apple cider vinegar Archives

10 Benefits & Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

August 31, 2019 By Cat Robinson and Dishan Mendis Leave a Comment

Apple cider vinegar is an incredibly versatile household item that has a ton of different benefits & uses. Incorporating it into your daily routine can be a relatively cheap and indispensable method of solving common pain points around the home.

Apart from using it inside the home, do note that apple cider vinegar, or ACV, ideally should have a cobweb-like substance known as “the mother” which is expected to provide many health benefits.

You can identify ‘the mother’ when you see a floating, cloudy residue in bottles of vinegar. What makes it special is that it is high in natural protein, serves as a prebiotic, and has acetic acid which gives vinegar its distinctive flavor during the process of natural fermentation.

Below we’ll outline the plethora of amazing benefits & uses of apple cider vinegar; aiding us in everything from salad dressings to skincare and much more!

1) Egg-leavening Replacement

If you’re a keen baker and happened to be vegan, you don’t have to feel as if the fun days are lost for not being able to make your baking favorites without eggs or animal products, coz ACV is ready to come to the rescue!

Combining apple cider vinegar with baking soda causes a reaction that’s almost as fun to watch as it is perfect for making the dough rise.

Simply mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to make your egg leavening replacement.

2) Humane Fruit Fly Trap and Pest Control

Catch flies without killing them and ward off other pests around your house. Dip a fruit in apple cider vinegar and place it in the bottom of a cup. Small fruits or fruit pieces such as blueberries or lemon slices work well. It’s even better if the fruit is over-ripe.

Place plastic wrap tightly over the cup with a rubber band around it or tape it to the cup. Poke a very small hole in the plastic wrap so that the flies can get in -being attracted by the smell of vinegar- but not easily find their way out.

After a few hours, you will find flies trapped inside the cup. You can then take the trap to a suitable spot outside the home, remove the plastic wrap and allow your little friends to fly off into the sky.

ACV can also be used as a natural and humane deterrent for mice, ants, spiders and all types of pests. Simply spray a mixture of ACV and water once a month on the areas inside and outside where they’re known to be, to sort out the issue.

3) Helps to Alleviate Indigestion and Supports a Healthy Gut

Proponents of apple cider vinegar say that the acidity of the tonic, as well as the beneficial bacteria within, can improve digestion and help to alleviate reflux. People who wish to try apple cider vinegar for mild reflux can mix between a teaspoon and a tablespoon of the vinegar into a glass of water. Taking this before or after meals may reduce acid reflux symptoms in some people, and many swear by this cheap, healthy and simple remedy.

Apple cider vinegar is also considered a prebiotic, which feeds your healthy gut bacteria. They’re essential for gut health and ensure that your digestive system functions sufficiently.

Some people believe that apple cider vinegar helps relieve constipation because it contains large amounts of pectin, which is a soluble dietary fiber. A lack of fiber is a common cause of constipation.

Mixing about a tablespoon of ACV with a cup of warm water and drinking the mixture up to twice a day can relieve constipation. Research has also found that apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and can destroy E. coli bacteria, which can cause food poisoning and is responsible for many cases of diarrhea. Using it as a condiment on your favorite dishes is a tasty way to include more of it in your diet.

4) Promotes Healthier Skin

Apple cider vinegar has been used medicinally and cosmetically by civilizations throughout history. The Romans had used it as a face toner and Cleopatra used ACV to clean her face, thus if you turn the pages of history, you will be amazed to find out how many people have used it for its restorative properties.

Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, succinic acid, and lactic acid – which can help to keep your skin healthy and free of acne. All of these compounds may inhibit the growth of bacteria which are responsible for acne.

ACV has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful as a facial toner. It can also help to unblock the pores of the skin as well as exfoliate it. This will lead to an improvement in overall skin condition. ACV can also help balance your skin’s pH levels, which can aid in the treatment of acne.

However, it is important to note that ACV must be used with caution on the skin, as it may cause major irritation when applied topically without being diluted with water, leading to burns or blisters. Never use it neat, and start any skin care regimen slowly with a diluted solution so you can see if you’re particularly sensitive to it first.

5) As a MouthWash and to Whiten Teeth

Rinsing your mouth daily with apple cider vinegar has been shown to significantly improve bad breath! Gargle with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted with water to kill the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath.

In addition, the acids in the vinegar may help to remove stains from your teeth. When using ACV as a teeth whitener, you will want to gargle with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted with water. Your teeth may become cleaner, whiter and brighter by using apple cider vinegar as part of your daily regimen for cleaning your teeth.

6) Apple Cider Vinegar Keeps Your Hair Shiny and Lustrous

Apple cider vinegar is also used by people who want to improve the condition of their hair.

You will find that with regular use, your hair will look shinier, smoother and more lustrous after each treatment since apple cider vinegar makes the hair shaft’s cuticle smoother.

Many people like to use it on a Sunday to get their hair ready for the week ahead.

7) A Natural Deodorant for Underarms & Feet

Apple cider vinegar is very effective at neutralizing odor-causing bacteria on the skin thanks to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, keeping you smelling clean and fresh.

It also doesn’t contain any of the harsh chemicals found in most commercial deodorants which can cause irritation and may even be absorbed into the bloodstream.

If you’re doing an armpit detox or simply want to get rid of body odor, try using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse in the shower.

You can now also buy natural antibacterial bar soap formulated with apple cider vinegar to use in the shower, or alternatively apply a little ACV to a cotton pad and gently wipe your armpits.

But it doesn’t only stop at armpits. Apple cider vinegar can be used to cure smelly feet as well!

Soaking your feet in ACV solves this unpleasant problem by creating an acidic environment that kills the bacteria that cause your feet to smell. ACV also neutralizes any other foul odor due to its distinctive strong, crisp and long-lasting fragrance.

8) An All-purpose Household Cleaner and Air Freshener

Vinegar has been widely known for hundreds of years as a natural cleaner. It lends itself as a readily available tool that can be used daily in your home. While the scent may initially be strong, it dissipates quickly, and also leaves behind a mild, sweet aroma.

A 1:1 solution of apple cider vinegar and water makes a formidable cleaner for the entire house. It can be used to scour countertops and microwaves, clean the bathroom and most other surfaces.

You can also use it as a drain cleaner. Simply mix it in combination with baking soda and hot water and you get an effective household cleaner.

Cleaning with apple cider vinegar helps reduce odors and eliminate even tough mold and mildew on any surface. It’s a great natural alternative for those who want to avoid commercial cleaning products and a host of environmentally damaging chemicals they frequently contain.

9) Fights Against Colds and Seasonal Allergies

Apple cider vinegar is also regarded as a natural allergy remedy, as it can help reduce mucus production and cleanse your lymphatic system.

Apple cider vinegar helps keep pH levels in the body balanced, which can help prevent colds and flu. This is because a properly alkalized body is unappealing to germs. Experts recommend mixing one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water and lemon juice three times a day to relieve most common allergy symptoms.

10) To Wash Your Fruits and Vegetables

Finally, how do you prefer to clean your fresh produce? Do you rinse it underwater, scrub it with a brush, eat it as is, or have you resorted to buying those expensive produce sprays? ACV is about to come to the rescue yet again.

Follow the guidelines below to find out how to use apple cider vinegar to eliminate germs, pesticides, and chemicals from fruits and vegetables in an inexpensive and chemical-free way:

Mix 4-parts water and 1-part ACV (i.e. 4 cups water and 1 cup ACV).
Put water and ACV into a very large bowl or bucket
Place your produce into the mixture for 15-20 minutes
Scrub anything that has wax on it. For example, apples are often waxed.
Rinse with water… and you’re done!

Do note that some fruits like strawberries should not be washed until you’re ready to eat them. This is because moisture left on the strawberries will make them get moldy faster.

From the kitchen to the bathroom, this humble pantry staple has an almost unbelievable variety of uses. In addition, it’s inexpensive, good for your health and your gut bacteria, and readily available pretty much everywhere. Whoever you are, you’ll definitely be able to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your life in some form or another!

Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits, Does it Work?

July 5, 2019 By Dishan Mendis Leave a Comment

Vinegar, in general, has been known for their health characteristics for a long time, but it’s apple cider vinegar in particular that has been glorified as a cure-all in recent times that is claimed as a remedy for everything from acne to cancer.

So the question is, whether there is any truth to these claims.

Before rushing into conclusions let’s try to uncover which health benefits are backed by evidence and which are not, any side effects of using it, and the best & safest ways to use apple cider vinegar.

What’s Apple Cider Vinegar?

It’s made of apple juice, and when yeast is added, it converts the fruit sugar into alcohol during fermentation. Bacteria then transform alcohol into acetic acid. This is how basically apple cider vinegar is made giving its sour taste and pungent smell.

Rumoured Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

1) Apple Cider Vinegar for Blood Sugar & Diabetes

There is some evidence from studies which has emerged to indicate that apple cider vinegar could have some benefits in controlling diabetes.

In one study from Arizona State University, the participants had 20g apple cider vinegar, 40g of water, and 1 teaspoon of saccharin with each meal [1].

Comparatively, those with insulin resistance who consumed vinegar had an elevated level of insulin sensitivity by 34% aiding in reducing the levels of glucose after their meals compared to the placebo group.

It was also believed that vinegar might reduce the intake of carbs into blood, or decrease the breakdown of starches into sugars which simulates the influence of drugs such as acarbose.

On another study which was done on a short-term basis, groups which took apple cider vinegar noticed a substantial improvement in blood glucose levels half an hour after consuming the vinegar. However, the difference was temporary and was reduced over time between the vinegar and control groups.

It can be assumed to provide some benefit in order to help control blood sugar levels & type 2 diabetes, but there is still not enough scientific evidence to support the strength of apple cider vinegar as a quick fix for diabetes.

2) Apple Cider Vinegar and Cholesterol

There is some evidence to suggest taking apple cider vinegar could aid in lowering both cholesterol & triglycerides.

In one study those who consumed cider vinegar witnessed an average 13% decrease in total cholesterol while seeing a considerable decrease in triglycerides which is also a form of fat.

What’s impressive about this finding is the fact that all the participants were healthy with typical cholesterol levels. Such reductions may have the capacity to lower the chances of having a heart attack.

In another 12-week study, the participants who took apple cider vinegar had a remarkable level of raised high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol considered as “good cholesterol” due to its effect in lowering heart issues [2]

So apple cider vinegar may assist those who wrestle with high cholesterol levels.

3) Apple Cider Vinegar as a Weight Loss Aid

Drinking apple cider vinegar on its own may not miraculously allow you to attain your weight loss goals, but it can be part of the whole effort you make to reduce weight such as healthy diet and exercise.

In a 12-week study, Japanese adults with obesity were given either 1 tbsp (15 ml) of vinegar, 2 tbsp (30 ml) of vinegar or a placebo daily.

On average those who had 1 tbsp of vinegar lost 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg) and those who had 2 tbsp of vinegar per day lost 3.7 pounds (1.7 kg) and on the contrary, the placebo group had a gain of 0.9 lbs (0.4 kgs) along with a slightly increased waist.

It is recommended not to come into conclusions purely from these findings as they can be skewed since they were done on very small populations, but having 1 to 2 tbsps before meals may have beneficial effects in lowering body weight.

4) Apple Cider Vinegar and Cancer

Still, there is not enough research to back the claim that apple cider vinegar can aid as a cancer treatment.

One old study done in 1996, discovered that melanoma cells (a type of cancer) have a tendency to develop and spread more rapidly in fairly acidic environments [3]. However, note this experiment has taken place in vitro rather than being tested on humans.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, the body can adjust its pH levels accordingly, and acidity or alkalinity of food that a person consumes have little influence [4], though some believe apple cider vinegar to be alkaline as it may raise urine pH due to its alkaline nutrients.

A 2014 study revealed that tumor cells discontinued when exposed to acetic acid. However, the study was done in a laboratory, and it’s challenging to expose a real tumor to acetic acid under normal circumstances.

Overall, there is not enough evidence to show that an alkaline environment can prevent cancer from developing and apple cider vinegar still cannot be considered an alternative for cancer treatment.

Any Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar?

It is not recommended to drink apple cider vinegar in its raw form without diluting as it can harm your throat and food pipe while causing discomfort and inflammation
It’s highly acidic and having too much of apple cider vinegar can ruin your tooth enamel, and cause an upset stomach
Apple cider vinegar may also have an effect on your potassium levels to reduce which can be risky as your muscles and nerves require potassium to function
It might also interfere with your current medications

How to Consume Apple Cider Vinegar (Dosage)?

Apple cider vinegar can be used as a marinade, to wash fruits and vegetables, for baking, salad dressings, sauces, soups, and as a preservative.

There’s quite a lot of acid in it, so drinking it raw or having too much of it is not advised.

Shake the apple cider vinegar bottle and then you can mix 1 or 2 tbsps to a 240ml cup of water (hot or cold) and stir it. You may then have it 20 minutes before a meal (advice drinking it through a straw to protect your teeth) for health benefits.

Please consult a doctor if you intend on starting an ACV regimen for health purposes

You can also mix apple cider vinegar with other liquids, such as fruit juice, tea, mocktails, smoothies, apple cider to have it with a different flavor.

When buying apple cider vinegar we recommend getting an unfiltered ACV brand with sediment settled on the bottom which is known as the “mother”. This includes healthy enzymes and probiotics.

Conclusion

Never assume apple cider vinegar to replace medical treatments prescribed by a doctor. Always talk with a healthcare professional if you’re thinking of using apple cider vinegar to treat any condition.

At the end of the day, you should still remember there can be some health benefits that can be expected to a certain degree but there are some which are not backed by enough evidence to prove. There can also be harmful effects of overuse.

But if you enjoy using it for cooking, or intend using it for its versatility while anticipating some health benefits, apple cider vinegar probably won’t hurt you, unless you experience any side effects.

Just don’t expect it to be a miracle cure!

References:

1 https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281

2 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464618300483

3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8605731

4 https://www.aicr.org/patients-survivors/healthy-or-harmful/alkaline-diets.html

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Disclaimer:

While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided here, the content in this post is for informational purposes only and not to be considered as professional advice. By providing the information contained herein we’re not diagnosing, or treating any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any regimen it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.