While we keep many things in our pantry, one item in particular has many health and wellness benefits associated with it. The notion of incorporating Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) into our daily regimen is highly encouraged and there are a several good and different brands to consider. Look for an organic form of ACV like the Bragg brand that contains the “mother” of vinegar which are strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky appearance. The food industry has produced pasteurized, refined, and distilled vinegars because the public demanded the clear look, but research shows that brands like Bragg are superior.

There are numerous benefits of ACV and a few key health benefits from using ACV on a regular basis. For most people, you will need to follow one of the proven recipes for ingestion success as very few people can handle drinking it straight since it is very acidic. There are recipes that can help mask the flavor or can work with the flavor to make a drink that is more palatable and appealing to the taste buds. Since no two palates are the same, you will have to experiment with various concoctions to find a taste that you can manage for consumption. Give it a try as it will be worth the discovery process.

Some of the more common mixtures or recipes include:

• 1-2 tbsp ACV in 8 oz glass of purified water.
• 1-2 tbsp ACV in 4 oz glass of warm purified water with 1-2 tsp organic honey.
• You can also use Stevia to sweeten or other low calorie juice to dilute the bitterness.
• You can add 1-2 tbsp of ACV to your favorite juice/smoothie recipes.
• You can use ACV to make a honey vinaigrette dressing or similar recipes.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:

• Is great after a workout as ACV contains potassium, enzymes, and amino acids.
• It can help whiten teeth and remove stains by gargling ACV.
• Drinking one teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water as it can drain your sinuses.
• Can help with acid reflux and other GI distress issues and prevents indigestion.
• ACV can nearly stop hiccups immediately.
• Can reduce leg cramps.
• Increase energy levels.
• Helps detox your body and liver. The acid in ACV can bind to toxins which can assist in removing them from the body.
• Other health claims of ACV include helping control blood sugar, lower cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, and soothe a sore throat as well as many other benefits. Please use discretion when using ACV for medicinal purposes. ACV should be considered for helping with your overall state of wellness.
• Even though vinegar is acidic, when we take apple cider vinegar it has an alkaline effect in our bodies. The fact that apple cider vinegar causes our pH levels to become more alkaline could play a large part in its curative properties. pH is a measurement of the acidity of water. The range goes from 0 - 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH of less than 7 indicates acidity, whereas a pH of greater than 7 indicates a base. Most people, when tested, discover their bodies are acidic and this is one way to bring your pH to normal and healthier levels to ward off sickness and disease.

As you begin to incorporate any new idea or habit, the process can be a bit of a challenge. However, I do believe that you should consider trying ACV and do some further study to see if this is a wellness regimen that will benefit your life and health in some way. Whatever you decide to do with this information, I encourage you to “Keep Pressing on to Higher Ground” in every area of your life.

Rich Burkholder, Director of the Aero-Fitness Health Center