Recipe: Apple Cider Vinegar and Spice Tea

For years now, apple cider vinegar has been touted as a cure all for so many of life's ills, it's hard to believe what is true and what isn't! The truth is, the nutrients in unfiltered apple cider vinegar do boast health benefits when consumed regularly. The downside? Who wants to slurp down vinegar two or three times a day?

Until recently, my personal experience with unfiltered apple cider vinegar had been unimpressive. I am diabetic, but I found it had absolutely no effect on my blood glucose levels; nor did it help me lose those last stubborn 10 pounds I was trying to lose. After a month of drinking a tablespoon of ACV in my water every morning, I quit and never went back - until recently.

Because I suffer from leaky gut syndrome, I take a powdered collagen supplement every morning, adding it to my hot or iced tea. It was while making a batch of plain iced tea that I had a light-bulb moment: When I had severe leaky gut symptoms, none of my medications were working well...so why would any supplements I had been taking work, either? I decided to give ACV another try. The results are outstanding!

When I add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to my morning beverage, along with a squeeze of lemon, my blood glucose levels are 30% lower, post-meal, than when I do not take it, allowing me to take less insulin at longer intervals throughout the day and/or occasionally indulge in those less-than-ideal carbohydrates. (NOTE: My doctor is aware of this and keeps a close eye on my A1c, while I test my daily glucose 4 - 5 times a day).

Additional benefits of ACV use that I have noticed are clearer skin (I turned 30 and developed adult onset acne) and better weight control, accompanied by improved triglyceride levels and better sleep habits.

Now that the nice weather has (FINALLY!) arrived, it's too warm to drink hot tea every day. I have created a recipe for iced tea by the pitcher so I can enjoy a tall glass of it with breakfast - the tang gives me a nice pick-me-up - dinner, or anytime! Packed with spices that have been shown to have health benefits, it's healthy and enjoyable!

Here's the recipe:

Apple Cider Vinegar and Spice Tea

Ingredients

12 cups cold water
12 ounces unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)
2 tablespoons pumpkin spice blend (or 1-1/2 tablespoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon allspice)
1 teaspoon ground clove
1/4 cup vanilla extract
1/4 cup Stevia or monk fruit sweetener
Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
20 black tea bags

Directions

Mix water and apple cider vinegar in a large pot over high heat.
When mixture starts to simmer, add spices, vanilla extract, and stir.
When mixture starts to boil remove from heat, add 20 black tea bags and simmer for 5 minutes*.
Remove tea bags, stir in sweetener and optional lemon juice.
Let cool, and pour into a ½ gallon ice-filled pitcher.

Refrigerate until cold. Stir well and enjoy over ice.

*Do not leave the tea to boil! 10 minutes at boiling temperature is enough to destroy the beneficial bacteria in apple cider vinegar.

KJM

05.17.2020