Great Green Idea: Green Living: Apple Cider Vinegar and its Many Uses

Apple Cider Vinegar and its Many Uses

You've heard the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apple cider vinegar is confirming this age old saying. Apple cider vinegar is the natural fermentation of crushed organically grown apples. The natural fermentation comes about when these crushed apples mature in wooden barrels. When the apples ferment web-like bacterial foam, referred to as mother is produced. Mother carries enzymes and minerals that regular distilled vinegar does not carry. The mother becomes the brown liquid that we call apple cider vinegar.

Choose Wisely

Using organic apple cider vinegar with an acidity pH level of 5 to 7 will yield the best results. Apple cider vinegar with a pH level lesser than this may have been pasteurized, filtered, refined or distilled, which diminishes the natural value. When the apple cider vinegar is altered in this way, it does not contain those enzymes and minerals that promote benefits of the product. It is best to purchase apple cider vinegar at your local health food store to make the best choice. You can also make your own vinegar. Find a homemade apple cider recipe at Earthclinic.com.

The Benefits

Now that you know how to choose the proper apple cider vinegar, name some of the benefits that you can receive from this product. Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for a variety of uses. For example it can aid in weight loss, daily maintenance and balance pH levels in the body. Just put two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into 16 ounces of water and sip throughout the day. You may add honey to taste if you like but it is suggested that you take this daily concoction without any sweeteners.

Apple cider vinegar can also help with bad breath. Add Â½ a tablespoon to a cup of water and use as a gargle each day. BO or body odor isn't pleasant, especially for others who have to smell it. Combat armpit BO by swabbing undiluted apple cider vinegar under your arm each morning. For foot odor, fill a foot pail with warm water and 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar. Soak your feet for 15 minutes with this mixture to get rid of pesky foot odor.

Apple cider vinegar also treats acne, age spots, cellulite and yeast infections. You can find apple cider vinegar recipes for all these ailments at Homeremediesweb.com. Apple cider vinegar can also help with acute conditions such as acid reflux, constipation and diarrhea. When having trouble with diarrhea, simply add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a big glass of water. Drink it three times a day to help with diarrhea. Apple cider vinegar does not have any known side effects if use moderately. However, since it is does have a certain level of acidity, it is important to dilute it with water to prevent enamel damage to the teeth.