If you don’t have raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in your pantry already, you are missing out on some serious health benefits. Apple cider vinegar, commonly referred to as ACV, has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions. In addition to all the benefits of ACV, it is very affordable and readily available in most stores.
Before we continue, we have to mention that it is integral to purchase organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Bragg makes an incredible product. Regular ACV that isn’t raw or unfiltered will not give you the same health benefits because it has been processed differently.
Why Is ACV So Special?
When you ingest ACV, healing begins to take place very quickly (depending on the condition you are treating) on a cellular level. Made from fermented apples, ACV contains healthy prebiotics, which are organisms that feed good bacteria (probiotics) that live in the digestive system. Keeping a healthy balance of good bacteria in the body with nourishing, plant-based foods is a great way to stay healthy. Consuming ACV won’t do this alone, but it can help reduce inflammation in the digestive system, joints, the blood, heart, and more.
Beginning in the gut and cells, inflammation can be caused by excess stress, poor sleep patterns, or more commonly an unhealthy diet that consists of processed ingredients, refined grains and sugars, meats, caffeine, alcohol, dairy products, and manmade fats. Typical symptoms of inflammation include joint pain, headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, acne, and more. To remedy these symptoms, people resort to over-the-counter medications that can actually contribute to more inflammation.
Remember: ACV cannot heal the body on its own. It can help reduce symptoms of inflammation, but it is more effective when you implement lifestyle changes along with its consumption.
The acetic acid in ACV gives it the tart taste, but this acid has an alkalizing effect when the body metabolizes it. ACV also contains polyphenolic compounds like epicatechin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and catechin. The alkaline pH level in ACV works to keep the blood from becoming too acidic, and acidity levels in American bodies are quite high. Consuming ACV for reduced inflammation can be done in the following ways.
ACV Tea
Add one or two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered ACV to one cup of warm water with a little freshly squeezed lemon juice. Drink this in the morning to promote detoxification.
ACV Salad Dressings
ACV is a great salad dressing ingredient because it provides that signature tang. Whisk it with olive oil and your favorite seasonings for a simply delicious dressing. For more dressings with ACV, click here.
ACV Morning Tonic
Add one or two teaspoons of ACV to one cup of filtered, room temperature water. Stir and enjoy. This works well when consumed in the morning or after a workout.
Cleansing Super Shot
You will create a one-ounce shot of ACV, water, lemon juice, a dash of cayenne pepper, and a little raw agave for sweetness. You may have to experiment with liquid ratios to get the flavor right.
It is best to use one or two of the above suggestions with a healthy, plant-based diet. ACV cannot be as effective if you are consuming foods that harm the body.
