Apple Cider Vinegar

The healthiest type of vinegar is raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar, also known as ACV.  Bragg's ACV is found at Payless, Healthy Hearts, Simply Foods, and other health food places on Guam. The reason ACV is healthier than other types of vinegar is because it is alkalizing to the body, making the body non-acidic and more basic, which is an environment that inhibits cancer and other illnesses. All vinegars expect for apple cider vinegar makes the body more acidic, and prone to illnesses and cancer-causing environment.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar Instead!

Many local dishes on Guam use white vinegar, but it can easily be replaced with apple cider vinegar. ACV is a bit stronger or more acidic in taste than white vinegar, so use a little less and add water, if necessary. In most recipes, replacing white vinegar with ACV will not change the taste. However, I have had some friends who missed the taste of white vinegar, but quickly grew to prefer ACV.

Citrus Fruits vs. Apple Cider Vinegar

Lemons, limes, and calamansi (small local limes on Guam) are also a good substitues for ACV in recipes. Lemons and limes are pH balancing to the body, which means your body will be neutral, neither acidic, nor alkaline. This is healthy, and it adds vitamin C to your diet.

Avoid Processed Foods like Lemon Juice Powder

Lemon juice powder is not as healthy as fresh lemon or lime juice. Lemon powders, while convenient and commonly used in Guam, may not be made from real lemons or limes (citirc acid), high fructose corn syrup (not healthy), and chemical stabilizers and fillers.

ACV can also be used in place of lemon or lime when a recipe calls for it. Use a little less than the recipe states and add water to make up the difference in liquid. Try using ACV in finadene (soy sauce, ACV, boonie peppers), a Guam's favorite condiment!

Alkalizing Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

For an alkalizing drink, add a little ACV in a glass of water and sweeten with honey, if necessary. I have read that drinking it up to 3 times a day may improve your health by keeping the body alkaline and giving the skin a healthy glow. Drinking it 30 minutes before a meal is ideal, and it is also known to reduces appetite for those looking to loose a little weight.

The drink tastes a little like an apple flavored lemonade!