The ancient great Greek philosopher Hippocrates who is regarded as the father of modern medicine, it is said had just two potent remedies for most ailments – honey and apple cider vinegar. And so effective is the medicinal properties of the apple cider vinegar that it continues to be a key ingredient in many food recipes even in the present times.
How to Recognize Authentic Apple Cider Vinegar?
The apple cider vinegar you see in the market is usually a bottle of sparkling clear juice. But do not get fooled as it will probably not contain the numerous health benefits you have heard apple cider vinegar of possessing. Authentic apple cider vinegar actually looks quite unattractive. This is because real apple cider vinegar is organic and unfiltered.
It is not a clear liquid, but has a brown-hued tint to it. And when you look through it, you will see little cobweb-like things floating inside. This is the indication of an authentic apple cider vinegar having all nutrients and health benefits. However, the steaming process applied by manufactures removes the cob-like stuff along with the medicinal properties from apple cider vinegar to make it appealing to customers.
How is Apple Cider Vinegar Made?
The apple cider vinegar is prepared from fresh ripe apples that are fermented and made to undergo a rigorous procedure to develop the final product. A real apple cider vinegar is said to contain a variety of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and important minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulphur, iron and fluorine. For this very reason, a lot of people call apple cider vinegar the Wonder Drug.
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
- Pectin present in the vinegar is a fiber, which assists in lessening harmful cholesterol and monitoring blood pressure.
- The body’s need for calcium supplements especially in old age is well-known for maintaining strong bones. Apple cider vinegar used for marinating fruits, vegetables and meat assists in obtaining calcium from the same.
- Apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium, whose depletion in the body results in a number of illnesses like hair loss, weak finger nails, brittle teeth, sinusitis and a continuously running nose.
- Potassium present in this vinegar also removes toxic waste from the body.
- The beta-carotene assists in defying damage brought on by free radicals, helping one maintain a firmer skin and thus, a more youthful look.
- Apple cider vinegar is apt for those people who wish to lose weight.
- Apple cider vinegar comprises malic acid which is useful in combating fungal and bacterial infections. This acid melts uric acid accumulations that form around joints, helping relieve joint pains. The dissolved uric acid is steadily removed from the body.
- It is said that this vinegar is also effective in sicknesses like 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 many other bodily disorders.
How to Consume Apple Cider Vinegar?
There are numerous ways in which you can choose to have the apple cider vinegar. Instead of having a glass of water mixed with lemon juice, one can use a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water instead. If the taste is too acidic for you, then you can add few drops of honey also. Honey too is considered beneficial for health. Apple cider vinegar is also commonly used for marinating fish, meat and salads.