I’m writing this article at the request of my father who is now 81, still working very hard as a Blacksmith and is fit, healthy and has a love for life. My Dad is a real inspiration to us all and he is a huge advocate for several products I have recommended to him over the last few years. Not only does he remember to have the Apple Cider Vinegar daily however promotes it to everyone he meets when they find out how old he is! He normally says “I’m 81 and I’m a Blacksmith. I take AVC daily but you have to take it with the mother!”
My Dad is going to be promoted to Head of Sales at the Wellbeing Toolbox. 😉
So what exactly is Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother?
There is a clue in the title… Apple Cider Vinegar is a type of vinegar. In the UK, we all know brown malt vinegar is what you sprinkle on your chips from the local chippie, some people I know actually pour it on and then wonder why they have soggy chips! White vinegar is used for pickles and chutney and is now becoming popular as a natural household cleaning product as it makes glass sparkle, this is a very old and wise trick however is making a recent comeback.
The vinegar is produced during the apple cider fermentation process. The process involves fermenting the sugar that’s naturally present in apples by adding yeast and or bacteria to the cider. Over time, the cider turns into alcohol and then vinegar. When buying apple cider vinegar to enhance your health, we recommend an unpasteurised ACV made from organic apples. Personally I like Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar, however I also recommend ‘Eat Wholesome Organic Raw, Unfiltered with the Mother’ as I find it sweeter however either is a great choice.
If you’ve never consumed ACV, its appearance can be off-putting. It looks murky brown with some ‘string like wispy threads’ floating in the bottom of the bottle. Those are strands of live yeast which tell you that the cider is high in quality. The yeast contains beneficial bacteria in the form of gut-friendly probiotics or, more specifically, acetic acid bacteria that provide healing benefits to the body.
For over 5,000 years, people have been fermenting apple juice into vinegar and drinking it for improved health benefits. Apparently Hippocrates prescribed ACV mixed with a little honey to help coughs and colds., which is a massive help in the winter months.
Hippocrates is commonly portrayed as the paragon of the ancient physician and credited with coining the Hippocratic Oath, which is still relevant and in use today. He is traditionally known as “The Father of all Medicine”. Many people know him for saying "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food" and "Walking is man's best medicine” - whether he said these or not, or whoever gave this advice was absolutely the best advice to human kind.
ACV is a low-calorie health drink! A tablespoon of ACV has between 3 and 5 calories and very little sugar, it contains magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, amino acids, antioxidants. However, be aware when you drink it as it’s very strong, especially the first time consumed, you do however get used to it and is best consumed mixed with approximately 8 oz. of water and sipped through a straw to protect tooth enamel. You can add honey or maple syrup for taste. Drinking a tablespoon or two per day has beneficial benefits such as…
Supports your immune system
Prevention is better than cure, so protecting your immune system means you’re more likely to ward off diseases and infections. And here’s where the healthy bacteria in raw cider vinegar come into play. Studies have found that healthy bacteria can help you recover sooner if you do get sick. Meanwhile, ACV’s antibacterial properties can reportedly fight off pathogens in the body, such as E-coli, staphylococcus aureus and candida albicans. It also breaks up mucus, which relieves cold symptoms.
Helps Maintain a Healthy Alkaline pH in the Body
One of the healthiest things you can do for your body is to promote a more alkaline internal state. Unfortunately, many of the foods our culture embraces ‒ sugar, fatty fried foods, dairy, red meats – promote acidity in the body. A small change in the body’s pH can have a profound impact on health and wellbeing. Although ACV is acidic, when you drink it, it promotes alkalinity in the body. This can enhance energy levels and boost your ability to fight off disease. - Now isn’t that clever?!
Improves Heart Health
There is evidence that Apple Cider Vinegar can lower blood pressure, this is probably because it contains potassium which helps balance sodium levels for ideal blood pressure. It has also been found to increase HDL or “good” cholesterol, and some studies have found that it can help control triglycerides.
Accelerates Weight Loss
Vinegars of all types are used to boost weight loss because they help provide a feeling of fullness and therefore aids in over eating. There is growing evidence that consuming ACV regularly can help lower body weight, abdominal fat, and BMI. A 2009 study in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry showed that people who consumed two tablespoons of ACV per day for 12 weeks achieved significant losses in weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides.
Lowers blood sugar levels
Keeping your blood sugar levels in check is important and studies have shown that the acetic acid found in cider vinegar is beneficial. It’s believed the acetic acid blocks the enzymes that help digest starch. As a result of this, blood sugar levels don’t fluctuate as much after eating starchy food, such as pasta or bread. In fact, drinking 4 teaspoons of vinegar before a high-carb meal may help prevent blood sugar spikes.
Helps improve digestion
Like other fermented foods, unpasteurised, raw apple cider vinegar (with the Mother) contains healthy bacteria, this is the gut-friendly bacteria that helps keep your digestive system working properly. Apple Cider vinegar can provide relief for those with stomach problems like indigestion or heartburn. This is because it neutralises stomach acid whilst acetic acid fights harmful bacteria. However, if you suffer from an ulcer, ACV will not provide relief.
Aids skin, nails and is Antiviral and Anti-yeast and Anti-fungal
Apple cider vinegar has also been shown to have antiviral and anti-yeast and anti-fungal benefits, which are all helpful in supporting microbiome and overall immune balance. We use ACV in our family for all sorts of ailments and it has cleared up fungal toe nails, is brilliant for getting rid of verrucas, warts and corns, & skin tags will fall off! Apple cider vinegar is used as a natural treatment for healthier skin and nails. Applied as a toner, it may help to balance skin pH and has an exfoliating effect that smooths and softens. And, for rough, cracked heels or mild fungal nail infections, apple cider vinegar is commonly used as a foot soak. We absorb a lot through our hands and feet so ACV is gentle, safe and very effective. Use it daily.
Promotes Liver Detoxification
Apple cider vinegar balances the body’s pH levels, and also detoxifies organs, specifically the liver. It helps remove harmful environmental toxins as it stimulates circulation, flushing out the organs and improving the body’s natural filtration process. It is known to improve lymph circulation, which boosts immune system function.
In my opinion, Apple Cider Vinegar should be in every household, however please do your own research and remember that the Wellbeing Toolbox is NOT responsible for your health, you are responsible for your health. This article is for information only.
Recipes for Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks - Hot and Cold Beverages..
Make a cup of green tea (my preference is Green Rooibos), allow to brew to your acquired taste, add 1-2 Tablespoons of ACV and a spoon of honey if you use honey. Stir and enjoy - it is very calming before bedtime and we have found it aids restful sleep. This also reduces cramp if this is something you suffer from at night.
I will also drink a glass of water with 2 Tablespoons of ACV and a slice of lemon - this I find very refreshing.
Poultice for Verrucas, warts and skin tags...
Soak a cotton wool pad in ACD, squeeze it slightly to reduce the amount of liquid, place on to the verrucas, wart or skin tag and tape in place. Change the dressing each day and watch the annoying skin issue disappear.
With love and appreciation, always x 💚