Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a a super powerful natural home remedy. It’s a must in every household kitchen.
People swear by it as a natural fat burner. It also contains natural anti-inflammatories, is a potent natural antioxidant and can help reduce cholesterol and improve symptoms of diabetes.
In this article
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apples and water.
There are different varieties of apple cider vinegar, with the two most common being distilled vinegar (which looks clear in the bottle – similar to the vinegar you may add to your chips), or a raw, unfiltered and cloudier variety.
The latter is referred to apple cider vinegar with the “mother”. The mother is formed by natural enzymes during the fermentation process and contains a source of healthy acids and bacteria.
What is “The Mother”?
The mother is a cloudy substance which floats in the organic apple cider vinegar bottles you can find in most health stores. It is believed to contain most of the natural protein, bacteria and nutrients which are commonly associated with ACV [source].
Benefits of drinking Apple Cider Vinegar
There are many benefits associated with apple cider vinegar, with many of them not substantiated by research.
We outline 4 natural health benefits of apple cider vinegar, which are proven by natural health experts and scientific studies:
Weight Loss
While there are no conclusive scientific studies detailing ACV as a fat burner, there are studies that conclude apple cider vinegar can be used for weight loss [source].
How does apple cider vinegar help you lose weight? ACV helps increase the feeling of fullness, which can help reduce your appetite and cravings for snacking on foods which could cause you to consume extra calories.
Controls Diabetes
Specifically, ACV may help control type 2 diabetes. It can do this by reducing blood sugar spikes after meals and help insulin sensitivity.
It is suggested taking 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar can help reduce blood sugar and insulin response after consuming a high carbohydrate meal or after consuming carb-rich foods (such as white bread).
May help with Skin Conditions
There are studies linking benefits of drinking or applying ACV to help remedy skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and fungal infections.
It is to be noted that applying the vinegar undiluted, directly onto your skin – could cause burns and other complications. If you are to try this, it is advisable to start with a small patch to test how your skin reacts.
This vinegar may help reduce inflammation and flare ups associated with eczema and psoriasis, through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Given its properties, apple cider vinegar could help prevent conditions like eczema and psoriasis by helping balance your skins pH levels especially if you’re washing with alkaline based soaps, as ACV is naturally acidic by nature.
May help with Hair
Apple Cider Vinegar is acidic by nature, so using it in your hair may help balance your hairs pH levels if you’re using high alkaline shampoos which can cause hair breakages and dry hair. Plus, if you suffer from psoriasis in the scalp, the anti-inflammatory properties of AVC may help reduce flare ups and symptoms.
How to use Apple Cider Vinegar?
This depends on the reason you’re taking it in the first place.
As a drink
If you’re taking as a drink, mix in 2 teaspoons in a small glass of water and take back. Given its strong, burning like taste – it’s best to dilute with water or a glass of juice as it could otherwise damage your throat or teeth.
Topically on your skin
Rub equal parts water with vinegar onto your skin in the areas which are damaged.
If you’re applying topically, consult a medical professional and test your skin barrier responsiveness to ACV first.
Some people have reported suffering from burns after applying apple cider vinegar to damaged skin.
On your hair
By applying drops of apple cider vinegar in your hair after washing it with shampoo. You’ll come out with your hair neutral and feeling softer.
How much Apple Cider Vinegar should you take?
If you’re consuming apple cider vinegar as a drink, mix in 2 teaspoons in a small glass of water and take back. It’s best to begin with a smaller dose of the vinegar to adjust your body to the nutrients and effects of this natural remedy.
Summary
You’ve likely heard or read about the many benefits and magical properties of Apple Cider Vinegar. And some of them are true, substantiated with science to provide the validity and usefulness of drinking, or applying, apple cider vinegar for health benefits.
However, it is important to acknowledge there is little scientific validation behind many of the claims, and while the vinegar is safe to consume, you should exercise caution in over-indulging the benefits which could have adverse implications for your health.
