8 Reasons You Should Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Diet

Apple cider has a long history of use as a home remedy, in recipes and for use around the home. In fact vinegar has been used as a remedy since the time of Hippocrates.

Raw, unfiltered, organic, unpasteurized ACV is one of the healthiest , oldest and useful remedies around. With an abundance of enzymes and healthy bacteria to nourish and heal your body it is worthy of adding to your diet. Here are a few reasons ACV is worthy of your consideration.

Health Benefits of ACV

Acne-ACV is a great skin toner and its natural antibacterial properties can help to keep breakouts and acne under control. In addition the malic and lactic acids in ACV help to exfoliate and soften the skin.

Lowers Blood Sugar & Fights Diabetes– Drinking ACV may help to balance your blood sugar. This study of individuals with type 2 diabetes , who were not on insulin, discovered that taking two tablespoons of ACV before bedtime actually resulted in a 4% reduction of blood sugar levels upon arising the next morning. In addition a study by Arizona State University found that insulin resistant people who drank ACV before a high carb meal had lowered blood sugar levels after their meal.

Bruising-Due to its anti-inflammatory properties dabbing some ACV on a cotton ball and then applying to bruises will help them to disappear faster.

Cancer Risk Lowered-Encouraging test tube studies show ACV ability to kill cancer cells.

Dandruff–Dr. Oz recommends ACV for dandruff control. Simply mix ¼ cup water and ¼ cup. ACV in a spray bottle. Spray on your scalp. Wrap your hair in a towel for 15 minutes to an hour and then wash hair as usual.

Heart Healthy-Animal studies have proven the ability of AVC cholesterol lowering abilities.

Lowers Cholesterol-A study from the British Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming one Tbsp. of ACV in the morning naturally lowers cholesterol.

Weight Loss-ACV contains acetic acid. Why is this important? Acetic acid increases your metabolism, suppresses appetite and even helps to reduce water retention. Including vinegar with high carb meals can increase the feeling of fullness, and lead to less frequent eating between meals.

Over a twelve week period individuals consuming 1 Tbsp. of AVC lost 2.6 pounds, while those consuming 2 Tbsp. lost 3.7 pounds.

If you’re on medication for diabetes, you should check with your doctor before taking apple cider vinegar, as your dosage may need to be monitored and adjusted.

Incorporating ACV into Your Diet

Vinegars uses are pretty extensive. It can be used in baking, cooking, dressings, drinks, vinaigrettes and as a preservative. Keep in mind that ACV should not be consumed straight, as it can burn your throat. It is meant to be diluted.

Make your own salad dressing

Make your own vinaigrette (recipe)

Make your own mayonnaise

Add ACV to your bone broth recipes

Make your own ACV drink

Add ACV to your marinade

Add ACV to your favorite juice

ACV Drink Recipes

You can make your own ACV for significantly less than buying one at the store. I normally see a 16 oz. drink for $2.69 or more. To make your own drink, stir 1 to 2 tsps. Bragg Organic Vinegar in 8 oz. glass of purified water. You can sweeten the drink if desired with 1 to 2 tsps. Organic Honey, 100% Maple Syrup, Blackstrap Molasses, Lakanto or 4 drops herb Stevia.

Dr. Axe’s Hot Detox Drink

1 glass of warm or hot water (12-16 oz.)

2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoon lemon juice

½-1 teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

1 dash cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon raw, local honey (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Warm the water.

Mix all ingredients together.

Best served warm but drink at desired temperature.