Apple Cider Vinegar
Dating back to 5000 BC — the use of vinegar in the fermentation process is very old indeed. First the Babylonians, then the Aryans, (a nomadic tribe of around 2500 BC) and then the ancient Phoenicia civilisation, developed a sour tasting apple-derived wine, a recipe that was subsequently then forwarded to the Romans and Greeks, who developed the first ever type of apple cider vinegar, a tasty and useful by-product of their apple-wine making process.
The word ‘cider’ is derived from the Phoenician word ‘shekar’ which means wine or strong drink.
Pineal Gland
A natural detoxifier, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), contains Malic Acid which has a variety of medicinal uses. Malic acid is useful in the pineal gland decalcification process, by helping to dissolve the harmful calcium phosphate crystals that penetrate pineal gland tissue. Reducing the incidence of runaway calcium and subsequent calcification of pineal tissue is a must-do regarding the sometimes long road to decalcification if you have a heavily calcified pineal gland. ACV also contains gallic acid, which has been proven to have a neuroprotective effect.
About Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains what is known as “the mother”, a living colony of bacteria with numerous benefits, reminiscent of Kombucha SCOBY. High in acetic acid and malic acid, ACV also contains other beneficial bioactive phenolic compounds such as catechins, which are antioxidant in nature and have antimicrobial effects too. Epicatechin, a powerful flavonoid which is also found in Green Tea. Chlorogenic acid, which may help to reduce blood pressure and aid weight loss. Caffeic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and coumaric acid which may have a protective effect on the liver and kidneys. ACV also contains a host of other antioxidant compounds and beneficial bacteria, which are an essential component in our diet if we are to maintain a healthy gut, brain and immune system.
ACV also has an excellent reputation as an ingredient, or indeed the sole ingredient, in homemade beauty regimes. ACV, mixed with filtered water, is a popular skin toner. ACV contains astringent properties that help to tighten pores, keeping skin taut and clean. ACV is also popular, especially among the raw food community, as a hair and scalp deep cleanser. ACV, mixed with filtered water and a small amount of essential oil, helps to re-balance and maintain the pH level of the scalp. This mixture also helps to deep cleanse the scalp, removing old skin cells and debris that may be blocking hair follicles and preventing hair growth.
Health Benefits
Great sprinkled over salads and as a morning tonic, apple cider vinegar has a variety of health benefits.
Lowers Blood Pressure
ACV helps to balance our body’s pH levels, which in turn helps to keep our blood pressure in check. ACV also breaks down excess phlegm in the body, and this enables improved circulation and lowers the levels of pressure against the arterial walls in the heart. ACV has a high potassium content. Potassium has antihypertensive properties and is an antagonist to sodium — meaning potassium can help to keep sodium levels in check, which can have a positive effect on a person suffering high blood pressure.
Improves Digestion
ACV contains antimicrobial properties such as malic acid. ACV has shown potential as a natural therapy for treating bowel irregularities. ACV containing “the Mother” is also considered an excellent prebiotic, which is a precursor for probiotics to proliferate (good gut and colon bacteria). A thriving colony of good bacteria is essential for overall health and digestive health too.
Nutrient Absorption
Our current health and future health is highly dependent on a good ability to absorb the nutrients we consume. If the nutrients we consume are not properly broken down and absorbed, then our health will quickly decline and we will suffer multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies. There are plenty of individuals in the western world who are afflicted with malabsorption and the effects of this are evident in their physical appearance such a sallow skin, physically fatigued and suffering from a host of physical ailments (from small health niggles and complaints, to serious disease). A good balance of stomach acid is essential to the digestive and nutrient breakdown process and also enables proper nutrient absorption. Stomach acid pH can be improved upon ACV being included as part of a balanced diet. The consumption of ACV has also been shown to increase the cell surface-area of the small intestines. An increase in the surface area of cells in the small intestines — directly improves nutrient absorption. The small intestines are part of the gastrointestinal tract and their primary function is nutrient absorption.