Why People Drink Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Everyone has special foods that they feel are really good for them. For some folks that special combination is – Apple Cider Vinegar and Raw Honey. Most people agree that using honey in your diet is part of a healthy eating plan. But is there something special about this combination?
In recent years, advancement in medicines have revealed new strategies for dealing with various illnesses. Yet, we continue to search for remedies that are natural – like raw honey!
As some people become more distrustful of big pharma. They look to the past for a more homeopathic answer.
Apple Cider Vinegar and honey has become one of the most popular tonics for those seeking better overall health.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Vinegar has been used in countless ways around the homestead for centuries. It is a traditional home remedy dating back to ancient Greece.
Apple Cider Vinegar is basically fermented apple juice. Yeasts turn the sugars in the juice into alcohol. Then, bacteria turns the alcohol into acetic acid.
This action creates a strong, quirky tasting product! Does anyone really like the taste? Perhaps so, but having a good flavor is not the major appeal of this apple cider vinegar.
Vinegar is a staple in most kitchens. It is used in salad dressings, baking and other cooking activities. But it’s not just a food product.
Historical records note the use of vinegar for wound care. Vinegar is known to have antioxidants called polyphenols that curb cell damage.
So, just how much of this wonder drug do you need to consume? Whoa…just a minute. Let’s meet the other player in this game. Raw honey.
Is Raw Honey Good for You?
Honey is a wonderful substance made by honey bees from gathered plant nectar. Through a process of reducing water content and enzyme action – bees convert watery plant nectar into honey.
Honey is antibacterial and will keep indefinitely if protected from moisture. It provides a rich energy source for our bees during the times of year when no flowers may be in bloom.
And yes, we humans enjoying eating honey too! It is great straight off the spoon and there are many recipes using honey as an ingredient.
What Kind of Honey is Best to Use?
When you are pairing apple cider vinegar and honey to create a tonic- choose pure raw honey.
Can’t you grab a jar of honey at the local market? No, not usually. If you do shop at a large store – be sure to read the label carefully. Natural honey and raw honey does not mean the same thing.
Often, but not always, commercial honey products have been micro-filtered and/or pasteurized. This process destroys many of the beneficial enzymes in honey.
Try to find a local beekeeper for your honey purchases. Small scale beekeepers do their extracting and bottling by hand. They will often have the best honey products.
Why People Use ACV and Honey?
It is very difficult to find any medical reports to confirm the benefits of consuming Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey. However, untold millions of people believe that it helps them to feel better.
One word of caution: Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey are highly acidic. It can damage your teeth, cause an upset stomach and hurt your throat if you drink too much of it. Moderation is the key.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey is most likely not the super cure that we wish it was.
However, you will find remarkable claims out there. Consumers claim it lowers cholesterol, soothes indigestion, and promotes heart health. Some sources credit Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey tonics for weight loss.
By far the most popular type of Apple Cider Vinegar in use is – Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar (with the Mother). It is organic, raw, unfiltered, naturally gluten free and Certified Non-GMO.
Does this stuff really work? Who knows. But, lack of reputable research studies has not discouraged the millions of people who believe it makes their lives better.
As with any substance, always consult your doctor before taking. This is doubly true for children. *This article is for information it is not for medical advice.
How to Make the Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Tonic
One of the most common methods of consumption is a general tonic taken daily. Don’t forget the water as this makes the mixture easier on the system.
The most common mixture is : 1 or 2 Tablespoons of Braggs ACV and 1 or 2 Tablespoons of raw honey mixed with a 12-16 oz of water.
Always consult a doctor before trying any homemade tonic.
Possible Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
- General health boost
- Weight loss
- Blood Sugar Balance
- Immune System Support
- Sleep Aid
- Acid Reflux
- And hundreds more
ACV and Arthritis
Arthritis sufferers have used vinegar poultices for aching joints for a long time. Consuming ACV and Honey may also be of benefit.
By helping balance the body’s ph level, acid buildup in the joints is reduced. Also, crystals forming in the joints may be broken down and flushed from the system.
One popular recipe for apple cider vinegar and honey pain relief is :
Make a cup of Peppermint tea, stir in 1 Tablespoon of ACV, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon. You can take this recipe 2-3 times daily as tolerated.
Tonic Taken Before Bed for Sleep
Few things are worse than not being able to go to sleep. Lack of a good nights sleep can make the next day miserable. When this continues long term, it can negatively affect your general health.
Again, some folks rely on ACV and honey to promote sleep. The idea is that honey causes a rise in insulin which releases serotonin. The body converts serotonin into melatonin which regulates sleep.
Vinegar breaks down fatty acids and releases tryptophan. This is used by the body to make serotonin. And, melatonin is the end result.
Recipe for Sleep Aid : 2 Teaspoons of ACV in an 8 oz glass of water with honey to taste
Final Thoughts on Apple Cider Vinegar and Raw Honey
No scientific studies can have proven that consuming Apple Cider Vinegar and raw honey is beneficial. But, thousands of people consume ACV and Vinegar every day.
Perhaps in time, we will learn even more about how and why apple cider vinegar and honey seem to make the lives of many so much better.
Beekeeper Charlotte