Nature’s Elixir : ACV/with “The Mother” (apple cider vinegar)

As I sit and sip a cup of hot Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) cinnamon “tea” I remember when the thought of any kind of vinegar anywhere near my face was dreadful. The smell of vinegar was always off-putting (I never really liked dyeing Easter Eggs because of this fact…sorry Mom) and being I always inhale (especially when I eat) I never imagined I’d be able to enjoy the slight effervescence or ever wrap my mind around the thought of consuming anything with such a sour scent with a taste to match that is so tart and tangy. But as we mature so do our taste buds. I now enjoy this drink of nature whenever I need to give my body something good. ACV has a long list of healing and health properties just like its signature aroma, it can’t be ignored.

I am a firm believer in natures natural resources and I have been able to reap the benefits in my own aspirations of being healthy and happy. I use only one brand of ACV. It’s Bragg. They are the Kings and Queens of the ACV world. (A well known name in the health food According to the BRAGG website).

Apple Cider Vinegar

• The acetic acid content of apple cider vinegar has been shown to elicit several beneficial health effects.
• Helps maintain blood sugar levels
• Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Helps aid digestion when eating rich heavy fatty meals ( steak, lamb chops, etc)

Those are just a few examples of what natures natural pop can do! Now keep in mind too much of anything isn’t good so proceed with caution when consuming ACV. It can also have negative side effects to the body being it is acidic. In my experience a little goes a long way so here’s the recipe I use to make my tea.

ACV “tea”

• 8 -12 ounces of fresh water
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Boil 2 cups of water. Add acv, add honey. Stir. Sip. Enjoy!

**Drink on an empty stomach in the morning to get bowels moving.**

ACV salad dressing

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Grey Poupon ( dijon mustard)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

In a large mixing bowl add ACV, mustard and honey. Wisk or stir until ingredients are completely incorporated. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while vigorously mixing ingredients. Mix for 3-4 minutes so dressing can emulsify. Wisk to reincorporate ingredients when needed. Can be kept covered in an air tight container refrigerated for 7 days.

**Take advantage of the digestive properties of ACV dressing, try to incorporate it in a meal that is high in fat**