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Vinegar is made in a two-step process, similar to how alcohol is made.
The first step is exposing crushed apples to yeast, which ferments the sugars and turn them into alcohol.
The second step involves adding bacteria to the alcohol solution, which ferments the alcohol even more to the point it turns into acetic acid – the main active compound in vinegar.
Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (like Bragg’s) also contains “mother” – strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky, cobweb-like appearance.
Some people believe that the “mother” is responsible for most of the health benefits, although there are currently no studies to support this.
Apple cider vinegar only contains about 3 calories per tablespoon, which is very low.
There are not many vitamins or minerals in it, but it does contain a tiny amount of potassium. Quality apple cider vinegar also contains some amino acids and antioxidants.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
The benefits of apple cider vinegar come from its powerful healing compounds, which include:
Acetic acid
Acetic acid has the ability to kill dangerous “bad” bacteria while fostering the growth of “good” bacteria. Because acetic acid kills unwanted bacteria at contact, it is pretty much a natural antibiotic, which means apple cider vinegar can provide a number of benefits related to skin, digestion, and immunity health.
Potassium
Potassium’s primary functions in the body include regulating fluid balance and controlling the electrical activity of the heart and other muscles. Potassium is an electrolyte that counteracts the effects of sodium, helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure. It is also important for maintaining acid-base balance.
Magnesium
Magnesium activates over 300 enzyme reactions in the body, translating to thousands of biochemical reactions happening on a constant basis daily. It is crucial to nerve transmission, muscle contraction, blood coagulation, energy production, nutrient metabolism and bone and cell formation.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that may be able to help prevent and treat some illnesses. Promoting a healthy digestive tract and a healthy immune system are their most widely studied benefits at this time. These are also commonly known as friendly, good, or healthy bacteria.
Apple cider vinegar has a number of benefits from helping with stomach troubles to curing hiccups. Here are just a handful of other benefits:
- Soothes sore throat
- Lowers cholesterol
- Clears stuffy nose
- Aids in weight loss
- Gets rid of dandruff
- Clears acne
- Banishes bad breath
Top Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar
From detoxification to giving your body a quick burst of energy, the uses for apple cider vinegar can be surprising. Here are the top uses of this natural product:
Detoxification
Unfiltered apple cider vinegar is a liver and lymphatic tonic which can help detox your body. It helps balance your body’s pH and stimulates cardiovascular stimulation, bowel motility and lymphatic drainage.
Conditioning for hair
It can be used as a natural hair conditioner and makes your hair shine. Take an old shampoo bottle and fill it with 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water. Pour this on your hair after shampooing three times per week for best results.
Helps with acid reflux
Some of the main causes of acid reflux and heartburn are an imbalanced stomach pH and lack of enzymes and probiotics. Apple cider vinegar is full of all of these nutrients. How do you take apple cider vinegar? Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and drink it five minutes before meals to relieve acid reflux.
Can kill candida
Millions of people around the world struggle with candida and yeast. The side effects can be bad breath, lack of energy, UTI’s and digestive issues. ACV contains probiotics and a type of acid that promotes the growth of probiotics which help kill off candida. Remove sugar from your diet and consume 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar three times daily as part of a candida cleanse.
All natural house cleaner
The antibacterial properties and the balanced pH of apple cider vinegar make it a perfect household cleaning product. Fill a spray bottle with 50 percent water and 50 percent ACV then spray windows and counters for cleaning.
Other uses include:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves diabetes
- Supports weight loss
- Helping the body digest foods
- Whitening teeth
Let us know what you use apple cider vinegar for!