Diabetes Diet #68: Apple Cider Vinegar To The Rescue

What do you think of the notion of drinking vinegar everyday? Now wait a minute, don’t be so fast to say “not for me.” People around the world have been imbibing in this sour tasting liquid for over six thousand years.    

What exactly is vinegar and why bother drinking it?

Vinegar is the end product when an acetic liquid such as wine or apple cider ferments. Sugars are broken down during the fermentation process by natural yeast and bacteria which metabolize into alcohol producing acids and resulting in the sour tasting liquid called vinegar, a word taken from the French “vin” for wine and “aigre” for sour. There are many varieties of vinegar, including red and white wine, balsamic, rice, sherry and champagne but the one we will concentrate on today is apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar has long enjoyed the position of tried and true folk remedy for all that ails you. It is the one that is said to cure more ailments that any other home remedy. The list is quite long from allergies, to acne, sinus and flu, fungus and bacterial infections, warts, fatigue, Candida, acid reflux, arthritis, difficulty sleeping, contact dermatitis, bone density, gout, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, skin complexion and finger nails, constipation and it is good to treat dogs, cats and horses suffering from flies or arthritis. It also adds a healthy sheen to their coats.

You might be asking yourself at this point “how could one simple liquid that has been around forever accomplish so many good things?” Here is a brief explanation of just how apple cider vinegar works its magic to alleviate some of the problems and conditions listed above.

• Joint Pain: The malic acid in apple cider vinegar breaks down uric acid build up that forms around joints thus alleviating joint pan and arthritis.
• Increase Bone Density: When apple cider vinegar is mixed with foods it aids in utilizing calcium which is necessary for bone strength. Apple cider vinegar also contains vitamin D3-1000 which promotes good bone health.
• Hair and Fingernails: There is a good amount of potassium in apple cider vinegar and potassium is necessary for the health of hair and nails.
• High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: Apple cider vinegar contains pectin which studies show lowers both cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Sore Throat: A gargle with apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water sooths scratchy sore throats.
• Skin Care: A solution of 50/50 apple cider vinegar and water gently applied to face with a cotton pad daily (avoiding eye area) brings a healthy glow to the completion. If this formula is too strong for your skin reduce amount of vinegar to 25%.
• Bacterial and Fungus Infection: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, malic acid. Both have antimicrobial properties which fight infection.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Several studies have been done that show how apple cider vinegar helps lower post pyramidal blood sugars. The Nov. 2007 study published in Diabetes Care showed that 2ts. apple cider vinegar taken with 1 oz. cheese before bedtime reduces morning blood glucose readings. Another study in 2010 in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism at the University of Arizona by Dr. Carol Johnson resulted in lower blood glucose for 5 hours postprandial when 2ts. apple cider vinegar was taken with meals.

Now that we see how this simple natural and inexpensive product can have so many beneficial effects on health, here is the recommended formula to try if you so desire:

• Two teaspoons (three times daily) of organic apple cider vinegar from Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or your local health food store. It will have a brownish tint. If you don’t care for the somewhat sweet fruity taste of it try mixing 2ts. with 16oz. water. Some people add a drop of honey to the mix. Sip this throughout the day replenishing when necessary. It is a very refreshing drink. 

Apple cider vinegar is the cheapest way to effectively detox the body of impurities. Perhaps this simple elixir was the liquid that spouted from the legendary Fountain of Youth. If not, drinking it on a daily basis will at least give you a healthy glow.

To read more about apple cider vinegar: 

Apple Cider Vinegar, A Modern Folk Remedy by Daniel Kran and Deirdre Layne

Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar by Dr. Earl Mindell

JUDITH’S CYBER KITHCHEN
With all the talk about healing and curing with apple cider vinegar let’s see how we can apply it in the kitchen. Apple cider vinegar has always been used to preserve and enhance the flavors of food. It also opens the palate and gives balance to many dishes. Use it to marinate fish and poultry.