Apple Cider Vinegar - An Inexpensive Supplement

Although apple cider vinegar is a great addition to veggies in dressings and marinades, it goes way beyond being a simple condiment.

Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV as it is commonly known, is made when the juice of crushed apples is mixed with yeast and bacteria in order to start the fermentation process. The natural sugar of the apple becomes alcohol. Then there is a second fermentation process where the resulting alcohol is converted into vinegar by another type of bacteria. Raw, un-distilled ACV is made by simply allowing the crushed apples to sit in wood barrels and ferment on their own. This process is significantly longer, but provides a higher nutrient content in the ACV.

There are several different types of ACV. The one that is most commonly used as a supplement is unpasteurized ACV. This is because it contains beneficial enzymes and nutrients that the more processed ACV loses during the filtering and pasteurization process. Raw, unpasteurized ACV can appear cloudy due to being unfiltered. Also, you will typically see webs of matter floating around in the bottle. This is known as the "mother" and is naturally occurring. As the ACV ages, the matter will increase. There are many beneficial enzymes contained within the mother. These beneficial enzymes and nutrients can have positive health effects such as: aiding in heartburn relief, clearing up blemishes and some skin conditions, detoxification and possible weight loss benefits.

Heartburn is an uncomfortable condition which affects millions of Americans. There are many reported cases of individuals taking 1-2 tablespoons of raw ACV with the mother diluted in water and having remarkable results on their heartburn issues.

ACV is great for clearing up blemishes, as well. Applying diluted ACV with a cotton ball to a freshly washed face can help clear up residual dirt and makeup that can lead to clogged pores. Individuals that have experienced acne or other skin blemishes have experienced relief by consistently using ACV as part of a skincare routine.

ACV has been used to detoxify the body. The malic acid in ACV helps clear up lactic acid in the body. Lactic acid is responsible for muscle soreness, particularly after exercise. So, ACV can detoxify the body and help relieve soreness.

Finally, ACV is great for weight loss. It has been shown to give energy and to serve as an appetite suppressant. The detoxifying qualities of ACV can also help in reducing water retention, another way in which it can help in weight loss.

ACV is a great supplement! It's inexpensive and serves many beneficial purposes. Aside from the physical benefits, ACV is also great as a household cleaner. Try mixing ACV with water and use it on windows- it will keep them clean and streak-free!