Apple Cider Vinegar Has Huge Health Benefits

I first heard about the many benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) from one of my yoga teachers from Kripalu, Roger. He helped to train me to teach yoga in 2006. One of the inspiring and helpful people in this world, he shared in May of 2010 on facebook (yes! facebook! lol) about the benefits of eating/ingesting fermented foods. Among those, being ACV.

So, of course, I immediately shared the information with the yoga students who pass through my studio. AND now anyone who reads this blog :)

What are the Benefits of ACV?

Here's a link to get you started on learning more about ALL the different ailments ACV is good for and it lists how to specifically use ACV in each ailment.

In a BIG Nutshell (borrowed from my teacher, Roger):

Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh ripe apples that are fermented and undergo a stringent process to create the final product. The vinegar contains a host of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulphur, iron, and fluorine.

Pectin in the vinegar is a fiber that helps reduce bad cholesterol and helps in regulating blood pressure. The need for calcium supplements once you start growing older is very well known. This vinegar helps extract calcium from the fruits, vegetables and meat it is mixed with, helping in the process of maintaining strong bones. Potassium deficiency causes a variety of ailments including hair loss, weak finger nails, brittle teeth, sinusitis, and a permanently running nose. Apple cider vinegar is loaded with potassium.

Studies have shown that potassium deficiency results in stunted growth. All these ailments can be avoided with the intake of apple cider vinegar. The potassium in this vinegar also helps in eliminating toxic waste from the body. The beta-carotene helps in countering damage caused by free radicals, helping one maintain firmer skin and a youthful appearance. Apple cider vinegar is good for those wanting to lose weight. It helps in breaking down fat which helps in natural weight reduction.

Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid which is very helpful in fighting fungal and bacterial infections. This acid dissolves uric acid deposits that form around joints, helping relieve joint pains. This dissolved uric acid is gradually eliminated from the body.

It is claimed that apple cider vinegar is helpful in ailments such as constipation, headaches, arthritis, weak bones, indigestion, high cholesterol, diarrhea, eczema, sore eyes, chronic fatigue, mild food poisoning, hair loss, high blood pressure, obesity, along with a host of many other ailments. No wonder then many know apple cider vinegar as the "Wonder Drug".

What I DO to Maintain Good Health with ACV:

It's not very tasty, but if you find the right things to mix in - it could be worth your while.

I try to remember (not always successful!) to have a splash of ACV (1-2 tablespoons) once of twice a day. MUST mix with at least 8oz. of water or it will be too acidic for the stomach. I mix in a sprinkle or two of cinnamon and it helps to curb that sharp ACV taste. It is preferred by some to add a bit of honey to the concoction.

I go to to replenish my stock, as needed.

A good book, recommended again by Roger, my teacher, is WILD FERMENTATION by Sandor Katz. It's about the health benefits of fermented foods and easy to follow recipes on how to make your own fermented foods. Thank you to Roger for all this great info!