One of Granny's favourites, Apple Cider Vinegar

 

 

So, which one are we going to talk about this week? 

 

Well, it’s one you may have heard of before and, if so, probably in connection with Indigestion, although it has many other uses. Apple Cider Vinegar. 

 

As the name suggests, it’s a vinegar made from the fermented juice of apples and can be traced back to the Middle Ages, if not before. It’s best known as being high in Acetic Acid – more about this in a moment – as well as containing Vitamins B and C along with Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium. 

 

Acetic Acid is produced during the fermentation process and is what gives any vinegar its distinctive smell and taste. The strong sour smell and tang on the tongue. While it only amounts to about 5% of the end product, it packs quite a punch and is thought to be Apple Cider Vinegar’s main active compound. 

 

Like apple juice, Apple Cider Vinegar can be cloudy or clear. To get the maximum benefit, go for the cloudy – unfiltered – one, which is known as “Mother”. This means you get the full benefit of all the nutrients, enzymes and “good” bacteria it contains. 

 

Now on to the important bit, what can Apple Cider Vinegar be used for? 

 

Well, generally, it’s been found to have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects. 

 

Its best known use is as a digestive support, whether for Indigestion / Heartburn, to help balance stomach acid or improve the balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the Digestive System. Along with honey, it may also be useful for Colitis both to help promote healing and restore the natural digestive balance. 

 

Alongside this, Apple Cider Vinegar has also been found to help balance blood sugar. So, it may have apart to play in helping manage Type II Diabetes, as well as in weight management and weight loss. 

 

Traditionally, it was diluted in water and used to rinse the hair after shampooing, to help strengthen hair and invigorate the scalp. This is due to its anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti viral effects which all combine to act as a mild disinfectant, so helping maintain a healthy PH balance, as well as unclogging blocked hair follicles. 

 

For similar reasons, Apple Cider Vinegar can also be used as a skin tonic, helping remove dead skin cells and restore the PH balance, to leading to a brighter and more radiant complexion. 

 

These effects are also the reason it can be used for Athletes Foot and other fungal skin issues. 

 

Finally, Apple Cider Vinegar can be diluted in water to use as a mouth wash, not only helping remove stains on teeth, but tartar deposits as well. It also helps clear away “bad” bacteria which play a part in bad breath. 

 

Its acidic nature means that Apple Cider Vinegar should never be used “neat” but only when diluted in water. If taken internally, simply adding one or two tablespoons to a large glass of warm water, is the easiest way to take it. You’ll still get the “tang” but it’s easy to drink. The best time to do this is first thing in the morning or before meals, if being taken as a digestive support. It can also be used as a hair rinse in exactly the same way. For mouth washes or as a skin toner, simply use less water and, as with all mouth washes, remember to spit it out rather than swallowing it (!). 

 

Finally, Apple Cider Vinegar can also be used in the kitchen, as part of a salad dressing or to give a dish a slight tang. 

 

So, does it live up to the hype? 

 

Definitely! And, with its many different uses, is great to have in the kitchen cupboard. 

 

As always, the choice is yours.