Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic (Real Food, Paleo, Vegan)

Countless articles have been written about the numerous benefits of raw ACV, or apple cider vinegar.

Raw ACV is different from regular commercial apple cider vinegar because it has not been filtered or heat pasteurized, therefore it retains more of its beneficial nutritional integrity. And most raw apple cider vinegars on the market contain the mother - the culture that turns regular apple cider into vinegar.

Diluted apple cider vinegar is great in personal care products, such as facial toner and a inexpensive skin treatment for acne, mosquito bites, to soothe sunburn, and some skin rashes.

Apple cider vinegar has long been used in natural hair treatments. It may helpful as a conditioner substitute, to clarify the hair without stripping it of natural oils, and reduce frizz. It can be beneficial in balancing the pH of hair as well.

Some studies indicate that consuming raw apple cider vinegar may be beneficial in improving blood sugar sensitivity, cholesterol, and may even support heart health. Due to its unique acid and culture properties, unfiltered vinegar may also aid in treatment of Candida, and foot or skin fungus.

Raw apple cider is similar to the acids in the stomach and has historically been used to aid digestion, treat acid reflux, and heartburn naturally, when diluted. I love to use ACV as a tonic and drink a glass in the morning to stimulate digestion.

Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most well known brands of vinegars sold with the mother culture. During visits to one of my favorite health stores in town, I splurge on Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar drink - but this habit can get costly! So here is my homemade version. I used Vermont Village Organic Apple Cider Vinegar because my local Costco starting stocking it and it is just as good as Bragg, if you ask me!

I used the barest amount of organic stevia drops as a sweetener - but feel free to add additional drops to taste, or switch out the sweetener for pure maple syrup or honey instead. I only had plain stevia drops on hand but I think that any of the fruit flavored stevia drops may work well here.

For additional information on using raw apple cider vinegar, there is a great article here.

Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic

2 cups cool filtered water
1 1/2 tablespoons raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, plus more to taste (I used this one)
8 drops plain stevia drops, plus more to taste (I used this one)

In a glass jar, place all of the ingredients and stir gently. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Comments

Slow Cooker Menudo (Real Food, Paleo, Whole30, AIP Friendly)

Menudo , or tripe soup, is a traditional soup commonly served on a Sunday morning. It is considered labor-intensive since it requires a very long cooking time, so it started the night before any plans to eat it, or made for special occasions. Due to its nourishing collagen-packed broth and mineral-rich protein, it has a cult following for those wishing to get rid of the Saturday night hangover! I remember my dad being the one prepping the tripe at night and I remember someone getting up during the night at various times to check on the pot of soup bubbling on the stove. I also remember becoming a teenager and deciding I no longer would eat organ meats! So I even gave up on all the other delicious ones, like tender beef tongue and beef cheeks. I also happily gave up the ones I never liked - like liver and mushy brains. Yes, brains...... As an adult, I decided being an adventurous eater was much more fun and I incorporated liver back in my diet. ...

Easy Instant Pot Beans (Real Food, Wapf, Vegan)

I recently started making beans on a regular basis for my family and I remember now how much of a comfort dish this is. Best of all, it is one of the easiest dishes to make at home. Beans are a legume prized and eaten all over Mexico and, along with maiz, is usually served on a daily basis. According to experts, there are possibly 200+ types of edible beans grown in Mexico, with beans being cultivated close to 7 thousand years ago. And they were so valuable, that the Aztecs asked for them as tribute payments. Legumes, like grains, are super easy on the family budget and they can provide quality nutrition when prepared properly. Beans are generally high in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and iron, they also contain phytic acid - basically an anti-nutrient. Phytic acid binds to minerals, like calcium and iron, and prevents the body from absorbing them. Diets heavy in phytic acid can lead to developmental delays in children, tooth decay, bri...

Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup - Real Food, Grain Free, Paleo, Whole30)

Sopa de albondigas literally means meatball soup. And I know.....meatballs? In soup? Yes, please! In Mexican homes, this bowl of comfort is actually just called albondigas, and it gets a boost of flavor with addition of mint (traditionally yerba buena ). And again, yes, mint! This soup does not include the usual chile pepper added to many Mexican dishes, so it is not spicy. But a spicy salsa is usually expected to be served along with the soup so that diners can add some kick to individual bowl. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that the meatball are cooked right in the stock pot, along with the liquid and vegetables, so the dirty dish level is kept to a minimum. Feel free to vary the vegetables here - I always use diced carrots, celery, and some sort of squash but a bit of diced potato is quite nice here. Mexican cooks usually leave the veggies in large chunks - I prefer a smaller, neater dice. If you prefer your sou...

Holistic Instincts

Search This Blog