Apple Cider Vinegar for Health Benefits

Apple cider vinegar has been used for generations as a natural healing and weight loss supplement and it continues to gain popularity as people discover the many apple cider vinegar benefits that can be found in this simple product.

Apple cider vinegar is simply vinegary that is made by fermenting apple cider. During the fermentation process the natural sugars present in the apple cider are broken down by yeast and bacteria, first into alcohol, then into vinegar. ACF contains acetic acid as well as citric, lactic and malic acids. This is good for you if you are following an alkaline way of eating.

Apple cider vinegar has a yellowish-brown color and is frequently sold unpasteurized and unfiltered with a cloudy dark sediment in the bottom which is called the “mother” of vinegar. This mother is comprised mostly of the acetic acid bacteria. This unpasteurized and unfiltered apple cider vinegar can be found in most health food stores as well as through online retailers.

The health benefits of apple cider vinegar are numerous. It is known to be an effective cure for allergies, acne, sinus infections, chronic fatigue, flu, candida, sore throats, acid reflux, dermatitis, gout and even arthritis. Apple cider vinegar has even been shown to help break down fat deposits and is commonly used as a weight loss supplement. There are even reports that daily use of ACV mixed with water can lower high blood pressure in only a couple of weeks.

Hippocrates, often referred to as the Father of Medicine, was known to use ACV for its health properties about 400 B.C. Some say he only had two remedies, apple cider vinegar and honey.

Natural ACV is an effective and natural cure for many ailments which often require the use of antibiotics or other medications which typically come with adverse side effects. It has also been shown to help improve the immune system as well as increase metabolism.

When using apple cider vinegar there are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind. First of all, ACV is acidic; it is important to take it mixed with water and brush your teeth thoroughly to prevent damage. It is also important to note that the apple cider vinegar used for health purposes is the type found in health food stores or online and contains the “mother”. The apple cider vinegar typically found in grocery stores has been treated to have all beneficial properties removed.

Posted by | Tags: , | Categories: health | No Comments

A Supplement Plan for Losing Weight

The first ingredients in any weight loss plan are of course the two that nobody wants to hear: eat less, and exercise. There is just no getting around it. There is no magic bullet. However, there are a few dietary supplements that may help improve the effectiveness of your efforts just a bit, giving you an edge. There is at least one pill that can help burn fat, as well as a few extras that can help increase metabolism and improve cardiovascular health. Eating the right kinds of foods is important too. You should always try to consume some alkaline foods throughout the day.

Weight Loss Pills

Available over the counter in the US under the brand name Alli, orlistat is probably one of the best diet pills as far as actual evidence of effectiveness goes. Safety is fairly well established, with the only real side effect being oily loose stool which can decrease over time. However, the FDA is investigating potential claims of liver damage in some rare cases. Weight loss is not exceptional; just a few extra pounds per year over what you would normally lose.

Other than orlistat, there really aren’t many effective supplements that will actually burn fat. There are quite a few with inflated claims, but ever since the FDA banned ephedra in 2004, most supplement makers have replaced the effective weight loss chemical with less effective substitutes, such as bitter orange or just caffeine.

Pills for Increasing Metabolism

In addition to straight weight loss, it can also be helpful to increase your metabolism slightly. There aren’t many ways to do this safely, as much of it is controlled by your genes. Exercise and more frequent small meals are the best way. As for supplements, green tea can help increase metabolism without negative side effects, although it probably isn’t enough to dramatically increase weight loss. Stimulants like caffeine may help a bit, although evidence is conflicting.

Pills for Cardiovascular Health

In addition to weight loss, you will want to improve the health of your cardiovascular system as well. Keeping your blood pressure low and your heart healthy should be a natural part of your general health plan. The best and primary way is of course via exercise, however, omega 3 fatty acids as found in fish oil has a definite improvement on cardiovascular health as well. Omega 3 helps balance the omega 6 that is high in most diets and has an inflammatory effect. Other fish oil benefits include an increase in metabolism and possible anti-depression.

Conclusion

Again, none of these supplements will have a huge impact. The bulk of your weight loss is going to come from eating less and exercising more. But a little increase in improvement may help your morale to keep going. Keep in mind that orlistat is not a magical pill, and is under investigation for liver damage. And other supplements that claim to help weight loss are almost certainly not effective at all.

Posted by | | Categories: health | No Comments