Many of us have a bottle of apple cider vinegar sitting in our kitchen pantry that we use on occasion for the odd baking recipe or salad dressing. Did you know that apple cider vinegar offers lots of health benefits and has many other uses? Scientific studies support a wide range of health benefits from lowering cholesterol to aiding in weight loss! For maximum health benefits, look for organic, unfiltered bottle of apple cider vinegar that contains strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria.
What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar, or cider vinegar, is a vinegar made from fermented apple juice, and used in salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrettes, food preservatives, and chutneys.
How is apple cider vinegar made?
Apple cider vinegar is made by chopping a variety of apples, covering them with water and leaving them at room temperature until the natural sugars ferment and form ethanol. Bacteria then convert this alcohol into acetic acid. Strands of a “mother” will form in the cider.
10 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
1. Promotes Gut Health
The acetic acid can kill harmful bacteria and prevent them from multiplying. Hippocrates used vinegar for cleaning and disinfecting wounds, treating nail fungus, lice, warts and ear infections.
2. Aids In Weight Loss
It was been scientifically proven that Apple Cider Vinegar can increase the feeling of being full and suppress the appetite. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar tames hunger, increases your metabolism, and reduces water retention.
3. Improves Heart Health
Several animal studies have shown that vinegar can reduce blood triglycerides, cholesterol and blood pressure. This could lead to a reduced risk of developing heart disease.
4. Reduces Risk Of Cancer
It has been scientifically proven that vinegar can kill cancer cells and even shrink tumors. Some observational studies show that ingesting vinegar is linked to decrease esophageal cancer..
5. Boosts Energy
If you are feeling constantly tired, apple cider vinegar helps boost your energy levels. It contains potassium and enzymes, acting as a natural electrolyte solution. Also, the amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar counteract lactic acid build-up in the body, relieving fatigue. To regain energy, add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
6. Balances pH Levels
What is a pH balance?
Your body’s pH balance, also referred to as its acid-base balance, is the level of acids and bases in your blood at which your body functions best. The human body is built to naturally maintain a healthy balance of acidity and alkalinity. The lungs and kidneys play a key role in this process. A normal blood pH level is 7.40 on a scale of 0 to 14, where 0 is the most acidic and 14 is the most basic. This value can vary slightly in either direction. – Health Line
Despite the fact the apple cider tastes acidic, it actually neutralizes the body making your pH level more basic (higher alkaline). Studies show that people who eat a diet with more alkaline have better bone health.
7. Detoxifies The Body
Apple Cider Vinegar is known to help the body detox. Detox the liver, your skin and even under your arms!
If you suffer from acne, use apple cider vinegar to help clear your skin. The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar help to keep acne under control, and acids soften and exfoliate skin, reduce red spots, and balance the pH of your skin. Apple cider vinegar also makes a great natural toner, leaving skin looking healthier. Apple cider vinegar can help fight the odor bacteria. Just apply a little but under your arms!
8. Excellent Source Of Potassium
Apple cider vinegar provides an excellent source of potassium, just like bananas!
Fun fact: Do you suffer from leg cramps? They can be a sign that you are low in potassium! Apple cider vinegar can help reduce the pain. Mix two tablespoons apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon honey in a glass of warm water and drink when you feel a leg cramp coming on.
9. Promotes Oral Health
No matter what toothpaste or mouthwash we may use, some of us still suffer from bad breath. If this is you, try gargling with apple cider vinegar. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that kill the odor-causing bacteria that cause bad breath. Gargle with it, or drink a teaspoon diluted with water to kill the odor-causing bacteria. You can also get rid of yellow stains on your teeth with apple cider vinegar. The vinegar will help remove stains and whiten teeth.
10. Gets Rid Of Dandruff
Did you know that dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of yeast? The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow!
(In a spray bottle, mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water and mist on your scalp. Wrap a towel on your head and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour. Wash your hair as usual and repeat twice a week for best results.)
