Health Benefits of Garlic, Ginger, and Apple Cider Vinegar

When it comes to helpful, healthy supplements, sometimes, we only need to look so far as our refrigerators. Garlic and ginger are some of the most powerful foods we have ample access to all over the world. They have been used for centuries, as far back as the Egyptians, as health aids. Garlic and ginger are not only tasty additives for many of our favorite dishes, but have vast amounts of medicinal benefits. These pungent root herbs work in combination to relieve nausea, fight infection, strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Garlic is a plant in the Allium, or ‘Onion’, family, and was used plentifully through out history as it grows in many parts of the world. It was historically used to boost stamina, kill parasites, alleviate arthritis pains, and decreased the severity of infections.

Garlic is highly nutritious, containing high amounts of manganese, selenium, and vitamins C and B6. It’s properties boost immunity, which thus makes it a powerhouse when it comes to combating the common cold. Consuming garlic also lowers cholesterol, which means it may lower the risks of heart disease. Higher doses of garlic, such as are present in supplementation, have been shown to increase antioxidants within the body, which protect against oxidative damage by free radicals.

When it comes to cooking, perhaps the second most widely used seasoning after garlic is ginger. Ginger has been a popular home remedy for improving digestion, relieving nausea, stomach pain, and battling inflammation. Consuming ginger may help reduce digestive gasses that form in the intestinal tract, relieving discomfort and indigestion. It also benefits the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, which are important for digestion. Studies have recently shown that a daily dose of 2 grams of ginger can significantly reduce exercise-induced muscle pain, as well as pain felt in women directly before menstruating. It is one of the highest sources of antioxidants, and some studies have shown that ginger may even have properties capable of battling certain types of cancer.

Another hugely popular and widely accessible supplement is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is made in a two-step process. First, apple juice and yeast are mixed together, which starts to break down the sugars in the apple juice and convert them into alcohol. Second, a special bacteria is added, which converts the alcohol into acetic acid. This bacteria is what is referred to as the “mother,” as it is the catalyst that gives rise to the vinegar. Often, store-bought apple cider vinegars do not include the “mother” as it gives the vinegar a murky appearance, which can be off-putting to some consumers. However, many scientists believe that the “mother” is the healthiest part of the apple cider vinegar concoction! It is home to dozens of strains of probiotics (good bacteria), which help keep our digestive systems functioning optimally.

Apple cider vinegar with the “mother” has numerous health benefits as a result of its potency and digestive support, including lowering cholesterol, reducing belly fat, helping with weight loss, and lowering blood sugar levels, which means it’s a fantastic tool to combat Diabetes. And while the liquid form may wear away tooth enamel when ingested regularly, as well as the taste being a bit abrasive and have a slight burning sensation on the throat, the pill form eliminates both those negatives factors. Consuming apple cider vinegar on a daily basis has also been shown to boost satiation within the body, meaning the body feels fuller longer, and thus reduces the desire to eat more food.

Finally, apple cider vinegar can help to kill many type of harmful pathogens, including bacteria. It has been used to preserve foods as it inhibits bacteria such as E-coli from spreading. It has the same protective effect on the stomach’s bacteria, killing the bad while preserving the good.

Getting the tremendous health benefits afforded by these powerful supplements is as easy as swallowing a few pills each morning. Herb + Legend is proud to keep all of these supplements in stock, and our knowledgeable practitioners are happy to discuss any questions you may have about which supplements may be best for you. Schedule a consult today!