Apple Cider Vinegar
by Michael Meyer
Dear Consumer
It has really been great since we launched our ZEST FOR LIFE Apple Cider Vinegar capsules, and we thank you all for your support.
Please note that the information in this article is for information only, and should not be seen as a health or medical claim of any nature. Clinical studies have not been done, and the benefits described are based on anecdotal proof only.
What we have found is that a lot of people would buy our Zest for Life apple cider vinegar and Gotu cola capsules for weight loss, but kept on using them after losing the required weight, since they felt so good whilst taking them.
Because of repeated requests for more information, we decided to put together this information sheet, to inform consumers why we think that apple cider vinegar is so great, and why it could benefit their health.
Kind regards
Michael Meyer
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SUBSTANCES IN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:
Scientists have measured ninety different substances in apple cider vinegar, such as thirteen types of carbolic acids, four aldehydes, twenty ketones, eighteen types of alcohols, eight ethyl acetates etc. It also contains minerals, trace elements and vitamins as well acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, enzymes, amino acids and roughage in the form of apple pectin.
MINERALS AND TRACE ELEMENTS:
Potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur (the mineral, not the antibiotic sulfa), copper, iron, silicon and fluorine.
If I had to highlight one of the above ingredients I would really like to draw attention to potassium. Potassium is as important to tissue as what calcium is to bones.
With potassium lacking many health problems can arise, whereas sufficient potassium can help with problems such as aching legs and keeping arteries working properly.
VITAMINS:
Vitamin C, E, A, B1, B2, B6, Provitamin betacarotene, Vitamin P.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR HISTORY
Apple cider vinegar is not a "new" folk remedy, but has its origin since the Phoenician times, when they drank Shekar, a type of apple cider vinegar, for its healing properties.
The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates (400 B.C.), also used apple cider vinegar to treat his patients, using it as a healing elixir.
The Roman army issued its soldiers with a ration of vinegar to take daily for general health, and the sponge offered to Jesus Christ when He was on the cross, was not necessarily torture, but could have been a sign of compassion, since the Romans drank vinegar and water as a thirst quencher.
When the Black Plague swept Europe, the healers of the time protected themselves by taking apple cider vinegar because of its disinfectant properties.
MODERN DAY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar never disappeared from folk medicine, but has also not gained huge popularity, for two reasons.
Firstly, few people actually like the taste of apple cider vinegar liquid, and secondly, supplement manufacturers never believed that there would be a market for an apple cider vinegar capsule.
Some people complain that apple cider vinegar is too acid to drink, and to make it easier to swallow; we developed the apple cider vinegar capsule with Gotu Kola.
It is the addition of Gotu Kola, which makes our capsule an effective supplement to take, since the two different components work in synergy and form a formidable and powerful combination.
USEFUL FOR:
Well functioning metabolism. Reducing cholesterol (the dangerous LDL cholesterol type). Regulating the water content in the cells and body. Reducing water retention in the body. Reducing excess sodium from the body. Helps to regulate blood pressure. Assists with preventing circulatory problems. Helps with diminishing premature calcification of the arteries. Helps increase concentration and memory. Assists in blood circulation.
- ARTHRITIS:
This condition of inflammation of the joints is a major chronic disease in the West, and is believed to be partly caused by a buildup of toxic wastes in the tissues, causing irritation.
Arthritis sufferers have reported a positive influence that apple cider vinegar has on the pain experienced as well as slowing down the progression of this disease.
- ASTHMA:
Although orthodox allopathic medicine might not agree with this remedy, some people have found relief from asthma by ingesting apple cider vinegar, as well as applying pads, soaked in apple cider vinegar, under pressure to the inside of the wrists.
- BLOOD PRESSURE:
The potassium in apple cider vinegar is said to be beneficial to the heart, and in some quarters this remedy is said to assist in making the blood thinner, and thereby assisting with blood pressure and the prevention of strokes.
- BONES:
The manganese, magnesium, silicon and calcium found in apple cider vinegar has been linked to sustaining bone mass, which is important in the fight against osteoporosis.
- CANCER:
Although apple cider cannot cure cancer, it is a valuable ally to have around to help fight free radicals in the body, which have been shown to be indicative in the formation of various cancers. Betacarotene, found in apple cider vinegar, is a powerful antioxidant, which helps to neutralize the free radicals formed in our bodies through oxidation.
The pectin in apple cider vinegar adds fiber to the diet, and even the American Cancer Society promotes a high fiber diet to help prevent cancer, especially colon cancer. The reason for this is that fiber binds with certain cancer causing (carcinogenic) compounds in the colon, and speeds up their elimination from the body.
- CHOLESTEROL:
A good warning system for heart disease is the presence of high blood cholesterol in the system. To help prevent this, follow a lifestyle, which includes eating a diet, high in fruit and vegetables, maintaining your ideal weight, getting enough exercise while avoiding processed foods, junk foods and hydrogenated oils.
Another way is to add fiber to your diet, especially water soluble fiber such as the pectin found in apple cider vinegar. Water soluble fiber soaks up water, which adds bulk and interacts with your body.
Fiber also soaks up fats and cholesterol in the body and they are then excreted instead of being absorbed.
Non water soluble fiber soaks up moisture in the body, but cannot interact with the body.
Apple cider vinegar has been used as a folk remedy for helping to fight cholesterol for some time but please consult your doctor if you need medical assistance.
- COLDS:
It has been found that the pH factor (the acidity factor) of the body becomes a bit more alkaline prior to a cold or flu striking you down. When you take apple cider vinegar it helps to rebalance the acid level of your body.
- CONSTIPATION:
Not having proper bowel movements is blamed for many illnesses and diseases that befall us. As we age our bodies produce less, and start to lag behind, in the manufacture of digestive acids (hydrochloric acid), pepsin and digestive enzymes, which can cause constipation. When we add fiber to our diet, such as the pectin in apple cider vinegar, we assist our body by having regular bowel movements and proper elimination.
- CRAMPS:
If you have never woken up in the middle of the night with cramps tearing through your calves, feet or legs, you would not understand the agony. A useful remedy to assist with this is to take apple cider vinegar.
- DIABETES:
This disease is becoming more and more common, and there may be various reasons for this phenomena, but it must be remembered that it is not only extremely serious, but needs proper medical supervision, and a strict adherence to dietary rules and medication, as prescribed by your medical practitioner.
It is however interesting to note that added dietary fiber, such as contained in apple cider vinegar, is beneficial in controlling blood glucose levels.
- DIARRHEA:
There are various causes for diarrhea, and although it should not be left untreated, it sometimes is a way for the body to rid itself of harmful compounds and ingested materials. The pectin in apple cider vinegar is great to take when suffering from this problem, since this water soluble fiber swells up, and forms bulk.
Apple cider vinegar can also be an effective item to use against certain bacteria, which causes diarrhea, and the intestinal flora also transforms pectin into a protective coating, which soothes the irritated lining of the colon.
- DEPRESSION:
Some Eastern medicines believe that depression is the symptom of a "stagnant" or tired liver. If you believe in this philosophy, then apple cider vinegar could help to fight depression, since it is a great medium to help detoxify and clean the liver.
- EYES:
Cataract development in the eye is associated to oxidation of the lens of the eye due to alterations caused by free radicals changing the structure of the lens. With this in mind apple cider vinegar can be of use since the antioxidant properties of apple cider vinegar are great in combating free radicals.
- FATIGUE:
Lactic acid is released in the body during exercise as well as periods of stress, and this can lead to fatigue, which in turn can be combated by the amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar. The enzymes, as well as the potassium contained in apple cider vinegar can also be of great help in the quest for more energy and vitality.
- FOOD POISONING:
Because of the great disinfectant qualities inherent in apple cider vinegar, some people when suffering from mild cases of food poisoning use it with success. If you suffer from violent symptoms, and suspect serious food poisoning, please contact your medical practitioner immediately.
- GALLSTONES AND KIDNEY STONES:
A theory exists that the acids found in apple cider vinegar are beneficial in breaking up kidney stones and gallstones, by softening or dissolving them. Although we cannot guarantee any results, it might be worth your while to supplement your diet with apple cider vinegar, should you be suffering from gallstones or kidney stones.
- HEADACHES:
The cause of headaches can be stress, allergies, tiredness, and problems with your gallbladder, liver, kidneys or a variety of other factors. Although apple cider vinegar cannot be touted as a headache treatment, is has been found that people have slightly more alkaline urine when suffering from a headache, and with this apple cider vinegar can be effective, since it will assist in bringing your body's acid level back into sync.
- HEART:
Since apple cider vinegar is used to promote the health of veins and capillaries, it is by implication also useful in assisting in the health of the heart and blood pressure. The potassium found in apple cider vinegar is also beneficial to the heart.
- INDIGESTION:
When people start talking about indigestion they immediately start referring to the "excess" stomach acid that they have! In most cases it is NOT a case of an excess of stomach acid, but a shortage of it.
Hydrochloric acid and pepsin, an enzyme working in an acid environment, are needed to break down the food effectively, and a shortage of these two ingredients will lead to a sluggish digestion of food and resultant indigestion. Taking apple cider vinegar may assist in effecting a remedy.
- METABOLISM:
The quest for achieving the ideal weight always will include effective and efficient metabolism. Without it your dietary intake will not be metabolized correctly, the nutrients will not be available to the body, and this will result in excess weight being added to the body frame. Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries in aiding the liver to detoxify the body and to help with digesting rich, fatty and greasy foods, and for proper metabolizing of proteins, fats and minerals.
An added extra to help with this is the malic acid and tartaric acid found in apple cider vinegar, since it helps to bring the acid content into balance, while killing off unwanted and unfriendly bacteria in the digestive tract.
- MUSCLES:
Lactic acid in muscles is the cause of the muscles feeling sore and stiff, but by adding some apple cider vinegar to your diet, it could assist the body to get rid of it at a faster pace, since it will help to break down the acid crystals, making it much easier to be flushed out of the body.
- NASAL CONGESTION:
A constant draining of mucus from the sinus cavities can be both sore and uncomfortable. It is best to cut out, or eat as little as possible, mucus forming food, which traditionally, in most cases would be dairy products.
Apple cider vinegar is not an anti allergy substance as such; but some people experience an improvement in hay fever as well as headaches associated with allergies when taking it.
- STIFF JOINTS:
A shortage of potassium in the body may cause stiff joints. Another remedy is to relax in a warm tub, with some apple cider vinegar added to the water.
- ULCERS:
Apple cider vinegar is showing great promise in helping to heal alcohol induced ulcers, since it activates the body into starting up its own defensive mechanism. This, together with other indicators suggests that apple cider vinegar may in the near future be drawn into the fold of alternative ulcer preventing remedies.
- WEIGHT LOSS:
Apple cider vinegar has been used as a weight loss remedy for centuries, and although the mechanics are not always clear on how it works, it really does work.
It has been suggested that apple cider vinegar works because it makes the body burn calories better, that it reduces the appetite or simply that it gets the entire metabolism working at top efficiency.
But whatever the reason for apple cider vinegar helping to lose weight, the fact remains; it has stood the test of time as a fat busting supplement, and has helped countless people to achieve their ideal weight.
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GOTU KOLA
HISTORY
Gotu Kola, also called Indian Pennywort or Centella, is a native herb of South Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Madagascar.
It has been used extensively in African herbal remedies and has been a major herb in Ayurvedic medicine for the last 3000 years, and was also referred to by early Western medicine in the French pharmacopoeia of 1884.
MODERN DAY USES
In the modern day pharmaceutical world it is often used as an active ingredient in tonics, oral slimming formulas, body beautiful preparations, body firming products, wound healing, anti ageing skin care products.
USEFUL FOR
Gotu Kola is said to help purify the blood, promote better circulation, increase energy, healthy skin, assist in helping with high blood pressure, rejuvenating and balancing the mind as well as being a nerve tonic, assisting with slimming, edema, helping with arthritis, rheumatism, treating of liver and kidney problems, an anti stress agent as well as an adaptogen.
The saying "if it is too good to be true, then it usually is" comes to mind when you start talking about this amazing herb, but in the instance of Gotu Kola, much can be said for the properties it contains, and for this reason it has been successfully used for more than 3,000 years.
GENERAL
Gotu Kola contains NO caffeine or any stimulant (do not confuse it with the Kola nut), but contains asiaticosides, which is a triterpene glycoside, which can be classified as a type of antibiotic and may assist in wound treatment and which has also been used to assist in fighting leprosy in both African and Indian herbal treatment since it helps to dissolve the waxy coating of the leprosy bacteria - thereby allowing the immune system to destroy the bacteria.
It further contains brahmosides and brahminosides, which are saponin glycosides, as well as madecassosides - also a glycoside, but with great anti-inflammatory properties.
INGREDIENTS
Over and above the asiaticosides, brahmosides and brahminosides, the plant also is a source of vitamin K (which is used in blood clotting as well as bone maintenance and repair), magnesium, calcium, sodium, madecassic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin K, asparate, glutamate, serine, threonine, alanine, lysine and histidine.
- MEMORY AND ALERTNESS
The Indian yogis believe that centella helps in their meditation, mental alertness and mental focusing. Students have also reported greater capacity for memory retention and it is also thought to help produce neurotransmitters.
- CIRCULATION
Gotu Kola is a useful herb for bedridden patients since it is a great help with circulation, wound healing and bedsores. People with phlebitis problems (inflammation of the veins) varicose veins, gastric ulcers and other circulatory problems also report benefits from gotu kola.
Some people with varicose veins experience great benefit from gotu kola, and this is in keeping with what Ayurvedic medicine uses this herb for.
- ENERGY & VITALITY
Gotu Kola is also taken for energy and vitality as it is said to help with the normalizing of blood sugar levels, which in turn helps with combating hypoglycemia, mental fatigue, depression and confusion. Gotu kola could also help with the body's energy level since it has a good supply of thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6), which assists to convert carbohydrates into glucose as well as being needed for normal nervous system functioning.
- ANTI-AGEING
In India it has for the last 3,000 years of Ayurvedic medicine been used for wound healing, as a mild diuretic, increasing concentration, alertness, as well as anti-anxiety and anti-stress.
In the Far East it is used for treatment of depression and longevity - in China it is also called the "Fountain of Youth" - and by name alone should inspire those looking for a way to look better for longer.
Another anti-ageing benefit that gotu kola is said to have is to help with the increase of hemoglobin, while decreasing urea and acid phosphate levels in the blood.
- SKIN
Gotu kola is said to have an effect on connective tissue, and has great value helping with the synthesis of collagen, thickening of the skin (a great anti-ageing property - as we age our skins become thinner), increasing the tensile strength of the flesh, wound healing, repair of damaged tissue in wound healing, as well as promoting hair and nail growth.
SIDE EFFECTS
If very large quantities of gotu kola are ingested it might cause nausea, but no other side effects exist.
Children under 4 should not take gotu kola orally. People on any sedatives or calming medication should also avoid Centella, since it could enhance the action of the sedative.
DETOXIFYING
When detoxifying the body it is also helpful to look at gotu kola, as it is said to assist with destroying toxic accumulation in the brain as well as the nerves, while helping to clear the body of heavy metals as well as drugs - including recreational drugs.
ALTERNATIVE
In some quarters, although extremely alternative, people suffering from hepatitis as well as alcoholic liver disease also use gotu kola when detoxifying.
In alternative health this herb is used to treat tumors and cancerous growths, without suppressing the auto immune system or creating toxic wastes within the body.
In its fresh form (you can plant it successfully in your garden) gotu kola (Centella Asiatica) can also be used in salads and the dried leaves can be used to make a herbal infusion.
NOTE
We would like to reiterate that the above information is meant as information only, and although the anecdotal qualities have been listed, it is not as such underwritten by clinical Western allopathic medicine, and none of the above should be seen as any health or medicinal claims by Zest for Life; or its manufacturers.
Should you suffer from any medical condition, please consult your medical doctor.
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