By Karen Stephenson

Vinegar is a natural and effective bacteria-fighting agent. Apple cider vinegar contains many vital minerals and trace elements such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, chlorine, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine that are essential for a healthy body.

Natural apple cider vinegar is made by crushing fresh, organically-grown apples and allowing them to age in wooden barrels. This process boosts the natural fermentation qualities of the crushed apples, which differs from the refined and distilled vinegars found in supermarkets. When the vinegar has aged, it contains a dark, cloudy, web-like bacterial foam called "mother." Natural vinegars that contain mother have enzymes and minerals that other vinegars found in grocery stores may not have due to filtration, over-processing and over-heating.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy that can be used for numerous ailments which usually require treatment with antibiotics and other medications. Apple cider vinegar benefits include:

• Reducing sinus infections and sore throats.
• Helping to reduce high cholesterol.
• Greatly aiding in skin conditions, such as acne.
• Fighting allergies.
• Preventing muscle fatigue after strenuous exercise.
• Strengthening the immune system.
• Increasing stamina.
• Increasing metabolism which promotes weight loss.
• Improving the digestive process and curing constipation.
• Alleviating symptoms of arthritis and gout.
• Preventing kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

There has to be something amazing in using apple cider vinegar considering the fact that the "Father of Medicine," Hippocrates, used this vinegar for its health-giving qualities. Potassium deficiency causes many ailments including hair loss, weak or brittle nails, brittle teeth and sinusitis. Apple cider vinegar is full of potassium and potassium is also known to help in eliminating toxic waste from the body. The beta-carotene in this vinegar helps counteract damage caused by free radicals, which in turn helps to maintain firmer skin. Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid which is very good at fighting fungal and bacterial infections. The acid dissolves uric acid deposits in the body that form around joints, therefore providing relief. The dissolved uric acid is gradually eliminated from the body.

Weight Loss

Some people praise apple cider vinegar because of its ability to aid in weight loss. Some theories suggest that apple cider vinegar helps to speed up metabolism, while others suggest that it aids in burning calories. Many nutritionists believe that combining vitamin B6 and lecithin with apple cider vinegar is effective in losing weight. A suggested remedy is to mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink this before every meal or sip it slowly throughout the day.

Bad Breath

Due to its acidic properties, apple cider vinegar makes an incredible natural remedy for bad breath or halitosis. Simply add half a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into one cup of water and gargle for 10 seconds at a time until the cup is empty.

Acne

Many people have discovered that apple cider vinegar is a cure for acne. Mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water and drink the mixture. Some acne sufferers sponge the mixture directly onto the acne twice a day.

Cellulite

Many women have found that apple cider vinegar can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. By drinking apple cider vinegar in the morning (2 teaspoons mixed with one cup of water), some women claim to see a notable difference in their cellulite within one to two months.

Constipation

Apple cider vinegar is frequently used as a natural cure for constipation. Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water, twice a day, has helped many people overcome constipation.

External Uses

Apple cider vinegar can be used to sooth sunburns and insect bites, as a rinse to make hair shine, and to treat dandruff.

Side-Effects

There are no major known side effects of apple cider vinegar when used in moderation. However, drinking vinegars, acids or even lemon juices on a regular basis can lead to a deterioration of dental enamel. It can also give your teeth a yellowish look and make them more sensitive to heat and cold. To help prevent this, vinegar should always be diluted with water or a pinch of baking soda can be added in order to reduce the acidity level.

The Wonder Drug

Apple cider vinegar is a perfect fit with today's movement towards eating natural, healthy whole foods. Staying away from the over-consumption of highly processed convenience foods, which are depleted of much of their original nutrients, is important, but sometimes can't be avoided. Apple cider vinegar seems to be the "Wonder Drug" that should be in everyone's medicine cabinet.