Apple Cider Vinegar – A Simple Way To Boost Our Immune System
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is actually considered to be an ancient folk elixir that has gained significant popularity over the last several years as science has demonstrated its wide-reaching and diverse effectiveness in many areas of overall health and wellness support.
Researchers continue to learn about its potential of impressive health-supporting benefits that I and many others have advocated for in recent years and that ancient cultures have apparently known for centuries.
Apple Cider Vinegar is essentially apple juice from apples that have been crushed and then mixed with yeast to turn the sugar from the apple juice into alcohol through the process of fermentation. This fermentation process ultimately creates an enzyme and probiotic rich fermented drink / food product.
The fermentation process of apple cider vinegar allows bacteria to turn the alcohol into acetic acid, which is what gives the apple cider vinegar its intense smell and taste.
And many believe that it’s the acetic acid, which has been shown to be a powerful antimicrobial, giving the apple cider vinegar its strong health benefits in our body.
However; apple cider vinegar also contains malic, citric, formic, lactic and succinic acids that also appear to support our body’s health and immune system, in addition to the 5 antioxidants below, which help neutralize free radicals that will promote inflammation and oxidative stress in our body.
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caffeic acid
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catechin
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chlorogenic acid
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epicatechin
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gallic acid
Although researchers are still figuring out how apple cider vinegar can improve our overall health and wellness as well as boost our immune system, the apparent antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar have created many raving fans of this ancient elixir and we are seeing many benefits of ACV that include the below:
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thins out mucous/loosens phlegm in the throat to help the mucous to move out of our respiratory system more quickly
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contains beneficial bacteria and prebiotics that can have a positive impact on immune health
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antibacterial properties to fight off pathogens in our body, such as E-coli, staphylococcus aureus and candida albicans
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help our body detoxify through lymphatic drainage and improved circulation
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aid our body in weight loss, increase feelings of fullness and reduce cravings (I suggest drinking apple cider vinegar before meals to aid in weight loss)
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support healthy cholesterol levels
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lower blood sugar levels and aid with symptoms of diabetes
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good source of Potassium, fiber, vitamin C and vitamin E
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eating apples has been shown to help improve lung function and so apple cider vinegar might help you breathe easier.
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ACV has an alkaline effect on the body when consumed and our body functions best in a slightly alkaline state compared to a disease promoting acidic state.
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Resolve Acid reflux (GERD) and support digestion of fats and proteins
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contain both probiotics and prebiotics to support a healthy microbiome in our gut
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when used as a hair rinse after using regular shampoo, ACV can create shine and leave your hair feeling soft and smooth.
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Improve skin health when used as a cleanser by helping to restore your skin’s natural pH
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Help to reduce red marks and blemishes on our skin, including pimples and the appearance of stretch marks.
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Help with restless legs and/or leg cramping
Finally, as you can see, ACV not only helps to boost our immune system but it has also been used in a multitude of ways to improve and support our health and wellbeing.
And so, if you decide to use ACV as a part of your wellness lifestyle I suggest you consume an organic, raw, unfiltered, unprocessed apple cider vinegar that contains the “mother”, which will appear as a dark, strand-like cloud floating in the bottle and is the enzyme-rich, probiotic bacteria of the ACV.
…..and oh yeah……
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Consuming more ACV isn’t necessarily better…drinking too much or using too much ACV can burn your throat.
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I suggest diluting anywhere from 1 to 2 teaspoons to 1 to 2 tablespoons a day in water (can also use in dressings and decent tasting drink recipes – which I may send out another day). You can cause your tooth enamel to weaken over time if you do not dilute or rinse your mouth out sufficiently after taking a shot of ACV.
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Can use to make pretty tasty salad dressings….again, I may send out in another email
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For Diabetics, because ACV has been shown to help lower blood sugars please make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels so you don’t go hypoglycemic….and you might be able to work with your physician on lowering your need for diabetic drugs…who knows!
