The health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar are numerous which is why it is used in cooking and as a medicinal application for healthy life. This article brings to life a detailed perspective on health benefits and home remedies of apple cider vinegar.
Vinegar may have a sour taste but it is an essential for good health. A small amount of apple cider vinegar in your diet delivers a diverse range of health benefits. Used as a home remedy for cough, indigestion, weight loss, acne removal, yeast infections, diabetes, cramps, warts, morning sickness, inflammation, cuts, sunburn, diarrhea, insect bites, cold, sore
throat, shingles, migraine, dandruff, hiccups, body odor, sore muscles, rash, acid reflux, constipation and fatigue, this bitter fermented liquid also referred to as ACV or cider vinegar is indeed the elixir of life.Most of us use apple Cider vinegar in various salad dressings and meat dishes, but not many of us realize the healing potential of this fermented liquid. Acid-forming bacteria ‘acetobacter’ is responsible for the alcohol conversion process into vinegar. Bacteria and yeast is added to liquid squeezed out from apples for alcoholic fermentation. Apple cider vinegar has high nutritive value and medicinal properties essential for good health. Considering its numerous health benefits, it doesn’t come as a surprise why this potent liquid is flying of shelves.
There are a number of ACV brands available in supermarkets. While commercial clear vinegar brands are easy to get, raw, organic and unfiltered potent forms that have’ Mother of Vinegar’, aceti cells (type of cellulose formed from pectin) in them are not easy to find. The cobweb-like structure that looks like a floating mesh is what brings to life various health benefits of this super vinegar. The strand-like enzymes contain living nutrients, bacteria and protein molecules. What are the various health benefits of apple cider vinegar? Read on to explore more about this miracle liquid.
For optimum results in its best you use unfiltered ACV.
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Cure for Indigestion
Apple cider vinegar is used as a treatment and cure for indigestion. This potent liquid can be mixed with a glass of warm water and given to the individual with indigestion. ACV is usually administered to individuals before meals to ensure levels of acid balance are maintained. A number of indigestion cases are because of decrease of natural acid content in stomach. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for Gerd and acid reflux.
Helps prevent Bad Cholesterol
Research reveals apple cider vinegar included in regular diet has potential to prevent bad cholesterol –LDL. This vinegar is able to improve blood lipid profile, this by decreasing triglycerides levels and LDL-C, low density-lipoprotein and thereby allowing levels of HDL-C. This function is important among diabetics to ensure further complications of sudden changes in sugar levels do not occur.
Healthy hair and clean scalp
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent for healthy hair and clean scalp. Two tablespoons of diluted vinegar can be mixed with curd and applied on hair and scalp. Apple cider vinegar helps get rid of scalp infections and also eliminates dandruff. Also, this vinegar, curd and lime is used as a mixed application to get rid of head lice. ACV is a rich source of malic acid which has anti fungal, anti-bacterial and anti- viral properties that help in cleaning itchy scalp and greasy scalp and thereby preventing dandruff.
Excellent health tonic for weight loss
While the health benefits of vinegar in regard with weight loss is debatable, many do use apple cider vinegar to maintain weight and lose weight. It is a known fact that vinegar consumption increases levels of satiety. Research reveals that individuals that consume 1 table spoon of vinegar in their diet tend to feel fuller eating a small meal, than persons who eat the same amount without vinegar. Diluted forms of ACV may be recommended by nutritionists with fresh fruit juice or water in accordance with a weight loss plan.
Plays an important role in preventing cancer
Research carried out suggests apple cider vinegar has properties that can kill cancer cells or slow growth of cancer cells. Laboratory studies reveal ACV has anti tumor properties. The role of vinegar to neutralize free radicals is being studied and researched. Fact findings about ACVs role to prevent cancer and other life threatening diseases until now give hope about a better future.
Home remedy for cuts
Apple cider vinegar is used as a home treatment for cuts to stop bleeding. To stop bleeding, all you need to do is dip a cotton swab in ACV and apply it to the cut. Vinegar has malic acid which has antiseptic properties.
Essential for healthy glowing skin, acne removal and blemish removal
Apple cider vinegar is an effective home remedy for soft and healthy glowing skin. Three table spoons of apple ACV can be mixed with 3/4 cup water to form a natural cleanser. When used regularly, this cleanser gives skin a healthy glow. Also, apple cider vinegar when used with a drop of tea tree oil help fight acne and remove blemishes. This potent potion is a rich source of ash.
Health tonic for healthy bones
Apple cider vinegar has a combination of minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium which play a vital role in good bone health. ACV helps in healthy cartilage growth thereby improving flexibility of joints. Use of vinegar in small amounts regularly is known to prevent osteoporosis and minimize the risk of other bone degenerative diseases.
Promotes good cardiovascular health
This super vinegar is excellent for cardiovascular health. 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 table spoon of honey mixed with a glass of warm water everyday can help lower levels of high blood pressure. However for optimum results, you have to keep in mind that changes in lifestyle and modifications in dietary consumption are essential. Reduce intake of fat and salt and include fiber rich foods in your diet. Cut down on coffee and tea and quit cigarettes and alcohol. Lastly, exercise!
Home remedy for cough and cold
If you suffer from bouts of cough and cold, apple cider vinegar is an excellent home remedy. Mix 1 tablespoon of ACV and 1 table spoon of honey to 1 glass of warm water. To the mixture add one teaspoon of ginger juice or a piece of crushed ginger. This is a potent folk remedy provides relief from cough, cold, and chest congestion.
Get rid of urinary tract infections
Apple cider vinegar is used as alternative medicine for treating urinary tract infections. 1 tablespoon of ACV can be mixed in 1 glass of cranberry juice and consumed daily to get rid of urinary tract infections. Both, apple cider vinegar and cranberry juice prevent bacterial formation on urinary tract walls.
An effective treatment for sunburn
An effective home remedy for sunburn is applying apple cider vinegar on affected skin. You can soak a small thin towel in ACV and apply it on sunburn. This treatment also prevents skin peel off caused by harsh sunburn. If a large part of the body is covered with sunburn marks, a cool water bath that contains 1 cup of apple cider vinegar is recommended. After taking a bath wipe yourself dry and apply aloe vera gel on affected areas.
Home treatment for yeast infection
ACV is an effective home treatment for yeast infection. Appling two table spoons of diluted apple cider vinegar to affected area helps reduce soreness and itching. Vinegar and yogurt are used as home remedies for various candidiasis infections.
Helps control diabetes
Apple cider vinegar helps maintain a healthy sugar level. ACV acts a natural digestive cleanser and helps metabolize carbohydrates. Individuals suffering from insulin resistance should include this vinegar in their diet. 1 tablespoon of apple vinegar can be mixed with one glass fresh jamun juice and had with meals.
Restores natural pH balance of body
With age blood becomes slightly alkaline. A poor diet and lifestyle habits can play havoc with inner ecosystem. A poor diet and sedentary lifestyle affect the pH balance of blood. When blood becomes acidic it lays the platform for disease and illness. Apple cider vinegar included in a healthy diet helps in restoring natural pH balance of body. Aside from a nutritious diet, exercise is essential for healthy blood flow and healthy organ functions.
Aside from the above health benefits, apple cider vinegar is also used as a home remedy for various ailments/illnesses.
Apple Cider Vinegar home remedies
Get rid of Body Odor- If your underarms emanate foul odor, apple cider vinegar is the best natural deodorant. Take a cotton ball and dip it in ACV. Wipe your underarms clean with the cotton ball to get rid of body odor. Vinegar has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties that help eliminate body odors. This same method can be used to get rid of foot odor. ACV eliminates bacteria that releases offensive odor effectively.
Cure for Hiccups- If you get a sudden bout of hiccups, mix 1 teaspoon of ACV with 1 glass of warm
water and drink.Home treatment for Warts-For wart treatment at home dip a cotton swab in diluted apple cider vinegar and apply directly onto affected skin area daily. Over a period you will notice infected skin clearing.
Provides relief from Sinusitis- ACV provides relief from sinusitis. Have a glass of warm water mixed with two table spoons of apple cider solution three times a day to get rid of sinusitis.
Excellent for Morning Sickness- Several individuals experience morning sickness., more so pregnant women during early stages of pregnancy. An excellent remedy for morning sickness is a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a glass of fresh pineapple juice or peach juice.
Reduces swelling and inflammation in Varicose Veins-Applying apple cider vinegar on varicose veins is an old folk remedy popular in England, Germany and Scotland. Varicose vein swelling and inflammation is reduced over a period of time when used regularly.
Helps eliminate Night Sweats-In several cultures, Menopausal woman use ACVto get rid of night sweats. 2 table spoon of apple cider vinegar can be mixed with 1 glass of fresh fruit juice and had daily, twice a day.
Relaxes Sore Muscles-For sore muscles take a clean cloth and immerse it in ACV solution. Put the wet cloth for 5 minutes each on areas that are strained or sore. You can also add ACV solution to a hot water bath, it is refreshing and relaxing for the muscles.
Treatment for Jellyfish Stings- Apple cider vinegar is an effective treatment for jellyfish stings. In Australia and South Africa many lifeguards carry a small bottle of vinegar to stop further release of venom that may be caused by minute jellyfish tentacles left in the victims skin.
Provides relief from Fatigue- ACV has enzymes that have many health benefits. Potassium content along with other minerals present in apple cider vinegar solution helps relieve stress and fatigue. 1 teaspoon ACV can be mixed with 1 tablespoon on honey in a glass of water.
Cure for mild Diarrhea-Apple cider vinegar is used as traditional medicine for diarrhea. Soluble fiber Pectin present in ACV helps counter diarrhea effectively.
Provides relief from Poison Ivy itch/rash- Rash and itching caused by Poison ivy, a plant is treated with apple cider vinegar. A solution of ACV mixed with water can be applied to affected area to stop pain, prevent rash and itching.
Cleans Nail Fungus- ACV is an excellent natural home remedy to cure toe nails and fingernails with finger infections. Mix three drops of tea tree oil with two table spoons of apple cider vinegar. Dip a cotton swab in this solution and apply on infected fingernails or toenails.
Treatment for Insomnia- In several Asian cultures, apple cider vinegar is given to persons who find it hard to sleep at night. 1 tablespoon of ACV is mixed with two tablespoons of honey and given to the individuals suffering from insomnia.
Cure for Eczema- Individuals that have eczema complain about dryness and constant itching. A diluted solution of ACV provides quick relief from these symptoms.
Used to treat Shingles-1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can be applied to affected skin to get rid of rash resulting from shingles.
Helps reduce Age spots- To get rid of age spots, two tablespoons of ACV is mixed with 2 table spoons of paste. Few drops of lemon juice are added to this mixture. This mixture can be applied regularly until dark age spots fade away.
Good for Constipation-For constipation, 1 table spoon of apple cider vinegar is mixed with fresh juice with high fiber content. As we get older there is a reduction in natural digestive acids and enzymes. Eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables is essential to keep constipation at bay.
Quick relief for Burns-Apple cider vinegar has natural antiseptic properties that heal. Undiluted solution can be applied on burns, cuts and bruises for quick relief.
Cure for Headache/Migraine- Apple cider vinegar is used as an alternative treatment for migraines. Vapor inhalation of diluted ACV is one method, while the other is drinking a hot glass of water that contains two tablespoons of ACV and equal measure of honey. The ingredients should be added at a late stage when water is boiling. While sipping make sure your mug or cup is close to your face to make stem inhalation easy.
Helps get rid of Diaper Rash- Dilute apple cider vinegar in warm water and apply to get rid bacteria or fungus that causes diaper rash or redness.
Provides quick relief from Leg Cramps-This vinegar is a rich source of minerals such as calcium and magnesium that protect against painful leg cramps. To reduce pain associated with leg cramps, mix 1 table spoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water.
Helps minimize flatulence problems- Some individuals keep away for certain beans because of their ability to produce gas. For people who cannot digest beans or other foods that may induce flatulence, an easy way to minimize the effects is to soak foods in an apple cider solution before cooking.
Quick relief from Insect bites- ACV can be applied as a quick relief remedy for bee stings, wasp stings or other insect bites or stings. The natural antiseptic properties present in apple cider vinegar soothe skin and provide relief from pain.
Cure for Acid Reflux-Acid reflux, also known as heartburn occurs when stomach acid content reaches the esophagus. To minimize the effects of acid reflex mix two table spoons of ACV with a glass of water and have before meals.
Provides quick relief from Sore Throat- Mix 1 table spoon in a glass of warm water and gargle. Apple cider vinegar provides quick relief from sore throats. Make sure you do not swallow the gargled solution.
Treatment for Ear infections- Diluted solution of apple cider vinegar is used as an effective home remedy to treat ear infections. You can rinse the ears to get rid of an ear infection. You can also use ear buds or cotton swabs immersed in diluted ACV solution to clean inner or outer ear lobes.
How to use Apple Cider Vinegar in Food
There are no set guidelines as to the amount of apple cider vinegar to be consumed in its natural form or diluted. Keep in mind too much of ACV in your daily intake of food can bring more harm than benefits. Do not get habituated to consuming large amounts of this vinegar plain, with water or with juices. Apple cider vinegar no doubt keeps alkaline levels in check, however too much of this vinegar in its undiluted form can damage functions of esophagus and stomach. Raw apple cider vinegar should be ideally used in food. You can use generous tablespoons of this magical liquid in salad dressings, meats, and curries. ACV is used in a number of marinade recipes. This vinegar is an excellent choice for lean meats such as chicken and turkey. Also, apple cider vinegar is used in several fish curry dishes from Asia. Several beef and pork recipes from Goa contain large amounts of apple cider vinegar. Pork Vindaloo and Chicken Vindaloo recipes made with apple cider vinegar have unique flavor.
