Why Apple Cider Vinegar
If you had told me 10 years ago that I’d have a business that was all about apple cider vinegar, I would have never believed you. Life does, indeed, work in mysterious ways and I’m a huge believer that there’s a reason WHY things turn out the way they do! Sometimes, we don’t find out for a long after we’ve started something, and sometimes…we never find out. Regardless of how my path led to apple cider vinegar, I’m sure glad it did! Now, I could never imagine my life without it and swear by its healing powers.
For those of you that don’t know much about this magical ingredient, which is the basis for all of MYM’s products, I thought I’d dedicate this post to it. My hope is that everyone understands how amazingly beneficial ACV is for our overall health and becomes as big a fan as I am! So let’s dive right in!
WHAT IS ACV?
Apple Cider Vinegar’s legacy goes back at least 8000 years; vessels with traces of vinegar dating back to 6000 B.C.E have been found in Egypt and China. ACV is a natural bi-product of apples, more specifically apple cider. When left to sit long enough, apple cider beings to ferment, converting the natural sugars in the liquid into alcohol, which then becomes acetic acid. In its unfiltered and unrefined state, ACV has a cloudy or murky appearance, often with strands of “the mother” seen floating around the liquid. This is the source of ACV’s probiotic power due to the presence of good bacteria, yeast, and protein.
While many of ACV’s benefits have been attributed to the “mother”, ACV also has a vitamin profile similar to that of apple juice (not surprising considering its humble beginnings). This accounts for high amounts of B-vitamins, plant-based antioxidants known as polyphenols, and soluble fiber known as pectin, which all have their own benefits and play a role in the difference ACV can make in our systems.
WHY IS IT GOOD FOR US?
There have many studies about the efficacy of apple cider vinegar. ACV has been shown to benefit the body in a multitude of ways including reducing cholesterol, lowering blood sugar levels, improving symptoms of diabetes, detoxifying the body, aiding digestion, and in some cases reducing the severity of fungal and bacterial infections.
REDUCING CHOLESTEROL –
High triglyceride and cholesterol levels can increase a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke. Also, a high total cholesterol level raises the risk of heart problems. In a 12-week study investigating the effects of taking apple cider vinegar, researchers found that participants who took apple cider vinegar had lower triglycerides and total cholesterol.
The people who took apple cider vinegar also had significantly raised levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, sometimes referred to as “good cholesterol” because it can help lower the risk of heart problems.
LOWERING BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS AND IMPROVING DIABETES SYMPTOMS –
Those of us with high blood pressure and diabetes know how important it is to keep blood sugar levels under control to avoid complications. Complications from these issues can have scary side effects such as nerve, eye, and heart problems.
In a study on the ways ACV can help with these issues, scientists found that those who consumed apple cider vinegar before eating a meal had lower insulin and triglyceride levels after the meal than those who had a placebo. Studies also found that people who consumed apple cider vinegar for 8 to 12 weeks experienced small reductions in their blood sugar levels overall.
DETOXIFYING THE BODY -
Containing high levels of potassium, ACV works as a detox for the system, breaking up mucus and clearing the lymph nodes. It has also been shown to promote circulation in the body and detoxify the liver. The acid in ACV can also bind to toxins which can assist in removing them from the body.
AIDING DIGESTION -
And yes, that means ACV can help you out in… staying regular department. Apple cider vinegar, just like apples, is high in pectin, a soluble fiber that can help move things along in the digestive system. The “mother” of the ACV also contains probiotics, which help to restore good bacteria to the gut and improve your overall digestive health.
ANTIFUNGAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL –
Some research suggests that apple cider vinegar may have potential as an antifungal and antibacterial treatment.
In the case of a man with type 2 diabetes who had a persistent fungal infection due to Candida in the mouth. ACV was applied twice a day for 7 days. After treatment, there was a 94% reduction of the fungal count of the infected area.
While a test tube study on the antibacterial properties of ACV found it was effective at killing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which is the bacteria responsible for staph infections as well as Enterococcus faecalis, a bacteria that naturally occurs in the bowel and gut, that can lead to serious infections.
HOW DO I TAKE IT?
Common dosage of ACV is 15-30 ml per day, equal to roughly 1-2 Tablespoons. This dose should be mixed with water, made into a tonic (wink wink), or added to a salad dressing. It is always advised to start slowly and see how your body reacts to ACV, before upping your dosage to a full 2 tablespoons per day.
Not a fan of straight ACV? I HEAR YOU, and I’m guessing that’s why you’re here.
While ACV has a veritable slew of wonderful health benefits, the flavor and feel of taking it straight are not for everyone. This is why I’ve loved using ACV as a base to build off of in the creation of every one of my products. Now don’t hear me wrong, each of the additional ingredients in our tonics has their own health benefit, but they also all come together to make a great overall flavor.
If you are ready to start your ACV journey, I hope you will give one of our products a try. We have worked long and hard to make sure we have you covered, from energy needing spice lovers, to chilled-out alkaline oriented folks, and even your furry friends. I am so excited to help you improve your health and happiness with the wonders of ACV!