Searching for anti-inflammatory food information, I was surprised to read how often Apple Cider vinegar is suggested for various health uses.

It’s been in use as far back as 400 BC, by Hippocrates and others, to treat patients.  He was known to use it to clean wounds.  Past uses have included disinfecting, wart and lice removal,  and even to help ear infections. Some use it as a food preservative because the acid slows or prevents bacteria.

We are talking about the liquid form, preferably organic.  You may notice the organic form looks somewhat filmy.  That’s because is contains ‘mother of vinegar.’  I would stay away from the tablet form. There have been issues with them, including consistency.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar…

Apple cider vinegar is my favorite vinegar to use in salad dressing.  It gives it a unique flavor that is wonderful.  When I first ran across the dressing though, I had no idea how many benefits it contained.

Most of those benefits seem to come from its high level of acetic acid.  Acetic acid is able to kill some forms of bacteria.

One of its most successful uses is in lowering blood sugar levels, so important in diabetes.  Because of the nature of diabetes, do discuss with your doctor first, in case any adjustments are needed or in case it should be monitored.

Another note, the recommended amount varies, but it is suggested that you don’t exceed two tablespoons a day.  It is often combined with a teaspoon of honey in water to dilute the acid if it is to be sipped.

A List of its Uses…

• It is used as a natural anti-inflammatory.
•  Slows down starch digestion, which may help with weight loss.
•  It also leaves you feeling satisfied longer after eating, which also may help weight loss.
•  Lowers glucose level.
•  Acetic acid it contains helps lower sugar levels.
• Helps reduce bad cholesterol.
•  Potassium helps the water balance. It also helps alleviate nighttime leg cramps.
•  Helps our bodies absorb calcium—good for bones.
•  Reduces osteoarthritis by balancing the pH levels and loosening the crystal buildup.
•  It also may ease arthritis pain.
•  It can help eliminate candida, a yeast that causes infections.
•  Its antioxidants boost immune system.
• A spoonful or two in water can stop a bacterial infection in the stomach.
• It can prevent or help indigestion.
• Soothes a sore throat, killing germs, sipped with a little honey and water
• Reduces dandruff.
• Helps cleanse lymph nodes.
• Used after shampoo, it will give your hair extra shine.
• It’s used to stop hiccups.
• Maintains the alkaline pH level in the body.
• Sipped with water it helps clear a stuffy nose and may reduce allergies as a result.
• Used as a facial toner, it helps clears acne and reduces redness.
• Gargle or sip with water to remove bad breath. Be sure to rinse after.  Its acidic nature kills germs.
• Whitens teeth. Gargle with it, then brush!  Same with baking soda as toothpaste.
• In a compress it can fade bruising.
• Eliminates fleas on pets when rubbed on their skin.

Studies Continue…

Studies are underway now that may suggest it may help lower triglycerides and lower blood pressure.  It is even being studied for use in cancer treatment/prevention.

These usages aren’t suggested as replacements for a doctors orders, nor are they proven in all cases to help. As with so many things, some might love it and find relief, others perhaps not.

If it might help, it might be worth try, right?  Something that has been used for over 2,000 years has an excellent track record.   It is an easy thing to add to our meals in salad dressings especially, to receive any benefits it has to offer.

Bragg’s is the best selling organic Apple Cider Vinegar.  I find this 3-pack to be an excellent value.  It’s handy to have one jar in the bathroom for teeth whitening and facial toner.  And of course, there is always one in the kitchen.