Incredible Health Benefits & 15 Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Many people use apple cider vinegar to strengthen their gut and immune health. From soothing digestive issues, supporting weight management, revitalizing your skin, and creating a chemical-free home environment, apple cider vinegar is a true wonder that has stood the test of time.

Have you ever wondered if this magic elixir can also serve any other purpose?

For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been celebrated for its remarkable versatility and potential benefits. In this blog, we’ll dive into the magical world of this nature’s potion, exploring its diverse uses that span from boosting your well-being and enhancing your beauty to becoming your secret weapon for household chores.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)?

Source: Freepik

Apple cider vinegar is produced from the fermentation process of apples. The resultant liquid, known as “cider,” is utilized to make vinegar, jelly, and more. This cider accounts for its name and distinct taste.

Apple cider vinegar has been used for ages for various health reasons, and this all-natural product is becoming a popular ingredient in our daily diet.

While many of us already use ACV in our kitchens and food prep, we can also see why it would be great to have more info on how to use it and how it could benefit your health – I mean, who wouldn’t want that?

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Before discussing how to use apple cider vinegar, let’s look at its benefits.

1. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar is packed with gut health-boosting benefits.

Apple cider vinegar with mother is gut-friendly because it is a good source of dietary fibre and probiotics, which can help to improve your digestive system. One can also use it as an acidifier in the food, which helps to balance the pH levels in the body.

2. Apple cider vinegar may support weight-loss goals.

People aiming to lose extra kilos can include apple cider vinegar in their diet. It speeds up metabolism, helps burn fat more efficiently, and reduces overall calorie intake by modulating appetite ¹.

3. Apple cider vinegar may help reduce blood glucose levels.

Apple cider vinegar is good for diabetic people because it helps lower blood glucose and insulin levels ²). It can be used as a natural remedy for diabetes, but it is essential to use ACV in moderation.

Another reason apple cider vinegar is diabetic-friendly is that it contains malic acid, which has been shown to have anti-diabetic properties. Malic acid can reduce blood sugar levels by making your body produce more insulin than usual, thus helping in better carbohydrate metabolism.

Source: Freepik

4. Apple cider vinegar may improve heart health.

According to some studies, apple cider vinegar is good for heart health because its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the possibility of developing high cholesterol and heart diseases.

5. Apple cider vinegar can help prevent UTIs and yeast infections.

Apple cider vinegar can help cleanse the urinary tract, which can help prevent urinary tract and yeast infections. As an antifungal, apple cider vinegar helps fight off infections like candida and thrush by killing off microbes that cause them. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata are common causes of UTIs and yeast infections in women.

Additionally, apple cider vinegar acts as an astringent and reduces irritation caused by dryness or irritation from excess vaginal discharge or itching from yeast infections.

6. Apple cider vinegar provides a significant boost of antioxidants.

Apple cider vinegar is antioxidant-rich that shields against free radicals. Free radicals can damage DNA and healthy cells, contributing to ageing and disease.

7. ACV could protect against bacterial infections and inflammation.

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which serves as a potent antimicrobial agent ³). It can kill off bacteria, fungi and other harmful microorganisms that cause infections and inflammation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce swelling in joints or muscles caused by arthritis or muscle pain.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar?

Source: Freepik

To enjoy the benefits mentioned above, let us know the top 15 ways to use apple cider vinegar.

1. Salad dressing: Mix apple cider vinegar with olive oil and seasonings to create a healthy and delicious salad dressing.
2. Cooking ingredient: Use apple cider vinegar in marinades, sauces, and stews to add tanginess and enhance the dish’s flavour.
3. Hair rinse: Rinse your hair with diluted apple cider vinegar after shampooing to help clarify and balance the scalp.
4. Skin toner: Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and apply it to the face with a cotton pad to help balance skin pH. It may help reduce the appearance of acne and breakouts.
5. Household cleaning: Use apple cider vinegar as a natural cleaner to remove stains and disinfect surfaces.
6. Teeth whitener: Swishing with a solution of diluted apple cider vinegar to remove surface stains and enhance the whiteness of your teeth.
7. Dandruff treatment: Massage a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water into the scalp to help alleviate dandruff.
8. Soothing sunburn: Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and apply it to sunburned skin to help soothe and reduce redness.
9. Foot soak: Mix warm water and apple cider vinegar and soak your feet to help soothe tired feet and kill bacteria.
10. Weight loss aid: Mix water, apple cider vinegar, and honey and consume it before meals to help suppress appetite and boost weight loss.
11. Digestive support: Drink a mixture of water, apple cider vinegar, and honey to help improve digestion and alleviate digestive issues.
12. Bug repellent: Apple cider vinegar with water and a few drops of essential oils acts as a natural bug repellent.
13. Homemade pickles: Apple cider vinegar can be a crucial ingredient in pickling vegetables, giving them a tangy and flavourful taste.
14. Preserving food: ACV can be used as a natural preservative to protect food and extend its shelf life.
15. Detox bath additive: Apple cider vinegar in a warm bath may help balance the body’s pH and promote detoxification.

Now equipped with expert insights, practical tips, and an array of remedies, it is time to take action and infuse the magic of apple cider vinegar into your daily life. 

References

1. Kondo, T., Kishi, M., Fushimi, T., Ugajin, S., & Kaga, T. (2009). Vinegar Intake Reduces Body Weight, Body Fat Mass, and Serum Triglyceride Levels in Obese Japanese Subjects. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 73(8), 1837–1843[↩]
2. Hadi, A., Pourmasoumi, M., Najafgholizadeh, A., Clark, C. R., & Esmaillzadeh, A. (2021). The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 21(1[↩]
3. Yagnik, D., Serafin, V., & Shah, A. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Scientific Reports, 8(1[↩]