Staying Healthy With Cider Vinegar
With winter's chilly blast bringing the first wave of colds and flu, for many of
us one inexpensive traditional remedy may well be sitting in the pantry.
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries to boost the immune system, relieve
sore throats and laryngitis and to fight infection. It can help reduce your chances
of catching a cold or, if you've already been caught by the virus, can speed up
your recovery.
Essentially cider vinegar helps the body to function better and to heal itself.
With 93 different components to help your body, cider vinegar contains complex carbohydrates
and more than thirty nutrients, half a dozen vitamins and essential acids, several
enzymes, as well as over a dozen minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, chlorine,
sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulphur, iron, fluorine and silicon.
When made from fresh natural apples, cider vinegar also contains pectin, a soluble
fibre that can help to reduce cholesterol.
Cider vinegar is also commonly recommended to relieve arthritis and joint pain,
soothes sunburn and insect bites and stings, and can help maintain healthy skin.
While not to everyone's taste, apple cider vinegar is a valuable addition to both
your pantry and your medicine cabinet, and many people start every day with a couple
of teaspoons of cider vinegar. If you find this unpalatable, try two teaspoons sweetened
with honey (manuka honey will further boost the therapeutic properties) in a glass
of warm water; while fighting off an infection it pays to drink this two or three
times a day.
The Guardian, June 10 1999