Many people are interested in the healthy benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). ACV is vinegar made from cider or apple must. The unpasteurized or organic ACV contains "The Mother" of vinegar, which is what you want to look for. "The Mother" sediments are strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria. We recommend Bragg Organic ACV with The ‘Mother.’ Here are some of the major health benefits of ACV:

ACV assists in killing many types of bacteria. It is anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic and kills 98% of all germs. It has even been shown to kill cancer cells in recent studies.

All the while killing off bacteria as it moves through the body it also promotes weight loss by making you feel full. It’s even used by helping the body flush out more fats and giving a person’s metabolism the boost it needs.

Adding to this boost, it will detoxify the body. It is full of vitamins, minerals and enzymes in its raw form. Raw ACV is what is recommended for all detox and cleansing. "The Mother" is the sediment left over from the fermentation process and the meat of the apples. This is why it is so effective in detoxifying your body.

It also lowers blood sugar levels and helps to fight diabetes. Certain diabetic medications are designed to block the digestion of sugars and starches. By blocking the digestion of these compounds, medications can effectively prevent blood sugar spikes, and can therefore help to regulate healthy blood sugar levels.

ACV may have the ability as some medications. It contains acetic acid which inhibits the activity of several carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, including amylase, sucrose, maltase, and lactase. As a result, when vinegar is present in the intestines, some sugars and starches temporarily pass through without being digested, so they have less of an impact on blood sugar.

ACV helps lower blood pressure and reduces your risk of heart disease. When you use it for a high blood pressure remedy, you are most likely giving your entire body a boost, not just treating your blood pressure issues. It aids in better circulation and lowering pressure against the arterial walls by breaking down fat and phlegm deposits in the body. ACV releases free radicals that wreak havoc on your body on a daily basis.

There are many ways in which you can add ACV into your diet. It is recommended that you drink a small amount diluted with water before each meal, 3 times a day. 1-2 teaspoons, depending on what you can handle mixed with lemon and/or raw local honey helps with the taste. Or, you can add 1-2 tablespoons to equal parts water mixed with lemon and raw honey once a day. Some studies show that it also helps if a diabetic takes it before bedtime. You can also add it to your salad, raw veggies or any meals instead of drinking. ACV is acidic so don’t forget to take care of your teeth! Rinse or brush after taking the ACV to help protect your enamel.

Although there are many positive benefits, there can also be some negative side effects. Before starting an ACV diet, consult your physician and understand what ACV is.