Striving4Zen

When thinking about apple cider vinegar and its potential benefits, it's important to keep in mind that it is not a whole food, but rather a liquid derived from processing. While vinegar can be both delicious and nourishing, it is still not possible to consider it as a whole food.

High acidity

First and foremost, vinegar is usually highly acidic. The acidity of vinegar is typically related to its acetic acid content, and this content can vary fairly widely from vinegar to vinegar. For some individuals, especially those with stomach or digestive problems including acid reflux, vinegar might not be a desirable food component to include in their meal plan because it can serve as an irritant. I've seen some websites that recommend use of vinegar precisely because of its acidity. These websites suggest that vinegar can be used to help offset problems with acid deficiency in the stomach or other digestive problems. I'm not aware of any scientific research that supports this recommendation.

Claimed benefit - blood sugar control

First, there are some studies linking vinegar to improved control of blood sugar following a test meal. About half of the limited studies in this area have been conducted on genetically modified rats and do not provide any immediately helpful information about humans and the way we eat everyday. The human studies in this area tend to focus on delivery of a test food or test meal-typically highly processed and devoid of any whole, natural foods-that has been augmented with a dose of vinegar. While these studies do show a trend toward improvement in blood sugar response in the range of 2-20%, it seems reasonable to assume that a key problem here is the poor quality of the test foods and test meals.

Several authors have mentioned delayed stomach emptying as a likely mechanism for the impact of added vinegar on blood sugar response. If that hunch turns out to be correct, the idea of poor quality foods makes even more sense. Our stomach tends to empty too quickly if it is filled with highly processed, low-nutrient, fiber-free foods. I would expect whole, natural foods with excellent fiber content and nutrient variety to be more effective in improving blood sugar control than vinegar added to a meal that is composed of poor quality foods.

Claimed benefit - enhanced calcium absorption

Second is the area of calcium absorption. This area has only been explored in animal studies so far, and both the doses and experimental conditions have been limited and difficult to match up with everyday consumption of vinegar on a salad or in a marinade. But the results of these studies showed the vinegar to increase the solubility of calcium within the intestinal tract of the test animals and to increase absorption in this way. Once again, I would question the value of these rat experiments for decision-making about whole, natural foods. From my perspective, the degree of calcium solubility in whole, natural foods that are properly handled and properly cooked is exactly what it should be.

Some websites tout the nutritional benefits of apple cider vinegar from a mineral standpoint. Based on nutrient database values, the amount of minerals in a tablespoon of this food is very, very limited and cannot be thought of as a significant contribution to any diet.

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Labels: Alpha Lipoic Acid, apple cider vinegar, calcium, digestion, world's healthiest foods

A sour, sharp-tasting liquid containing acetic acid. Produced from the fermentation of the juice of various fruits, berries, honey, molasses, or even cereal grains as in malt vinegars. Cosmetic vinegars have been used as a complexion aid for centuries. Vinegar closes pores and preserves or restores the skin's natural acidity (pH balance). Vinegar keeps both oily and dry complexions soft and fresh and can combat the ravages of alkaline soaps and make up.

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Labels: apple cider vinegar, DIY, living holistically, skin care

Lots of people aspire to have shiny hair. So what are 'regular' people like us supposed to do in order to obtain hair so shiny? And how can we do it without encouraging the production of harmful materials?

It's easier than you probably think. There are secrets to shiny hair in your house right now most likely. That means you can get the hair you want without spending any money and without contributing to the use of harmful chemicals and factories.

What you can do:

• If you have light hair, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to your hair and let it sit.


• If you have dark hair, do the same thing with apple vinegar.


• Regardless of your hair color, you can also run a teaspoon of honey through your hair when you are done washing it. Don't rinse this out! Let it sit and you’ll have shine all day long.


• If you've got eggs or mayonnaise around your house, start using them as deep conditioners. Work them into your hair, especially the ends, when you’re through with washing. Leave them in for 10 minutes or so before washing out.


• Make sure you eat a lot of Vitamin E-it makes your hair glisten! This means more nuts, wheat germ, and leafy vegetables.

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Labels: apple cider vinegar, DIY, eggs, hair, honey, shiny hair

People use apple cider vinegar in skin care because it contains natural alpha hydroxyl acids that exfoliate and brighten the skin.

It restores the natural pH balance of the skin. Many soap and cleansers are very alkaline.

Ways to use Apple Cider Vinegar:
Use full strength or diluted with water as a facial toner to prevent acne, clogged pores and to balance the skin pH.
As a treatment for dandruff, massage 1/2 cup into your scalp, then rinse thoroughly with water. Can be used every day until the dandruff is gone, then you may use it periodically to prevent it from returning.
Gentleman who are prone to shaving related breakouts can use as an aftershave to prevent them. It can be used full strength or diluted with water or witch hazel.
Can be used on skin rashes to control itching and clear them up completely.
Soothe tired, sore, or swollen hands or feet by massaging with apple cider vinegar.
Treat the entire body by soaking in a warm tub with lots of apple cider vinegar added to the water.
Some claim that applying full strength at night will lighten age spots and other skin discolorations.

Labels: apple cider vinegar, Holistic Health, natural products, skincare

A CUP A DAY WILL KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY:

Apple cider vinegar has traditionally been known to be beneficial for your health due to its high concentration of vitamins and minerals. A regular dose of apple cider vinegar, honey and water can help the body pass acid crystals, thus preventing and/or reducing muscle and joint stiffness, including pains due to arthritis. That same mixture has the benefit of thinning the blood, thereby reducing blood pressure. Apple cider vinegar can also aid digestion and kill harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. Pure apple cider vinegar can also be used to wash pesticides and bacteria or fungus off of fresh produce. Most commercial apple cider vinegars have been pasteurized and filtered, which destroys much of the inherent beneficial elements. Look for cold-pressed, unpasteurized and organic apple cider vinegar.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_4028.cfm

Labels: apple cider vinegar, health food