Monday 18 March 2013 - Superfood Spotlight: Apple Cider Vinegar

The first time I purchased Apple Cider Vinegar it was to mix up a drink named "Meta-D" by the recipes creators that they claimed would: provide energy, boost my metabolism and give me glowing skin if I'd just drink it every morning.

Apple Cider Vinegar was a main ingredient in the Meta-D cocktail and as I researched it's health properties I found it was likely the one solely responsible for the promised glowing, energy provision and metabolism boost. I was sceptical (as one should be when it comes to any "quick fix" promise from a health food) and I can't say that after making a daily ritual of drinking it that I instantly turned into a glowing Disney Princess or a reformed coffee drinker due to my bundles of energy.

But what I can say is that it did give me extra energy in the morning (enough to enthusiastically complete a pre-breakfast run, which I usually struggle with) and brought a healthy glow to my cheeks. In addition to these truths I found claims for its usefulness as a form of natural medicine and I've personally found it to be capable of unblocking congested sinus's, healing skin conditions and soothing a sore throat.

So what is it? The vinegar in it's natural form is simply twice fermented apples. Only look for the Organic versions which contain the "mother of vinegar" which makes the vinegar so beneficial. The "mother" is made up of living nutrients and bacteria. You will actually be able to see it settled in the bottom of the bottle.

Why does it deserve a cape? These are just some of the listed health benefits which naturally occur due to the properties of the vinegar:

• Potassium – helps to prevent brittle teeth, hair loss and runny noses.
• Pectin – helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol.
• Malic Acid – gives ACV the properties of being resistant to viruses, bacteria, and fungus.
• Calcium – supports strong bones and teeth.
• Ash – gives ACV its alkaline property which aids your body in maintaining proper pH levels for a healthy alkaline state.
• Acetic Acid – It appears that this acid slows the digestion of starch which can help to lower the rise in glucose that commonly occurs after meals.

What can I do with it? Some easy ways to incorporate the use of Apple Cider Vinegar as a superfood is to add it to juice, cold or hot water for drinking, use it as an ingredient in marinades, sauces, and salad dressings or as a substitute for citric ingredients in household recipes. In addition to these ways of using a bottle from your pantry you can also store a bottle in your medicine cabinet, with your cleaning items, beauty products and even pet treatments. I found a handy list of 15 uses for apple cider vinegar which gives suggestions for ways these bottles could be used here.

Sample Recipe

1 Tablespoon of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Cup of Hot Water
1 Teaspoon of organic honey

Mix into a mug and enjoy! This is the drink that cleared my sinuses and cured my sore throat when I was sick. It actually tastes really nice too!

How much does it cost and where can I get it? Health food stores and supermarkets both stock Apple Cider Vinegar in their vinegar sections. It costs around $4.50 per 500ml.