Apple Cider Vinegar or Distilled? The Only Vinegar Your Should be Using

Vinegar has been around for thousands of years.  Vinegar was even found in early Egyptian tombs dating back to 3000 b.c. In modern times, most of us consider vinegar a household item.  However, do not be fooled into thinking all vinegar is the same.

Traditional white vinegar, though common, is often to harsh in flavor to use in cooking and pickling.  For better taste and nutritional value, consider Apple Cider Vinegar.  Traditional white vinegar is made from grains and works well as a household cleaner, but when added to food it’s flavor is harsh and unappealing.

Apple Cider Vinegar however, is made from, well apples.  Good quality Apple Cider Vinegar should be dark and “earthy” in tone (when buying apple cider vinegar look for the the dirtiest and ugliest looking one).  Due to it’s origin, Apple Cider Vinegar contains many more vitamins and minerals than traditional white vinegar.  However, in order to get a meaningful amount of any vitamin or mineral you would need to consume up to a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar per day.  That being said, aside from the negligible amount of nutritional value, Apple Cider Vinegar offers an abundance of antioxidants a polyphenols.  In particular, Apple Cider Vinegar contains the following: Citric Acid, Formic Acid, Malic Acid, Lactic Acid, Succinic Acid and Acetic Acid (due to its high acidity level, vinegar should not be consumed straight because it can damage the mouth and esophagus).

The following health benefits from Apple Cider Vinegar have been scientifically demonstrated:

• Diabetes and Obesity:  A 20017 study published in BMC Gastroenterology, stated that the Acetic Acid found in Apple Cider Vinegar may help to reduce obesity and diabetes within a given population when consumed regularly.  This is believed to be achieved by reducing the rate at which the stomach empties food, thus reducing the urge to eat more.
• Improving Cholesterol/ Triglycerides Levels:  A 2008 scientific study published in the Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, found that regular consumption of Apple Cider Vinegar may lead to lower levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, while helping to raise HDL cholesterol levels in animals.  Further research is ongoing in this.

Other Use’s for Apple Cider Vinegar:

• Acne/Oily Skin:  Due to its anti-bacterial and astringent properties, dilute 1 part Apple Cider Vinegar to 8 parts water and spray on face 1 to 2 times per day.
• Bacne: Treating back acne with conventional products can be very expensive due to the large area of coverage.  Spray Apple Cider Vinegar (1 part vinegar to 8 parts water) onto the back or any other area with acne 1 to 2 times per day.
• Restore Skin Balance:  Using the same diluted spray can help to restore proper PH levels in your skin.
• Dandruff: Using a 1 to 1 ratio of water to Apple Cider Vinegar, apply to the scalp and leave on for 1-2 hours before washing to reduce dandruff.  The Apple Cider Vinegar makes a unsuitable environment for the fungus that causes dandruff.
• Washing Fruits and Vegetables:  Due to its more sweet and appealing flavor, washing fruits and vegetables with Apple Cider Vinegar is much better than using white vinegar.  The acid in the vinegar will not only kill germs and bacteria, but can remove the wax that is often applied to fruits.