Naturally, I am not referring to his ingestion of hemlock. No, this article is about apple cider vinegar or APC forthwith. APC was one of the cleansing bullets I riddled myself with throughout my hedonistic histoire in order to recover from a particularly late night – usually one of those evenings not interrupted by anything as humdrum as sleep.
The mere act of drinking APC was a penitent gesture. For me, it was (is) hemlock – minus death. But don’t let me discourage you before you read the 11 reasons you should drink it! Ironically, APC revitalizes, energizes and has all kinds of wonderful effects on the body. (Although I noted that a few ‘medical’ sites had nothing flattering to say about the humble APC. They hinted its powers are suspect.) But who can doubt Socrates? And, don’t doctors and pharmaceuticals WANT you sick if only to stay in business?
A recent trip to the U.S. brought me once again into contact with American TV commercials (when I realized the mute button on the remote didn’t work). I was dumbstruck by the sheer, endless number of ads dealing with sickness and medical breakthrough ‘cures’ and solutions. The laughably lengthy list of possible side-effects follows in a semi-whisper.
With google at everyone’s disposal I wonder why anyone buys this crap when there are so many alternative natural options at hand that have been used for centuries. Does no one realize that Western medicines attack one problem, solve it – but destroy the balance of other bodily systems? Then, you need a new medicine for another problem and then another… At least demonstrate healthy skepticism/curiosity and try the non-toxic option first right?! Which brings me back to APC.
While APC was used as a health tonic for centuries, apple cider vinegar gained special prominence as a result of D.C. Jarvis’s popular 1958 book, “Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor’s Guide to Good Health.” Since the book’s publication, apple cider vinegar has been touted as a cure-all, which is not necessarily a reality. (The book is riveting by the way and I highly recommend it – esp as a gift for any prescription-happy doctor pals.)
So what the Hell is APC anyway?
Vinegar is a product of fermentation. This is a process in which sugars in a food are broken down by bacteria and yeast. In the first stage of fermentation, the sugars are turned into alcohol. Then, if the alcohol ferments further, you get vinegar. The word comes from the French, meaning “sour wine.” While vinegar can be made from all sorts of things — like many fruits, vegetables, and grains — apple cider vinegar comes from pulverized apples.
The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar, or any vinegar, is acetic acid – the sour-tasting compound that gives that characteristic tang to vinegar, pickles, and sourdough bread. Available medications containing acetic acid have been approved by the FDA to treat infections of the outer ear canal, bacterial vaginitis, head lice and ear wax impaction. The Mayo Clinic recommends acetic acid for conditions ranging from acetic drops for ear infections to diluted vinegar for thrush, plantar warts, nail fungus and impetigo. However, vinegars also have other acids, vitamins, mineral salts, and amino acids.
If you’ve got a good bottle of apple cider vinegar, you should see some strand-like sediment floating at the bottom. No, your vinegar hasn’t gone bad—that gunky-looking stuff at the bottom is the most important part! It’s called “the mother,” and it contains raw enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria that promote healing. One of the best to buy in the U.S. is Braggs. But check out the mother first – make sure there is plenty of it. (This is no MOFO ladies!)
11 Reasons to buy APC Now
- It regulates the ph of your skin and will help with acne.
Dilute ACV with two parts water, and spread the concoction over your face with a cotton ball to replace your current toner. You can do this at night after washing, and in the morning before you apply your moisturizer. A dab of apple cider vinegar can also be left on the skin overnight to fade age spots or acne scars.
- It can soothe sunburnt skin.
Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath, and soak for 10 minutes to eliminate discomfort from sunburn.
- It can be used as a natural aftershave.
Fill a bottle with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and shake before applying to the face.
- It can help with weight loss
For daily weight management, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 16 ounces of water. This concoction can be sipped throughout the day. Data shows weight loss benefits from sustained daily intake of acetic acid (which is a main ingredient in apple cider vinegar). It detoxifies the liver and helps you to shed a few extra pounds by reducing your appetite and helps you to burn calories
In a 2009 study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, it was found that subjects that consumed acetic acid for 12 weeks experienced significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides. Triglycerides contribute to the bad cholesterol that we want to avoid.
- Apple cider vinegar will balance your entire inner body system.
The body constantly strives to achieve a state of equilibrium. Apple cider vinegar helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level. Research shows that higher acid levels (lower pH level) leads to a lack of energy and higher incidences of infection. Despite its acidic taste, apple cider vinegar actually promotes alkalinity in the body. Supposedly, cancer cannot live in an alkaline body. Thereby, bring the body into an alkaline state which will make it an inhospitable environment for cancer. Hence, my habit of sipping a few ‘fingers’ (once it was vodka ladies – sigh) a day. ( I find this boosts my energy levels as well – hmm.)
- It can help you detox.
As part of balancing the body’s pH, apple cider vinegar creates an overall detoxification of the body. Research shows that it can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver. The next time you get ready to slip into a warm bath, add one to two capfuls of apple cider vinegar. It draws toxins out of the body, leaving behind toned and moisturized skin. The high levels of beta carotene fight off free radicals, helping you to stay looking young longer.
- ACV is great for your lymphatic system.
This miracle vinegar helps to break up mucous throughout the body and cleanse the lymph nodes. Believe it or not, research suggests that apple cider vinegar can help with allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. When reducing the effects of allergies, it can also help stave off sinus infections and their related symptoms, such as sore throats and headaches. I sink a few inches into a cup of hot chamomile tea with honey in the winter to beat the sniffles I catch from my baby’s crèche.
- It can help your body get rid of candida.
APC is rich in natural enzymes that can help rid your body of candida—yeasts that are attributed to thrush in humans. Candida also is blamed for creating symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings, and yeast infections.
- Funky, Fungal Feet
APC can be used for your manicure and pedicure because it can be used to treat fungal infections. It leaves your feet and hands super soft and clean. Use equal parts of ACV and water. I bring a bottle with me (yes – no shame ladies) to the pedicure place. Those foot tubs really make me twitch when I imagine how much toe jam has been swimming in them. Yikes! I need to pour some APC on my feet just thinking about that!
- Hair
Apple cider vinegar, when used as a rinse, will make your hair feel smooth and shiny, and provide a bit of extra clarification to remove oil and dirt. It balances your hair’s pH, which helps seal the cuticle and make the hair smoother. It can also help with dandruff, clear away greasy build-up, and soothe itchiness and irritation of the scalp.
Simply mix a tablespoon or two in a glass of water, and rinse your hair with it at the end of your bath. Make sure to rinse it out well afterwards, or your hair might feel a little crunchy.
Don’t worry, the vinegar smell will dissipate once your hair dries. You may smell a little appley but just pretend you are Eve and everyone else is Adam.
- Deodorant
Most commercial deodorants are antiperspirants, which block your ability to sweat. Since sweat is one of your body’s natural means of detoxification, blocking your ability to sweat can block your ability to detoxify. Plus, most drugstore deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum and a host of unpronounceable chemicals and synthetic fragrances, so you want to avoid them anyway.
But – guess what you can use as a natural deo? APC! Apple cider vinegar absorbs and neutralizes stinky scents. Simply rub a bit of ACV in your armpits and it will absorb and minimize body odors. The vinegary smell dissipates once it dries.
P.S. You can also use APC for cleaning surfaces, toilets etc but this is not a cleaning site…
For daily maintenance, weight loss and pH balancing:
2 teaspoons in 8 oz of water 3x a day (taken before your meals). This cocktail-of-innocence will curb your appetite.
Attention!
Because it’s highly acidic, you should always dilute apple cider vinegar with juice or water before using it. Prolonged use could result in erosion of the tooth enamel.
However, using apple cider vinegar supplements — instead of the liquid itself — adds a different layer of risk. You just can’t be sure what you’re really getting. I just drink the real thing but I don’t let it swirl around luxuriously in my mouth – I chug it back. Just pretend it’s a shot of vodka. You DO get a nice little energy rush – minus the skin dehydration!
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