So what is apple cider vinegar?

Quite simply, it’s vinegar that is made from apple and is known to be a cooking ingredient. But what is slowly coming to light, from several studies, is it’s an extremely potent way of addressing many lifestyle diseases. But apart from making it work for your really healthy salad or help you marinade your chicken even better, it works as one of the most incredibly potent formulations to give you the shiniest of hair!

Apple cider vinegar is simply a by-product of fermentation of apples and thus is as nutrient heavy as is the fruit. Apples possess rich doses of malic acid, folates, pectin, calcium, and potassium, which further gets purer in form as an end result of the fermentation process. It contains far more enzymes and beneficial acids that balance the pH balance of your hair that is suffering from over usage of chemical-laden hair care products.

What Makes Apple Cider Vinegar Great for your Hair?

• Because of its slight acidic nature, it helps balance the vital pH of your hair follicle.
• Alpha hydroxy that is naturally present in the vinegar will help exfoliate the follicle, thus making it more prone to hair re-growth.
• It removes remnants of usual hair colorants and other products like gels and conditioner that leave reside on your hair. This gives a much cleaner feel to your hair and healthy shine.
• It is antifungal, antibacterial, and above all anti-inflammatory, thus addressing scalp issues such as dandruff, flakiness, and itching.
• Cleaner more vibrant hair shaft leave hair feeling more manageable and less frizzy.
• The most important effect being that since your hair has just the right amounts of moisture lock now, you will not feel the grime as well. So the need to shampoo your hair, which is a vicious cycle, will also be addressed.

Above all, the most important benefit that you would get from this is that it is paraben-and sulfate-free. These are the two dreaded ingredients in most hair washes that strip your hair of its natural color and make your hair oilierby increasing sebum production.

In all, apple cider hair rinse is most suited for all whose hair has suffered the atrocities of chemical-laden washing.

How to Prepare the Apple Cider Rinse for Your Hair

This hair rinse can quite simply be prepared with very little trouble – right at home and used fresh while its ingredients are at its freshest best. It will never weight down your hair and will feel fresh, leaving hair free of residue and pollutants that even water tends to leave on hair follicle. So this very simple homemade formula is not just safe but hugely beneficial like any natural treatment would be.

Choosing the right kind of bottle would be the first step as you would need to store the preparation for your use. A simple plastic squeeze bottle works fine.

For making the rinse and storing it well,all you have to do is take 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar from a well-known brand, and mix it with 8 ounces of water. Mix it well and bottle it. Seal it tight and you may keep it anywhere that is cool and dry. It is always recommended however that the rinse should be freshly prepared before use.

Getting It Right!

Preparing the mix as per your hair’s need is also necessary. If you have overactive sebum, then your hair tends to be oilier which would need less dilution and more apple cider vinegar (ACV). So from mild potency at 1.2 tablespoon for 8 ounces to 4 tablespoons for very oily kind of hair, you could use the mix that would suit your hair.

Also remember that, as you use the rinse more often, your hair will balance out and you could then reduce the potency according to that.

Choosing the Right Apple Cider Vinegar

It matters as we would want something fresh, as unfiltered and as unprocessed as possible. So the label that says organic,meaning it is unpasteurized and has all the goodness of its fermentation process, should be the most suited. It means that the acetic bacterium which converts the sugar into acetic acids is still present in it.

How to Use

Shampoo your hair the usual way and rinse off. Do not use any conditioner. Now squirt the rinse from the squeezy bottle right from the scalp down to the tips of your hair. Cover your hair completely and leave it on for at least 10 minutes. Wash it off lightly, not completely as you would with a shampoo.

The Odor Issue

Well sure, like any other vinegar, you will find a slight smell that is typical of fermented things, yet with a certain amount of dilution, it does wear off. If it troubles you too much, add things like lavender essential oil (2 drops for 8 ounces of water).Remember though that any essential oil rinse must be stored in glass bottles.

Rinse Variation

To make your apple cider rinse all the more healthy for your hair, here is a small little addition to it that would make it work harder for giving you more luster. Instead of using plain water for dilution, boil the water and let a handful of hibiscus flowers steep in it for 15 minutes. You could also use a muslin cloth pouch filled with a handful of fenugreek seeds or rosemary or even chamomile to make this infusion. You could then go on to strain it and use it for diluting the apple cider vinegar as was recommended earlier.

Usage Norms

You have to understand one thing that applies to all kinds of natural formulations: one size does not fit all! Use as per suitability. If the first time your hair feels too dry, reduce the potency of the ACV in the mix, and if it feels too oily, you need to increase its proportion.

From once a month to using thrice a week is considered normal. It does lighten your hair color but that can be prevented if you use it lesser and more diluted. Begin with twice a week rinse at least and then after your hair has been detoxed to an extent, reduce to once a fortnight.

References:

• http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/idascorner/shampoo-hair/make-your-own-natural-vinegar-hair-rinse
• http://coconutsandkettlebells.com/apple-cider-vinegar-hair-rinse/
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/organic-authoritycom/apple-cider-vinegar-beauty_b_1924171.html
• http://www.organicauthority.com/delicious-beauty/how-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar-for-hair-and-skin.html
• https://www.healthambition.com/wash-hair-apple-cider-vinegar/

The most common problem is sinus infection which causes swelling or inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. It may begin to feel like the common cold but pain, congestion, fever and cough may follow as more fluids and bacteria are blocked in the sinuses.

What Make Apple Cider Vinegar Effective Against Sinus Infection

There are medications that may help to treat the symptoms of sinus infection but using organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) is the safer and more natural way to effectively stop the discomfort and pain from sinus infection.

• Organic ACV is loaded with antioxidants as well as minerals (calcium, magnesium) and vitamins (B1, B2, A, E) that help thin mucus, clear and dry sinus cavities.
• ACV has natural antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal  and anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective in clearing sinuses quickly.
• ACV is also a natural antihistamine that effectively prevents the production and release of histamines, the body chemical that can cause runny nose or sneezing and other symptoms of allergy.

Ways to Use ACV Against Sinus Infection

Two typical ways to benefit from the healing power of organic ACV is by drinking a mixture of 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water daily, or by sipping a mixture of   1/8 to 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar in 16 ounces of water throughout the day.  Aside from drinking and sipping, here are other ways to use organic ACV to treat sinus infection:

ACV Rinse

Procedure:

• Mix 1/2 – 1 tsp teaspoon organic, raw apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water.
• Stir solution for thorough mixing.
• Transfer some of the mixture into your palm and inhale or breathe in through one nostril only.
• Plug or press the other nostril using the other hand.
• Repeat the same procedure to the other nostril.

ACV Steam

This method will clear the nasal passages while ACV’s antibacterial and antifungal properties kill the bacteria that infected the sinus cavities.

Procedure:

• Mix ½ cup organic ACV and ½ cup water in a saucepan. Stir properly.
• Heat the mixture for few minutes.
• Get a towel that is just big enough to drape over your head and neck.
• Position your face over the steaming pan and inhale the steam.
• Repeat the procedure as many times as you can in a day for a few days until the sinus infection is completely cured.

ACV Nasal Spray

The ACV nasal spray should provide relief to those suffering from nasal congestion.  ACV thins out and eventually removes mucus that is  blocking passages in the nasal sinus.

Procedure:

• Mix 5 to 6 drops apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon distilled water properly.
• Pour the ACV-distilled water mixture to a clean and dry nasal sprayer.
• 3 Spray the ACV-distilled water mixture to the affected nostril.
• Spray at least thrice daily until you get rid of sinus infection.
• This remedy is expected to provide relief to nasal congestion within 24 hours.

Water with apple cider vinegar is obviously not the refreshing drink most people would enjoy or look forward to but the following health benefits make it worth the effort of including it in your daily food intake.

Hiccup Relief

A hiccup is not only an embarrassing sound when you’re in a public place or with other people around, it is also uncomfortable in the throat and chest areas. The sound is produced by the spasm or involuntary contraction of the diaphragm.

Hiccups are usually caused by overeating or just slow digestion when stomach acid is low.  In this case, ACV is the effective and immediate solution.  A teaspoon of ACV in 8 ounces or a cup of water restores the acid balance in the stomach that reduces or eliminates spasm of the diaphragm.

Ease Menstrual Cramps

Many women learn from their gynecologists that one of the reasons for menstrual cramps is the contraction of the uterus to expel blood clots during the menstrual period.

Taking at least a teaspoon of organic ACV in a cup of warm water before meals would be enough to provide relief against menstrual cramps. Organic ACV regulates blood clotting. It has potassium and calcium that help ease muscles in the uterus.

Strep Throat Treatment

An irritating prickle on the throat is usually the initial sign of a sore throat. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and bacteria. Before you feel more symptoms like pain and itchiness, gargle every hour with a mixture of 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup warm water.  Organic ACV solution is an effective germ buster and relief can be achieved in as short as 30 minutes up to a whole day of hourly gargling. The strength of the effective ACV solution may be different for each individual.

Immune System Booster Against Common Cold

Vitamins A,B,C and E as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium and other minerals in small amounts make organic ACV a fantastic immune booster.  A strong immune system is the best defense against common colds. In addition, ACV has malic acid that is antiviral and antimicrobial. It also helps break up mucus to bring relief to sinus congestion.

Taking three tablespoons of raw, unfiltered organic ACV with a glass of warm water on an empty stomach every morning would be effective to defend most people against common colds.

Lowers High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a health concern experienced by millions of adults worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States alone, “About 70 million American adults (29%) have high blood pressure—that’s 1 of every 3 adults.”  The problem is only “about half (52%) of people with high blood pressure have their condition under control.”

High blood pressure or hypertension is also considered a “silent killer” that puts much strain to the heart. It also increases a person’s risk for a heart attack, strike, chronic heart failure and kidney disease.  It would be worth their effort to try a natural remedy. Take a quarter cup of organic ACV in half a cup of warm water daily, about 30 minutes before breakfast.

To monitor, the results, take your blood pressure daily and be pleasantly surprised by the results. According to animal studies, organic ACV lowers blood pressure by reducing the enzymearginase which causes constriction of blood vessels.

Aids in Weight Loss

Taking 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) organic ACV mixed with water daily will help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite, increasing metabolism and reducing water retention.  It is best to take the ACV-water solution before meals, so choose before which meal you will take it.

According to a research published on the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, ACV suppresses appetite by regulating the blood glucose – no sudden surging or plummeting. Surging blood sugar level increases appetite.

Diarrhea Treatment

Diarrhea is usually caused by bacterial infection. Taking one or two tablespoons organic ACV with a glass of warm water or apple juice can help treat the problem.Organic ACV has antibiotic property.  Any intestinal spasm that is often felt by diarrhea patients can be eased by pectin in ACV.

Leg Cramps Relief

Night time leg cramps is usually a sign of potassium deficiency. Organic ACV is high in potassium content.  Taking a mixture of 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and a glass of warm water can bring relief to night time leg cramps.

Lowers Blood Sugar Level

According to a study of people suffering from type 2 diabetes but were not taking insulin, drinking water with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed time reduced their glucose levels when checked by morning.

A study at the Arizona State University showed that insulin resistant people with type 2 diabetes who drank water with apple cider vinegar before a high carbohydrate meal had lower blood sugar level when checked afterward.

Risks

While drinking water with organic apple cider vinegar can provide various health benefits, you should be aware of the risks and the proper way to take it that include but is not limited to the following:

• Never drink apple cider vinegar undiluted because it is an acid that can damage the mucus membrane and the passages to the digestive tract. Dilute it with water, or juice. You can also include it in your salad dressing.
• Even diluted apple cider vinegar can irritate the esophagus and damage the teeth enamel. Drink water or clean your teeth after taking diluted apple cider vinegar.
• Apple cider vinegar taken while under medication or taking supplements can have unfavorable results. Always consult your physician.
• Don’t drink ACV if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Cholesterol has many uses in the human body but excess or unused cholesterol is deposited as plaque on the walls of the arteries. Plaque can reduce the diameter of the arteries and reduce blood flow. It can also break off and block the artery to the brain and cause a stroke or block the artery to the heart and cause a heart attack.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a white, waxy substance found in the blood and all tissues of human beings and other animals.  There are two sources of cholesterol in the human body: the liver and food from animal sources like dairy products, meat or poultry.  Cholesterol is not found in plants.

The body needs cholesterol in various ways, as follows: production of sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen and progesterone, production of the hormone cortisol which regulates blood sugar levels and protects the body from infection and to produce Vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Cholesterol is also used by the liver to produce bile, the fluid necessary in food digestion and to help in the proper function of the nerves and cell membranes.

Cholesterol circulates in the body through two types of lipoproteins carriers: low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, and high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol to various destinations in the body. They have to be used or excreted from the body to prevent plaque formation and atherosclerosis. LDL is also called “bad cholesterol.” High level of LDL in the blood means more cholesterol is distributed to the body.

HDL carries more protein and less cholesterol than LDL.  While circulating through the bloodstream, HDL picks up cholesterol and brings it back to the liver for reprocessing or excretion. HDL is called “good cholesterol” because it removes unused cholesterol.  A high level of HDL is good as it removes excess cholesterol. However, a number of factors like obesity, diet and smoking are observed to lower HDL.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Lowers Cholesterol Level

Your physician would usually prescribe medication to lower high cholesterol levels. However, prescription drugs like statins have side effects that could result to serious health concerns after long-term use. Cholesterol levels can also drop through low-cholesterol diet but many patients can’t stick to it.

A safe and effective way to lower cholesterol levels is by taking organic, raw, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar. Since it’s unfiltered, you will see sediments on the bottom of the container and the floating cobweb-like “mother” vinegar.

According to a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Nutrition, taking one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water daily can lower cholesterol levels without any negative side effect. How?  Apple cider vinegar helps the liver increase bile production. That means more cholesterol consumption because the liver uses cholesterol to produce bile.

Apple cider vinegar also aids in the elimination of cholesterol from the body. It has pectin, a fiber, into which bad cholesterol (LDL) attaches itself to until it is eliminated from the body.

Many people have been asking “what’s in a name?” when it comes to apple cider vinegar. There seems to be quite a bit of misunderstanding as to what apple cider vinegar is and if it’s okay to just call it cider vinegar.

Well, all this bewilderment comes from the fact there are actually five things to consider.

• cider
• apple cider
• vinegar
• cider vinegar
• apple cider vinegar

What’s even more entangling is that sometimes it’s okay to use two names for some of them. Any more confused yet? Let’s fix that.

What’s in a name?

Cider – This is the juice of pressed fruit (apples, plums, peaches, pears, and practically everything else). If it is allowed to ferment, then it is alcoholic and called hard cider. If, however, you decide to have it without letting it ferment then it’s non-alcoholic and termed soft cider.

Apple cider – Now that we know what cider is, it’s easy to say what apple cider is. It is the fermented or unfermented juice you get from pressed apples.

Vinegar – When alcoholic liquids are allowed to ferment they turn into vinegar – a sour tasting liquid containing an acid known as acetic acid.

Cider vinegar –If let hard cider (made from any fruit) that has already fermented once to become alcoholic ferment a second time, you will end up will get cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar – Simply and lastly, apple cider vinegar is made from a second fermentation of hard (alcoholic) apple cider.

Whew! How was that? Did you get it?

What Causes All The Confusion?

The confusion and uncertainties arise because of all the fruits that could be used, apples are the ones used 99% of the time. So, when we say cider we usually mean apple cider. Likewise, saying cider vinegar, just makes everyone assume you mean apple cider vinegar.

All About Apple Cider Vinegar

Now that you know the difference, let’s do a quick rundown of some facts about apple cider vinegar.

• It can be strong enough to burn your throat if consumed in large quantities.
• You can buy concentrated apple cider vinegar tablets, pills and capsules to get around this.
• Apple cider vinegar is very popular to use in marinades and in salad dressings.
• It is used as a natural remedy and has therapeutic effects on candida (a type of yeast infection), obesity, gouty arthritis and arthritis in general.
• It is a natural antiseptic and can effectively clean wounds.
• Apple cider vinegar can be used cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
• By inhibiting the growth of bacteria, apple cider vinegar works very well as a food preservative.
• It reduces the risk of heart diseases by lowering levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.
• Some people use it for conditions such allergies, acne, chronic fatigue syndrome, high cholesterol, diabetes, flu,sore throat and heartburn.
• Person with diabetes can use apple cider vinegar as one of their treatment for the condition since it lowers blood sugar.

There is no denying apple cider vinegar is a marvellous liquid (no matter what you call it!)

There are many types of vinegar but currently apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular varieties available. It is made from double fermentation of pressed apple juice, and is extremely sour and acidic.Here are a few of its many uses.

In your home

This amazing liquid can instantly decrease the quantity of synthetic chemicals you use to freshen and detoxify your home.

• For starters, replace detergent in your dishwasher. Also, a ½ cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 cup of water makes a solution you can use to clean kitchen surfaces, microwaves, glasses, windows and mirrors.
• For a sparkling toilet, pour in some apple cider vinegar, leave it overnight and flush it away in the morning.

For hair and skin

Apple cider vinegar gives your hair a healthy shine in just a couple weeks. Pour ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 cup cold water into an old shampoo bottle and use the mixture to rinse your hair after you shampoo.

• Since apple cider vinegar naturally regulates the pH of your skin, it can replace your face toner. Apply a combination of one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water to your face at night and in the morning before you put on your moisturizer.
• Just a dab of apple cider vinegar on acne scars and age spots helps to fade them overnight.
• Put a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar over a wart your wish to remove. Hold it in place overnight using an adhesive bandage. The wart will fall off but you should continue the treatment for a few days to ensure it does not return. As a reaction to the vinegar, you skin might swell but this will soon go away.
• To effectively relive your sunburn symptoms, try soaking for 10 minutes in a bath to which 1 cup of apple cider vinegar was added.
• Make apple cider vinegar aftershave by simply mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, remembering to shake the bottle before each use.

Inside

Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 16 ounces of water. Sip it throughout the day as a weight loss aid.

• Your body needs a slightly alkaline pHlevel for optimal functioning. Although apple cider vinegar is acidic, it becomes alkaline-forming when ingested and helps the body remain at a healthy pH level.It also will detoxify the liver and stimulate cardiovascular circulation.
• Overall, apple cider vinegar can lessen the effects of allergies. It reduces mucus helping to cleanse lymph nodes and eases sinus congestion. This lowers the risk of sore throats, headaches and other symptoms of a sinus infection.
• Apart from causing yeast infections, the candida fungus can lead to sugar cravings, poor memory and fatigue. Apple cider vinegar, naturally fight against the candida fungus, limiting its effects.

Because it is so sour, you can add a little sweetener or dilute it with water to improve the taste and make ingestion easier. Whether you use it as a cleaner or for keeping your body healthy inside and out, apple cider vinegar sure has many amazing uses and benefits.

“Safe and effective use of any constituent depend on its correct dose”……and yes this is applicable to apple cider vinegar too.

A multitude of apple cider vinegar formulations are available commercially with varied compositions, where the amount of acetic acid and citric acid lies in the range of 1 – 11% and 1-19% respectively. However, it should be noted that unpasteurized or raw juice of apple cider vinegar should be preferably consumed, as it is loaded with lots of vital nutrients, live enzymes  and, proteins. The original variant of apple cider vinegar contains pectin, acetic acid, malic acid and some other trace elements. The processed form of this vinegar does not contain malic acid and acetic acid in its original form and thus have less effect on virus and fungus.

Having said that, the next question is the amount or dose to be consumed to get maximum benefits. Although there is no specific dose settled for apple cider vinegar for daily consumption, it is recommended that 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar diluted in water can be utilized safely.

The tablets available commercially contain approx. 285 mg of dehydrated apple cider vinegar extract and these tablets should be dissolved in water to obtain a solution where the concentration of apple cider vinegar should be 1/10th.

Further due to its rich acetic acid composition, apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and hence should not be used with any of the fruit juices specifically citrus fruits like lemons and oranges.  It is also advised that one must not take apple cider vinegar after drinking tea or coffee as the caffeine may disturb your metabolism. It is found that regular consumption of more than 8 ounces of apple cider vinegar may cause serious health issues like hypoglycemia, throat sourness, tooth enamel, and tissue damage.

One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a big glass of water before 15 minutes of your meal can pose radiant effect over metabolism and digestion. This will not only stimulate the digestive enzymes to start their role of the breakdown of complex food molecules to simple glucose molecules but also helps you to control hunger and thus reducing weight.

But the patients with heart disease and ulcer should avoid this practice as a regular dose of apple cider vinegar may increase the heartburn and worsen the ulcer by elevating the digestive juice secretion. Additionally, women suffering from osteoporosis should also avoid this practice as it can potentially deplete bone mineral density. Also if you are taking any kind of laxative, avoid the regular consumption apple cider vinegar.

Last but not the least ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar mixed in ¾ cup of lukewarm water twice a day can be highly effective against sore throat which encounters with seasonal variations.

Oxymel, a popular ancient medicine prescribed by Hippocrates and his fellow physicians for persistent cough was a mixture of 4 parts honey and 1 part vinegar according to the British Pharmacopoeia (1898) and the German Pharmacopoeia (1872).

Now for the best results, always use the best vinegar, organic apple cider vinegar (ACV). Here are just some of the many things apple cider vinegar is good for:

• Acid Reflux
  This may be contrary to what many people believe but many cases of acid reflux are caused by too little stomach acid instead of too much. Correct this stomach acid deficiency with 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar mixed with 8oz of water taken 3 times a day. In fact, you can go to as high as 5 teaspoons for more beneficial results.
• Strep Throat
  To treat this common problem, just gargle with a solution of 1-3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar in 8oz of warm water.
• Nasal Congestion
  Take a mixture of a ½ cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of local honey several times a day to get rid of nasal congestion. The potassium in apple cider vinegar can help reduce mucus production while acetic acid prevents bacteria growth.
• Menstrual Cramps
  The potassium and calcium in apple cider vinegar reduce, menstrual cramping by relaxing the muscles in the uterus
• High blood sugar levels
  2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bedtime can reduce blood sugars by 4% according to researchers at the Department of Nutrition, Arizona State University, Mesa, Arizona.
• Detoxification
  The acid in ACV binds to toxins which make it easier to remove toxins from the body. Potassium in ACV helps in breaking up mucus that clog pathways of body fluids as well as in clearing the lymph nodes.
• Hemorrhoids
  To treat hemorrhoids, soak cotton ball or piece of cloth in ACV and apply it to the hemorrhoid area. Repeat the treatment until the inflammation disappears.
• Hiccups
  It only takes a teaspoon of ACV to get relief from hiccup which can b caused by eating too much or slow digestion resulting from low stomach acid. ACV solves the hiccup problem by fixing acid balance in the stomach.
• Acne
  Apple cider vinegar’s antibacterial property makes it the effective natural
  killer of the bacteria that cause the development of the red, swollen acne on the skin. ACV is effective not only for mild and moderate acne but also for the severe ones.
• Heart Disease
  Studies show that chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant in apple cider vinegar protects LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation. Oxidized LDL promotes inflammation that can lead to disease of the coronary artery. A high level of oxidized LDL has been observed in patients with heart disease.

There are more health concerns where apple cider vinegar has been the effective remedy for many years. If you don’t have any serious health concerns, you can try ACV to get rid of dandruff, as a natural skin toner, to make a fruit fly trap, or as a cleaning agent.

Phytonutrient antioxidants in apples enhance levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (critical to cognition) and help prevent major disease. They also protect the brain by preventing the breakdown of dopamine-producing nerve cells. Apples can detoxify your liver, boost your immune system, and help you control your weight, so what happens when you turn apples into vinegar?

The Organic versus Conventional Farming Controversy

There’s been a debate over whether or not organic foods are worth the money you’ll spend on them. Equally debated is whether or not genetically modified food grown in some conventional farming is safe or insidiously harmful to the human body.

Each of these growing methods has an impact on how much money you’ll spend at the supermarket, the nutrient content of the food, the level of toxic poisons you’ll be consuming, the increase or decrease in tax dollars due to farm subsidies, and the general polluting of the planet, specifically natural water resources.

Agriculture is a business. Today’s conventionally grown major crops – soy, corn, and beets – are genetically modified by conglomerate agribusinesses designed to make the most profit with the least expenditure. Apples are highly sprayed with fungicides and pesticides.

Organic growing standards and laws do not permit genetic modification and organic produce must be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage sludge-based fertilizers. The fact is that anything that’s put on the apple when it’s growing and anything that’s in the soil it grows in becomes concentrated into the final product, in this case, apple cider vinegar.

Vinegar is an acid liquid that can be made from almost any lightly alcoholic beverage by fermentation, in this case, apples that have been turned into cider. Alcohol mixes with oxygen in the air, and when the alcohol disappears (it’s actually changed into acetic acid), the result is vinegar. Acetic acid is tart, so the type of apples used will determine the characteristic taste of a specific ACV.

Let’s take a look at the differences between organically processed and industrially processed or commercial apple cider vinegar.

Industrially processed:

• Apples used in industrially processed apple cider vinegar have been sprayed with pesticides to prevent diseases which could destroy the trees and crop.
• Windfalls or apples that have fallen from the tree can be used.
• Once harvested, they’re sprayed with fungicides to prevent mold from developing in the storage bins where they’re housed for weeks.
• During the fermentation process, apple juice can be placed in stainless steel drums or barrels, or they can be distilled using a generator and charcoal, wood or grape pulp.
• When the vinegar is ready, it’s heated to remove impurities and filtered to remove sediment. Essentially, all the nutritional value is gone. What you’re left with is acetic acid.

Organically processed:

• Apple cider vinegar from organically grown apples is completely free from manmade chemicals. Only natural fertilizers and insect repellants are used, such as water blasting for aphids or oil coating to repel certain pests and prevent eggs from hatching.
• Orchards are kept free from weeds and windfalls, and planting herbs such as dill and yarrow that deter bugs are other methods used by organic apple farmers.
• Vinegars are not heated or filtered and all the original goodness contained in the apples are kept intact.

So, who’s right? Here is a look at apple cider vinegar, the precautions you should take when using it and the best practices to ensure your teeth get to enjoy some of its healthful benefits.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple juice is fermented once to make apple cider and then a second time to turn it into apple cider vinegar. This end product contains a healthy combination of probiotic bacteria and enzymes. Also found in the apple cider vinegar, are pectin and various trace minerals.

These components have long made apple cider vinegar a mainstay in the natural remedy arena.
Apparently, they help it to:

• regulate blood sugar
• promote weight loss
• decrease the risk of heart disease
• improve immune function

Apple Cider Vinegar And Your Teeth

Apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid content makes it useful for cleaning external surfaces. For example it is used to help clear acne prone skin, as well as, remove grease and dirt build-up in hair.

This same cleaning action is also said to be good for your teeth, hence many people support the use of apple cider vinegar as a tooth whitener. Apart from these benefits, apple cider vinegar is widely accepted to fight tooth decay, whiten teeth and help chronic infections of the gum to heal.

The problem arises, however, because that acetic acid can lead to the breakdown of tooth enamel. Adding to the concern, is that whereas it is generally believed that rinsing with water right after using apple cider vinegar cancels its damaging effects, it actually doesn’t. Additionally, brushing your teeth right after isn’t much help either. In fact, it most likely will make matters worse!

Good Oral Health With Apple Cider Vinegar

Here are a few suggestions on how to use apple cider vinegar to promote the heath of your teeth:

• After you have used apple cider vinegar for gargling, wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth.
• If you are going to drink apple cider vinegar for internal health, try diluting it with water. You can add a teaspoon of the vinegar to an 8-ounce glass of water.
• Use it with foods that will help to balance out its pH, making it less harmful to your enamel.
• Try sipping it through a straw so its contact with your teeth is lessened.

The uses and benefits of apple cider vinegar are well known and many people are already taking advantage of them. Apple cider vinegar can be used effectively for maintaining oral health. The damaging effects it could possibly have on your teeth are easily avoided if you just take a few simple precautions.