, feet, legs; ACV cocktail. |
| Diabetes(ACV helps control blood sugar) | A 2004 study found that taking vinegar before meals significantly increased insulin sensitivity and dramatically reduced the insulin and glucose spikes that occur after meals. Johnston, 2004The study involved 29 people, divided into three groups (subjects were each given a solution containing 5 tsp. of vinegar, 5 tsp. of water, and 1 teaspoon of saccharin two minutes before ingesting a high-carbohydrate meal. The blood sugar and insulin levels of the participants were measured before the meal and 30 minutes and 60 minutes after the meal):
|
| Diarrhea | Sip ACV Cocktail every five minutes |
| Enlarged prostate | Helps shrink; |
| Food poisoning | Sip ACV Cocktail every five minutes (effective for mild cases) |
| Gallstones | Malic acid dissolves stones and cleanses the liver, aiding overall digestion. |
| GERD | Most cases are NOT a case of too much stomach acid, but rather a shortage of it. ACV cocktail 3xdaily has proved very successful against GERD;See Indigestion |
| Headache | Urine is slightly more alkaline when suffering from a headache, and ACV will assist in bringing your body’s acid level back to normal.ACV Vaporizer or Hot / Cold compress; |
| Heart Problems / Arrhythmia | Strengthens the heart and reduces arrhythmia; |
| Hiccups | ACV cocktail |
| High Blood pressure | Natural acids and enzymes in ACV keep the blood healthier and thinner, thereby decreasing blood pressure and risk of stroke.A 2006 study showed that vinegar could lower cholesterol in laboratory rats. Fushimi et al, 2006Another, that their blood pressure could be lowered by the acetic acid in vinegar. Kondo et al, 2001 |
| Indigestion | Drinking an ACV cocktail 5 minutes before a meal causes stomach digestive fluids to flow faster and better, resulting in improved digestion; Hydrochloric acid and pepsin (enzyme working in acid environment) are needed to break down food effectively; conversely a shortage of either HCl or pepsin leads to a sluggish digestion of food and the resultant indigestion. Malic acid can increase the proper absorption of minerals from 4% (in patients with low stomach acidity) up to 30-40%. Also, malic acid dissolves stones and cleanses the liver, aiding overall digestion; |
| Kidney Stones | Malic acid dissolves kidney stones |
| Nasal Congestion | A constant draining of mucus from the sinus cavities can both be sore and uncomfortable. Reduce/stop mucus forming food (mostly dairy products). ACV cocktail 3x daily has helped many sufferers.Breathing steamy vapors of heated ACV clears for 12-24 hours. |
| Nausea | Sip ACV Cocktail every five minutes |
| Osteoporosis | Acetic Acid Increases Calcium Absorption – vinegar is high in acetic acid, which like other acids, can increase the body’s absorption of food minerals. |
| Overweight | Really works to control/normalize weight by helping the body burn calories better and boosting metabolism; ACV has been used for centuries to aid the liver’s detoxification of the body and to help in digesting rich, fatty and greasy foods, and for proper metabolizing of proteins, fats and minerals. Improperly metabolized nutrients from your diet are not available to the body, and this will result in excess weight being added to the body’s frame. |
| Sore throats and laryngitis | ACV is antibacterial and antiviral; Gargle 3 mouthfuls of 50/50 ACV/Water solution every hour; Spit out and rinse mouth to protect acid eroding teeth enamel. Do not use hot water, as it kills the enzymes. As the throat begins to feel better, extend gargling to once every three hours. |
| Tired, aching / sore muscles and stiff joints | ACV cocktail 3xdaily; Take a warm bath containing 1 cup ACV;Lactic acid in muscles causes sore / stiff muscles; ACV helps to break down the lactic acid crystals, allowing them to be more easily flushed out the body. |
| Ulcers (alcohol induced) | ACV has shown promise in healing alcohol-induced ulcers; |
Topical Health Benefits of RAW Apple Cider Vinegar | |
Health Issue | Comments |
| Athletes Foot | |
| Healthy skin | Skin rejuvenation. Add ½ Cup ACV to a small basin of warm water. Dip both hands in the mixture and massage this all over the nude body (in shower or bathtub) – neck, chest, arms, shoulders, back, abdomen, legs, feet and face. Rub the mixture into the skin thoroughly. Be vigorous in your body massage, but gentle on the face. Rich in alpha-hydroxy acids. Helps dissolve fatty deposits on the skin’s surface and reduce scaly conditions. |
| Sunburn | Soothes pain; Topical application |
| Shingles | Relieve itch; topical application |
| Eczema | Relieve itch; topical application |
| Insect bites | Malic acid detoxifies bite toxins; Topical application |
Natural Hair Product For Soft, Shiny Hair | Prepare your own after-shampoo hair rinse. Mix 1/3 C ACV into 1 qt water. Store this mixture in a plastic bottle and keep it in the shower for ready use. Either rinse it out, or for extra conditioning, you can leave the rinse on your hair. Slight vinegar smell will disappear completely as your hair dries. For One time use – Use 1 Tbsp. ACV into 1 C of warm water.For fragrance -add 5 drops essential oil per 1 Cup undiluted ACV before using in above mixtures. E.g. Lavender, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, LemonUse at least once or twice a week -corrects natural mildly acidic pH of hair (many soap-based shampoos, bleaches, hair colors, and permanents are strongly alkaline)and removes build-up on hair shafts(closes the numerous cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft, imparting smoother surface which reflects more light. Leaves hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage. |
| Dandruff, itchy scalp, thinning hair, baldness | High acidity of malic acid plus the powerful enzymes in ACV kill the bottle bacillus, a yeast germ responsible for many scalp and hair conditions. Every hair has its own oil can and bottle bacilli clog the openings.(Bottle bacillus, officially called Pityrosporum ovale, is a fat-loving yeast belonging to the normal human skin flora in adults; a saprophyte and opportunistic pathogen also associated with seborrhoeic dermatitis and some forms of atopic dermatitis) Scales and small dry crusts are formed resulting in itching scalp and dandruff. Additionally, the oil-starved hairs either fall out or break off, causing thinning hair and often baldness. ACV not only kills bottle bacillus, but stimulates the oil cans to have healthy, balanced activity. Directions – Either (1) Apply ACV full strength directly to the scalp, massage into scalp and hair by parting hair into sections, and leave on for at least 1 minute before you shampoo. Or (2) Use 1 part ACV to 3 parts warm water as a final rinse over hair and scalp, making sure to avoid the eyes. Massage for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water. |
| Dermatitis (seborrheic) | |
| Varicose Veins | |
| Warts | Try this. Pin-prick the wart and place a vinegar soaked cotton ball over it for at least half hour. The wart should be just a scab next day. Leave it alone and the scab will fall off leaving just a small hole. |
How to use RAW, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
External uses
ACV Solution for Soak or Poultice. Comfortably HOT solution of ¼cup of cider vinegar to 1½cups of water.
- ACV Soak. For local treatment, soak an arthritic hand or foot in the solution for 10minutes, 2-3 times/ day.
- ACV Poultice. Soak a cotton cloth in ACV Solution (above), wring out and wrap it around the joint, then secure with a dry cloth to retain heat. When the wet cloth cools, it should be wrung out in the hot solution and applied afresh. Repeat several times, twice daily. E.g. Use for arthritic knees.
ACV Hot/Cold Compress.
ACV Solution for DOUCHE. 2 Tbsp. ACV to 1 quart of lukewarm water.
ACV Vaporizer. Add ¼ Cup ACV to vaporizer and breathe “fumes”
Beverages
ACV Cocktail. DRINK 1 TABLESPOON ACV with 1 TEASPOON RAW honey (dissolve in a little warm water) in a glass of water or juice (apple or grape are good choices) 3 times daily.
- Always dilute ACV. It is very acidic and can burn the throat. Just a few ounces of water are enough.
- Drink a diluted drink containing ACV just before or with meals. To improve your body’s ability to absorb needed minerals.
- Don’t make it too hot. It kills the enzymes in ACV.
Culinary Uses
Culinary Uses. Incorporate ACV and other good vinegars (E.g. ACV, Balsamic, Red wine) into your diet to enhance your efforts to fight serious, chronic diseases, such as helping lower your blood pressure and decreasing your risks of heart disease and stroke.
A tangy vinaigrette (oil + ACV+ water) dressing over your salad greens will promote better calcium absorption. Prefer a Vinaigrette Dressing instead of dressings made with high-heat-processed (damaged), unsaturated fats (E.g. most commercial dressings and mayonnaise). Dark, leafy greens are good sources of calcium.
- ACV as a base for coleslaw (Rather than using mayonnaise);
1 quart cabbage, finely chopped
½ tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. vinegar
½ cup green pepper, chopped
¼ cup cream
¼ cup diced sweet pickle
2 Tbsp. prepared mustard
1 Tbsp. sugar
How-to: Mix cabbage with green pepper and pickles. Combine sugar, salt, vinegar, cream and mustard; pour over cabbage, blend well, serve at once.
- As part of a marinade for meat. It will add a tangy component and help tenderize tougher cuts.
- “Fish and chips”. Use ACV full strength instead of malt vinegar;
Add a bit to the water in your steamer when steaming vegetables. Adds flavor.
Prevent cut fruit from browning. Lemon juice will work also.
Add to Chicken Carcass Bones when making broth. TThe vinegar helps the bones to break down, and creates a nutritious broth by releasing the minerals from the bones.
- Enhance the flavor of vegetables. E.g. after steaming vegetables, drizzle a little of your favorite vinegar over them instead of adding butter or salt. Thisenhances their flavor enticing you to eat more of them
- Red/white wine vinegar in a marinated. Vegetable salad -chop your favorite veggies, put them in a bowl with a marinade of vinegar, herbs, and a dash of olive oil, and let them sit for at least an hour.
References
Fushimi T et al (2006) Dietary acetic acid reduces serum cholesterol and triacylglycerols in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. British Journal of Nutrition (May) 95(5):916-924.
Johnston, CS et al (jan 2004) Vinegar improves insulin sensitivity to a high-carbohydrate meal in subjects with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 27 http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/27/1/281c
Kondo S et al (2001) Antihypertensive effects of acetic acid and vinegar on spontaneously hypertensive rats. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry 65(12) 2690-2694. http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bbb/65/12/65_2690/_article/-char/en
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