Apple Cider Vinegar for All Seasons
Apple Cider Vinegar for All Seasons
There’s nothing comparable to the pungent smell of vinegar. As a young girl growing up with German grandmothers, the smell of vinegar was prominent in summertime. As our garden produced cucumbers, which were transformed into pickles, I grew accustomed to that acrid odor.
Little did I know then the many health benefits of that cidery-concoction. I learned at a young age that apple cider vinegar is like having a drugstore in our pantry. The use of vinegars dates back at least 8000 years in various locations around the world. Hippocrates is believed to be the first to begin prescribing vinegar for various illnesses and preventive purposes.
Medical Doctor, D.C. Jarvis published his book, Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor’s Guide to Good Health in 1958. His book touted the many ways apple cider vinegar “cured” numerous conditions.
What is apple cider vinegar? It is the fermented juice that results from crushed apples. The primary components are acetic acid and citric acid. The nutritional components include: pectin, Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C, biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, potassium, calcium polyphenol and amino acids. Higher quality blends will include the “Mother,” or the culture of beneficial bacteria.
Apple cider vinegar is a well known “kitchen-cure” for uses ranging from cleaning to beauty aids to food preservation and health benefits. Here are a few of the many ways apple cider vinegar may improve your life:
• Food preservation: Fermenting or pickling deactivates enzymes and kills bacteria that may cause spoilage.
• Odor eliminator: The antibacterial properties help eliminate bad odors. Mixed with Epsom salts it makes a deodorizing foot soak. ACV also soothes athlete’s foot and eliminates nail fungus.
• All-purpose-cleaner: A quick and simple natural all-purpose cleanser that kills some bacteria.
• Soothing gargle: For sore throat relief, mix one tablespoon apple cider vinegar with one cup warm water and 1/2-teaspoon raw honey. Gargle, then swallow to relieve throat irritation.
• Pest preventer: Fruit flies can be easily trapped with a cup or jar lid filled with apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap.
• Better boiled eggs: Adding vinegar to the water used for boiled or poached eggs helps produce a better result. The acid in the water helps the protein in egg whites firm up more quickly.
• Fruit & veggie wash: To remove any residue on fruits or vegetables (pesticides, cleaners, handling, etc), fill a large container/basin with water and add a cup of vinegar and a drop of dish soap, then soak fresh produce for a few minutes. Rinse in clear water. Harmful bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella are destroyed in a vinegar wash.
• Home spa: A cup or two of ACV in the bathwater enhances your skin care routine. The antimicrobial properties ease skin infections, restores natural skin pH balance, improves skin moisture and relieves yeast infections. For a hair rinse, ACV improves dry scalp and dandruff conditions. Sensitive skin types may want to use caution to prevent additional irritation.
• Weed killer: This non-toxic weed killer is safe for pets and children who may play in the yard or garden. One gallon of vinegar to 1-1/2 gallon water in a yard sprayer, add 1-teaspoon dish soap and 1/2-cup table salt. Mix, and spray the unwanted weeds. This is an excellent solution for walk-ways.
• Salad dressings: A healthier ingredient for dressings and vinaigrettes.
Medical experts and researchers continue to seek scientific evidence that this multi-purpose juice is truly beneficial to one’s health. Studies are showing that daily doses improve blood sugar control, aid in weight loss, lower blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels, improve cardiovascular health and relieve indigestion. Research results are being published in several medical journals on this age-old remedy that continues to be a popular––if not mysterious––choice for improved health.