If you haven't heard of it before, apple cider vinegar is considered a favorite home health remedy of singers around the world. It must be unfiltered so that it contains a strange ingredient - a mix of enzymes and good bacteria known as the 'mother' - that is thought to be the source of its natural benefits.
For the foreseeable future, I will be taking a "shot" of this stuff every morning. The recommended daily dose is 1-2 Tbsp mixed in 8oz of water (still or sparkling). According to online sources (which never lie, right?) and trusted colleagues in the singing world, this will boost my immune system and increase antioxidants in an effort to protect against viruses (e.g., the common cold). It also could potentially reduce cholesterol and lower my blood sugar levels, so it's worth a shot (pun intended).
For a seemlingly balanced perspective on the benefits of apple cider vinegar, check out this article from The University of Chicago Medicine.
My first impression? I love the flavor of apples, and although it may seem 'scary' to drink vinegar, this stuff doesn't taste nearly as bad as I was expecting. I realize that's not a glowing endorsement, but I honestly think that if the health benefit claims are even partially true, it is well worth the glass of sour apple water each morning. Bottoms up!