Apple Cider Vinegar For Healthy Living

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)may be the most popular type of vinegar. ACV in natural health communities has claims of all sorts of health benefits. Many of these claims have been supported by science and research. Some of these include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and may improve symptoms of diabetes plus many other benefits. It may also be very beneficial to our furry family members too.

Where did ACV originate? Around 55BC when the Romans invaded England they found that cider was already widely used and enjoyed.  By this time apple trees had migrated and were well established all across Europe and Asia. France, England, and Spain already had the technique of fermenting and this fruit was perfected. History of this is still evident in the fields of Europe where you can find large circular apple grinding stones which were used to crush apples and are still buried in fields.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar? The edible liquid made from the juice of apples which goes through a natural process called fermentation. ACV is used in salad dressings, marinades, chutneys and preservatives.  There is a difference between ACV and hard apple cider the alcohol beer like drink although they are similar.  Hard cider goes through one process of fermentation while ACV goes through two fermentations.  The second produces acetic acid which is the oxidation of the natural carbohydrates which produces vinegar. This is a simplified explanation but I hope you get the gist 

There are different types of Apple cider vinegar which you can buy 

• Organic vs Non organic
• Filtered vs Unfiltered
• Pasteurized vs Raw

If you are looking for any health benefit to using ACV then stick with Organic unfiltered raw. Organic will make sure the vinegar is good quality with no chemical pesticides or GMO. Use unfiltered because it will allow the “mother” to form. Mother is the murky white substance in the bottom of vinegar. This is where all the good bacteria fermentation hangs out. Raw ACV again for the same reason as previously mentioned. Pasteurization destroys the natural benefits of ACV.

Why consider using ACV?

1.    Can Kill Harmful bacteria – ACV has traditionally been used to disinfect and as a cleaning solution, treating ear infections, lice and nail fungus.  It is also used as a preservative for foods. It has been shown to inhibit harmful bacteria such as e-coli from growing in foods and spoiling.
2.    Weight loss –There have been several studies to show that ACV can help in weight loss. In fact, it can help you feel full longer and help you eat fewer calories. This may then help with actual pound loss.  According to the study 1-2 tablespoons of ACV to your daily diet can help lose weight and decrease body fat percentage help you lose belly fat and decrease your blood triglycerides.
3.    Acid Reflux – Using ACV for acid reflux seems to be one of the old folk remedies that seem to be a favorite. ACV helps balance the stomachs pH by neutralizing stomach acids. It can be generally accepted as safe to consume a small amount of ACV. It can be a safe alternative occasionally to using TUMS or antacids.
4.    Help regulate Blood Sugar levels –Another study done showed it may help with blood sugar regulation. I help to manage blood sugar glucose and insulin after eating. In an abstract from a study in the academic journal Diabetes Care stated that “vinegar” improves insulin sensitivity to a high carbohydrate meal in subjects with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
5.    Blood Pressure and Cholesterol –There was a long-term study of nurses which found that those who consumed vinegar onm a daily basis had a much lower risk of heart disease an animal study suggested that ACV may help increase good cholesterol levels.

There are many other health benefits to Apple Cider Vinegar and there has been a lot of scientific research to prove their validity.  But how about our furry family member? Is Apple Cider Vinegar ok for them?

Apple Cider Vinegar good for Pets

1.    GREAT pest repellent –Using a 50/50 solution of raw organic ACV with an equal amount of water and add to a spray bottle. Spray on dog’s fur before going outdoors.  A small amount can also be added to water bowl for added benefit. This solution is great at helping repel fleas and biting flies.
2.    An Ear Cleaner – As part of your dog’s normal grooming routine ACV can be used to clean ears.  Like other uses mix50/50 with water. Apply the mixture to a cotton ball and gently wipe out your dog’sears.  This is for normal ear cleaning. If there is any sign of infection or discharge then consult your veterinarian.
3.    A skin treatment –ACV can be a natural way to help treat itchy skin indogs. Again in a 50/50 solution applied to dog’s skin can help battle the itches. It can be spritz on with a spray bottleand rubbed into fur. This can be used regularly to help combat minor itch andimprove skin and coat quality

So as we have seen Apple Cider Vinegar has many benefits for us and our furry family members. When used properly it may benefit us in many many ways and heck it tastes great too. So including ACV to your dog’s diet may have some benefits and adding it to your own has proven benefits. As with any natural or alternative or holistic remedies it is always wise to check with your doctor, naturopath, and your family vet for your pets about adding anything to your daily regimen.  

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