10 Effective Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar for Health, Skin and Hair

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or ACV is an old natural remedy for treating a number of diseases and a few health conditions. .

It is prepared by fermenting apple must and has a pale yellow coloured appearance.

ACV is a great source of amino acids, antioxidants and potassium which helps in preventing several chronic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, heart problems, arthritis and gout, digestive problems and also helps in weight loss.

It also functions as a natural detoxifier that flushes out toxins from the entire body and maintains the pH level at a healthy alkaline state.

How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar?

Although pure apple cider vinegar is available in departmental stores and on the online carts , you can always have a reserve of your own home made ACV by following this process.

Wash 10 apples and cut them into quarters and then wait till they turn a bit brown. Now place the apples in a spacious glass jar and add enough water to it so that all the pieces are immersed.

Cover the jar with a cheese cloth but don’t tie the mouth, store the jar in a warm, dry place for 6 months, stirring the liquid once every week. Bring it out at the end of the 6 weeks and strain the liquid using the cheese cloth and store it in another glass jar. Cover the jar with a cheese cloth and put the strained liquid back to a warm, dry place for another 4 weeks.

The apple cider vinegar will be fully fermented by then and is ready to use. Apple cider vinegar has multiple uses and is very beneficiary.

Best Health and Skin Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

The health benefits of apple cider vinegar are numerous. ACV assists in enhancing overall health and supplies natural energy boost to the body by reducing fatigue and tiredness.

Controlling Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases around the world that is caused by insulin resistance where the cells do not respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas.

At a later stage, it can also lead to a lack of insulin production in the body itself. A well-planned diabetic diet is the most important factor in controlling blood sugar levels, but regular intake of apple cider vinegar can go a long way in modulating blood glucose in both diabetics, as well as healthy individuals.

Apple cider vinegar has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels significantly. Regular intake of 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before going to bed also helps in reducing fasting blood sugar.

Promoting Weight Loss

There is much truth to the affirmation – “You are what you eat”, and succeeding a weight loss diet is very important to reach the ideal weight. But apple cider vinegar is an easy weight loss remedy that should be included in body fat reduction plans to promote fast weight loss.

Acetic acid, which is one of the major components of apple cider vinegar has been shown to assist in weight loss by preventing the storage of fats in the body.

Apple cider vinegar also reduces hunger by increasing satiety and the feeling of fullness thereby preventing unmindful munching.

The best way to use the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for weight loss is to mix 1 tablespoon of the vinegar in a glass of water and consume it 30 minutes before each meal.

Strengthening Bones

Apple cider vinegar is a rich source of minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium that plays an important role in improving bone density, strength in children and preventing bone erosion and calcium enlarges in the joints in case of adults.

It also functions as an effective remedy for gout, arthritis pain, joint stiffness and swelling. The malic acid present in apple cider vinegar flushes out the uric acid and toxins produced in the body, a major reason for gout.

Magnesium, phosphorus and silicon present in the acid betters bone density and lessens the risk of osteoporosis. ACV also refines oral health by strengthening teeth.

Improving Heart Health

Heart diseases such as stroke and heart attack standout as one of the major reasons for death worldwide. Regular consumption of apple cider vinegar has significant positive effects on cardio-vascular health, and it can help in controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Apple cider vinegar boosts the production of nitric oxide that helps in relaxing the blood vessels. The antioxidant chlorogenic acid there in apple cider vinegar preserves the heart by preventing the oxidation of LDL “Bad” cholesterol.

Apple cider vinegar also improves the level of HDL “Good” cholesterol in the blood. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of ginger juice, 1 tablespoon of garlic juice and 3 tablespoons of honey to 3 cups of water and boil it till only 1 cup of the mixture is left in the pot. Drink 1 teaspoon of this mixture in daily basis to get rid of plaque formation.

Improving Digestion

Orderly consumption of apple cider vinegar at least 15 minutes prior each meal works as an effective natural remedy to soothes digestive disorders and betters digestion.

Apple cider vinegar promotes the secretion of digestive juices that help in better breakdown and digestion that prevents hunger and cravings. ACV is a substantial source of acetic acid, pectin and amino acids that reduces cholesterol and benefits proper functioning of the body.

It also reduces heartburn by controlling the level of stomach acids and relieves the problems of gas, bloating and stomach cramps. Stir a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it 15 minutes before each meal for best results.

Relieving Intestinal Problems

Uncontrolled use of pain killers, addiction on processed foods, coffee and other foods may lead to constipation, bloating and gas in people.

But regular consumption of apple cider vinegar acts as a natural laxative that helps in cleaning the intestinal track and regularizing bowel movement to relieve the discomfort of constipation, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), bloating and stomach cramps.

Apple cider vinegar also soothes the walls of the total gastrointestinal tract to put down inflammation and controls problems of the acid reflux. Add a tablespoon each of honey and apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and drink it 30 minutes before dinner.

Strengthening the Immune System

Immune system is the body natural defence mechanism against diseases and antioxidants play an important role in improving the immune functions.

Apple cider vinegar improves overall health and increases the level of energy by balancing and maintaining the body’s pH level at a healthy alkaline state.

It improves the immune functions by promoting the growth of intestinal flora and friendly bacteria. Its powerful antiviral property also reduces the risk of common cold, fever and allergies.

Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in clear apple juice and have it during breakfast.

Mood Enhancer

Excessive work stress often leaves us drained and tired. Apple cider vinegar plays the role as mood enhancer to balance anxiety and depression and also supply energy to the body.

The potassium and amino acids in apple cider vinegar promotes the creation of tryptophan that is important for the release of the “feel good” neurotransmitter serotonin that makes you feel relaxed and cuts out the feeling of anxiety and depression.

Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of fruit juice and relax your mind the next time you feel exhausted.

Amazing Hair Rinse

The benefits of apple cider vinegar are not limited to health exclusively. It works as a wonderful hair rinse that helps in removing residue and product build-ups from scalp and hair.

The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects of apple cider vinegar makes it an ideal natural remedy to treat dandruff, scalp irritations and itching.

It also functions as a natural conditioner to make hair soft, smooth and silky and close the open cuticles to give it a shiny appearance.

Stir uniform load of apple cider vinegar and water in a mug and pour it on the hair after shampooing, let it stay for 5-6 minutes and then wash off with water.

Complete Skin Care

When it comes to skin care, apple cider vinegar acts as a complete solution for all skin related problems. The beta-carotene available in the apple cider vinegar fights the destruction originated by free radicals to issue a naturally youthful glow to the skin.

The effective antibacterial and antiseptic properties of the vinegar help in treating and controlling the breakout of acne and pimples. It subdues inflammation, sunburns and acts as a natural skin moisturizer by creating a protective layer on the skin.

It also helps in restoring the ideal pH of the skin. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water to make a toner and apply it on clean face regularly using a cotton ball.

Try this potent natural remedy in your daily health and skin care regime and enjoy the nourishing care of nature.