Published on June 4th, 2012 | by Chris Keenan

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

For centuries people have used vinegar for it’s health benefits. Vinegar is a diverse fluid which can be both used around the house and ingested to help boost your health. Although there are several different types of vinegar available, including plain ol’ white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar (all with various benefits), in this green blog post we will focus on ways apple cider vinegar can improve your health.

apples each day will keep the doctor away!

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is considered the King of Vinegars. Apple cider vinegar (or ACV) is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids, which has many health benefits for the human body. ACV is created by crushing organic apples and putting them in wooden barrels to age. ACV contains nutrients such as beta-carotene, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, calcium, thiamine, and vitamins B6, C & E.

How Does it Benefit Your Health?

Apple cider vinegar has many properties benefiting the human body when consumed on a daily basis:

Breaks down mucus and phlegm
Improves kidney, liver and bladder functions
Fights infection (internally or externally)
Fights inflammation (internally or externally)
Helps with digestion, including digestive problems such as constipation
Thins blood, preventing blood clots as well as high blood pressure
Manages glucose levels
Is potassium rich (potassium is needed for your heart and other muscles to properly function)
Helps alleviate arthritis
Helps develop bone mass
Prevents and can cure athletes foot

Healthful Home Remedies for Apple Cider Vinegar

There are an assortment of illnesses and conditions which ACV can help treat. These ACV home remedies reportedly offer much success for decreasing symptoms and discomfort.

Diabetes– ACV has the ability to promote normal blood sugar levels, alleviating symptoms for those suffering from Type II Diabetes.
Detox– A full body detox can be achieved by ingesting ACV, which flushes out toxic wastes which have built up in your body over time. Adding 1 tsp ACV to 6 ounces of salt free vegetable juice and drink daily between meals for a full body detox.
Digestion– ACV helps regulate the body’s digestive tract, helping with weight loss, constipation and diarrhea. But also be sure to incorporate fiber into every meal in the form of whole fruits and vegetables and whole grain products. If you aren’t able to get enough fiber from your diet alone, consider adding an herbal fiber supplement to your daily routine. Fiber not only promotes feelings of lasting fullness, it also makes a great cleanse for full body detoxification.
Migraine Headaches– ACV helps alleviate migraine headaches, as well as other types of headaches (such as tension headaches and cluster headaches.) Apple cider vinegar can either be ingested (mixed with water and honey) or boiled with water and the vapors inhaled for migraine headache relief.

Try Apple Cider Vinegar Next Time

These are just a few examples of how apple cider vinegar can benefit your health. The next time your arthritis flares up or you find yourself suffering from a migraine headache, reach into the kitchen cupboard for the benefits of apple cider vinegar. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

{apple photo via Kightp on Flickr}

Have you ever used apple cider vinegar to help alleviate health problems? Share your story or tips in the comments.