Apple cider vinegar (ACV for short) is basically made from apples, sugar & yeast and is put through a double fermentation process, and it has also become very popular among natural health enthusiasts.
 
Many supporters claim that consuming just a small amount of ACV can result in all sorts of health-optimizing wonders:
 

• Reducing the appearance of acne
• Weight loss
• Lower cholesterol
• Lower blood sugar levels
• Decrease in symptoms of Diabetes

 
Some have even gone so far as to claim that Apple Cider Vinegar can kill cancer cells.
 
But have any of these miracle claims been proven by science?
 
Can these health issues really be alleviated just by consuming ACV?

Let’s find out more about whether Apple Cider Vinegar is really a miracle health tonicHere is what has been purported about ACV:
 

• WEIGHT LOSS: Some studies performed on humans have shown that consuming apple cider vinegar can increase satiety (the feeling of fullness), and when you feel full, you are less inclined to eat more food, thereby decreasing your calorie intake and losing pounds.

 
Of course, living a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercising daily can also contribute to a healthy weight ;)
 

• LOWER CHOLESTEROL: Cholesterol is one of many numerous risk factors related to heart disease.
  
  Some studies have shown that consuming apple cider vinegar can lower these risk factors, including cholesterol levels. Note that these studies were performed on animals and not humans.

 

• REDUCE BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS: Apple cider vinegar has been known to help those with (and without) diabetes who want to keep their blood sugars low.
  
  Improved insulin sensitivity, decreased blood sugar levels, and reduced fasting blood sugar levels are just some of the benefits associated with apple cider vinegar - which could effectively decrease symptoms for those living with Diabetes.

• PROTECT AGAINST CANCER: Even though various studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can kill cancer cells and reduce the size of tumors, these studies were mostly done in a laboratory setting.

More research involving humans needs to be performed before recommending apple cider vinegar to help protect against cancer.
 
Is apple cider vinegar safe to consume, and how much should you use?
If you decide you want to experiment with apple cider vinegar, the commonly recommended dosage is 1-2 teaspoons per day, but up to 2 Tbs spread throughout the day.
 
It is also recommended to use raw, unfiltered ACV with the “mother” still intact.
 
However, be aware that too much apple cider vinegar can lead to unpleasant side effects, some even harmful, including the following:
 

• Delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis): This is a common condition for people with type 1 diabetes – food stays in the stomach too long, which can result in heartburn, bloating, and nausea.
• Unpleasant digestive effects including indigestion and throat “burns”.
• Drug interactions. Be sure to check with your pharmacist and/or doctor to make sure any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications you are taking, including medications for lowering blood sugar, do not interact with apple cider vinegar.

 
While ACV does not contain any chemicals or other ingredients that some feel are unsafe or unhealthy, it is not recommended that apple cider vinegar be consumed straight up, as the acid could cause damage to your teeth if there is direct contact with your teeth enamel.
 
Therefore, consider mixing apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drinking it through a straw (reusable, of course!), or use it diluted in a recipe.
 
Also, consider rinsing your mouth with water and waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after drinking it to prevent damage to your tooth enamel.

​2 cups sparkling mineral or spring water
4 Tbs apple cider vinegar, raw & unfiltered with the Mother
¼ - 1 tsp pure honey
Optional: Ice cubes or a few pieces of frozen fruit, like berries
 
Place all of the ingredients in a glass. Mix until the honey is dissolved. Add ice cubes or frozen fruit for chill and flavor, if desired.

Makes about ¼ cup – recipe can be doubled or tripled for larger amounts/frequent use.
 
Ingredients
2 Tbs white kaolin or bentonite clay
2 Tbs arrowroot powder
6 drops of your favorite essential oil -- suggested: 3 drops chamomile + 3 drops lavender essential oils for use with babies; up to 15 drops for use with adults.
 
Other essential oils – If using on adults, experiment with other essential oils that are appropriate for skin/topical use; suggestions: rose, geranium, vanilla, sweet orange, ylang ylang, frankincense, lemongrass, sandalwood, or patchouli.
 
Preparation
In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients and stir carefully, trying to keep dust down.
Drip essential oils on top of dry mixture, then stir gently to combine - again, trying to keep dust down.

Transfer by teaspoonful to a shaker bottle (a clean spice bottle with shaker top works too).
 
Always shake a small amount into your hand before applying to baby or body, and not directly (potentially hazardous and also messy!).
 
Please note:

• This recipe is not intended for babies under 3 months old
• Shaking directly onto baby’s skin could cause inhalation of the powder
• Do not use on broken or irritated skin

Here are some interesting sources, just in case you want to know more:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/environmental-impact-of-corn-based-plastics
https://www.glutenfreesociety.org/is-corn-gluten-really-safe-for-those-with-gluten-sensitivity/
http://news.cornell.edu/stories/1997/08/us-could-feed-800-million-people-grain-livestock-eat

​Think living a long and healthy life well into your nineties or even one hundred years old is only for those lucky few who hit the genetic lottery? Think again.
 
Lifestyle factors, i.e. the things you do everyday over the long-term – can add up to increase the number of quality years in your lifespan.
 
Look no further than the people of Blue Zones for proof of how powerful everyday habits are when it comes to staying healthy for the long haul.
 
The Blue Zones are regions around the world where people have very low rates of chronic disease and live longer compared to other populations.
 
They are located in regions of Greece, Sardinia, Costa Rica, Japan, and California, where a large number of Seventh Day Adventists reside.
 
Because these communities are home to the greatest number of people who live healthfully into their nineties and even hundreds, researchers have studied them to determine just how they age so healthfully.
 
Do you have to live in an actual Blue Zone to guarantee longevity? If not, you can adopt some of the well-studied lifestyle traits of these folks to promote health and longevity right where you are.
 
Here’s the top 5 life “hacks” of the world’s longest living people:

• Eat a Plant-rich Diet
  

Blue Zone residents eat a mostly plant-based diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Animal foods aren’t avoided – they eat smaller portions of meat a handful of times per month.
 
You don’t have to become a strict vegetarian or vegan, but it’s important to eat a variety of plant foods daily - they contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants that help decrease inflammation and protect you from chronic disease, like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
 
A simple rule of thumb is to fill half your plate with vegetables at every meal. Yep, every meal!

• Include Healthy Fats
  

Eat heart healthy unsaturated and omega-3 fats in the form of flaxseeds, nuts, and fish.
 
Getting enough omega-3’s helps decrease disease-causing inflammation and keeps your heart and brain healthy.
 
Eating enough fat also keeps you feeling fuller longer, which can help prevent overeating that leads to weight gain - bonus!

• Stop Eating Before You Feel 100% Full
  

Avoid the clean plate club. Eating slowly chewing your food thoroughly gives your brain and stomach time to register that it’s had enough to eat.
 
Blue Zone communities avoid overeating and eating beyond feelings of fullness, which again, can help prevent weight gain.

• Drink Red Wine
  

Enjoying a glass of red wine a day increases your antioxidant intake, which is thought to decrease inflammation and help prevent heart disease.
 
Of course, moderation is key. Four ounces of wine is considered a glass and drinking more than that is associated with negative health effects. Also, choose a red wine that is organic. The grapes of many non-organic wines are heavily treated with pesticides and other chemicals that also show up in the wine.

• Move Your Body Throughout the Day
  

Have you heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking”? As in, it’s not good for your health to sit for extended periods of time.
 
Lack of physical activity and prolonged sitting is linked to weight gain, obesity, and increased mortality. Be sure to look for opportunities to add movement into your regular routines.
 
You might try:

• Stretching while you watch tv
• Take an after dinner evening walk
• Park farther away from your destination
• Choose stairs over elevators
• Take standing and stretching breaks at work
• Use a stand-up workstation, and fidget while you work (or dance!)

 
The world’s longest living people live active lives that include daily physical activities, like gardening, walking, and manual tasks.
 

​

• 2 15-oz cans of beans, drained and rinsed (use black beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans or chickpeas/garbanzo beans)
• 1 english cucumber, chopped with skin on
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomato, halved
• 1 cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup virgin olive oil (= longevity oil!)
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 2 whole cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano or 2 tsp fresh herb
• salt and pepper to taste

 
Preparation
 
1. Combine beans, cucumber, pepper, onion, tomatoes, and olives in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl or sealed jar with a lid, whisk or shake together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper.
3. Toss salad with dressing and enjoy at room temperature or refrigerate unused portions.