Like many folk remedies, the combination of organic apple cider and honey has its roots in medical history, but lacks sufficient medical evidence to support the claims its advocates make for its impact on your health and well-being. However, both honey and apple cider vinegar taste great, and can add dynamism to your kitchen. Beside that, small quantities of apple cider vinegar and honey are not harmful to most people, so you can enjoy experimenting if you're intrigued by the idea. Don't use apple cider vinegar and honey for any medical condition without consulting with your doctor.
History and Folklore
Vinegar has been used for its supposed medicinal properties for thousands of years. Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine, was an early practitioner, employing vinegar to help heal wounds. Sung Tse, who originated forensic medicine, washed his hands with sulfur and vinegar to avoid infection. Records of U.S. medical practices show that doctors have attempted to treat illnesses from upset stomachs to diabetes with vinegar. Vinegar and honey in combination comprised Oxymel, an ancient cough medicine. Many people still use this combination to help manage coughs. Apple cider vinegar, or a "cocktail" of apple cider vinegar and honey, has been rumored to help accelerate weight loss. However, insufficient evidence exists to support the use of either apple cider vinegar or apple cider vinegar and honey to treat any medical problem, including obesity.
Apple Cider Vinegar Risks
Risks associated with taking excsssive apple cider vinegar include developing low potassium levels and diminished bone density. It may cause a burning sensation in your throat if you drink it in large quantities. However, in most cases, the consumer does not drink enough apple cider vinegar to pose a threat to her health.
Honey Benefits and Risks
Honey contains many vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, sulphur, iron, copper, calcium, iodine, phosphate and zinc. Vitaimins in honey include A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, H and P1. Honey is also a source of antioxidants, substances that fight free radicals, molecules that can cause cancer. The antimicrobial agents present in honey helps some wounds heal more quickly. Never give honey to children less than 1 year old, as it can lead to infant botulism, a potentially deadly disease. Honey is high in calories; take it only in small quantities if you are attempting to lose weight.
Recipes
Folk recipes suggest taking a tablespoon or two of organic apple cider and a tablespoon of honey and mixing them with half a cup of warm water to drink each morning. There is no medical evidence to support the effectiveness of this concoction against disease, but you may enjoy its sweet, bracing taste. Alternatively, experiment with making a sweet vinaigrette with a splash of apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of honey and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Add salt and pepper and use the vinaigrette as an autumnal salad dressing for greens to accompany grilled protein or roasted root vegetables.
References
- Medscape General Medicine; "Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect"; Carol S. Johnston, PhD, RD, Cindy A. Gaas, BS, May 2006
- AARP: Apple Cider Vinegar
- Mayo Clinic: "Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss Seems Far-Fetched. Does It Work?"; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
- MedlinePlus: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Alabama Cooperative Extension: Health Benefits of Honey; Phillip Carter
Member Comments