One of my favorite beverage choices for the cooler weather is my “apple cider vinegar tea.” Whole books have been written about the health benefits of this alkalizing powerhouse. And, apple cider vinegar has been consumed for centuries as a healing elixir with uses ranging from digestion enhancement, to curing colds and arthritis to fatigue reduction. It was even found in Babylonian texts from 5000 BC.
Like lemons with citric acid, apple cider vinegar with its malic and acetic acids tastes acidic, but becomes alkalizing when it is metabolized within our body.
It’s also very powerful — both in flavor and alkalizing ability — so consider taking this very basic invigorating recipe to the right and flavoring it to your taste with a variety of other bone-building ingredients. My favorite is simple hot water, apple cider and a bit of honey.
When shopping for apple cider vinegar at the grocery store or health food store, make sure to look for the unfiltered, unprocessed version. You’ll know you’ve found the right kind if it’s murky and even looks like it has cobwebs floating in it (called the “mother”) — really! Braggs is one popular organic brand.
Please remember that apple cider vinegar is very powerful, so make sure to always dilute it with a good amount of water as noted above. Drinking it “straight” could result in damage to your teeth or even to your esophagus.
Of course, apple cider vinegar has many uses besides a warm drink. I’ve used it to get a tangy flavor in salad dressing, marinade or glaze. If you have weak digestion try taking it as an appetizer before meals, as it will enhance hydrochloric acid production and build digestive strength. Plus it tastes great to me!
What are some ways you enjoy your apple cider vinegar? I’d like to hear about them.