During your latest supermarket visit, you probably would have noticed a large display of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and wondered what all the fuss was about. Well, on further investigation I discovered that ACV is like an inexpensive bottle of miracle liquid.
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the sugar from apples. This turns them into acetic acid, which is the main active ingredient in vinegar and may be responsible for its health benefits.
Even Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used vinegar to clean wounds more than 2,000 years ago.
Learn some of the best ways to use apple cider vinegar to improve your appearance both inside and out.
Aids in weight loss
One of the main fat burning secrets of models, actors and bodybuilders is maximising their insulin sensitivity.
Without optimal insulin sensitivity, all the protein and carbohydrates that you eat won’t get delivered to your muscles instead it will get stored as ugly belly fat.
This is where ACV comes in handy as it can help you improve your insulin sensitivity so that you will minimise fat storage whenever you overeat, especially during Covid -19 isolation.
It has also been shown to assist in weight loss by detoxifying the liver, increasing metabolism and suppressing hunger levels.
TIP: Eating 1-2 tablespoons of ACV before your meals can help you to take control of your fat-storing hormones.
Low stomach acid
ACV is my go-to natural remedy for boosting low stomach acid levels. Vinegar is naturally acidic; therefore, it will help to lower the pH in your system. Moreover, ACV can control the growth of candida, which is known to contribute to reduced levels of stomach acid. Normalising your stomach acid levels can improve your digestive health and reduce stress on your body.
TIP: Start by taking two tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water three times a day.
Get Rid of Dandruff
Dandruff is often caused by fungal growth and damage to the scalp’s acid mantle. ACV can help to mitigate both of these problems.
TIP: To use it as a dandruff treatment, mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Rub it into the scalp before you take a shower. Leave on for about ten minutes and then shampoo the hair and scalp as usual. Do this several times a week until the dandruff is gone.
Bath for Eczema
Many people find that ACV is an effective remedy for eczema and itchy skin. Because it contains everything from acetic acid to mineral salts, apple cider vinegar can reduce eczema-related inflammation and restore the skin’s pH levels.
TIP: To use as an eczema remedy, add two cups to a warm bath. Soak in the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes and then apply an eczema emollient to the skin afterwards.
Eradicate Athlete’s Foot
Due to its anti-fungal properties, use a footbath filled with an ACV mixture to treat athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.
TIP: For best results, combine one cup of vinegar with four cups of water. Soak feet in the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse them in water. As a bonus, this remedy also helps to deodorise feet as the vinegar has antiseptic properties too.
Bug Bite Remedy
Apple cider vinegar is an effective anti-itch treatment for eczema and rashes. It’s no wonder, then, that it’s also a great way to treat bug bites.
TIP: Apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to an inflamed mosquito bite. It will speed healing, minimise itchiness and reduce swelling.
And lastly, for summertime, use ACV for Sunburn
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps to balance the pH level of the skin. When you apply it to sunburned skin, it helps restore the damaged skin to the appropriate level of acidity, which minimises blistering and peeling.
TIP: To use apple cider vinegar as a sunburn relief, mix one cup of vinegar with four cups of water. Then apply the mixture to the affected areas of the skin using a warm washcloth.
So the next time you walk past the display of apple cider vinegar at your local supermarket, add a bottle to your shopping trolley and think of how useful it can be.
References:
http://care.diabetesjournals.org.content/38/7/e98.full#T1
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7796781
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For medical advice always consult your physician. The information provided in this blog is based on the best knowledge of the author at the time of writing and we do not assume liability for the information within this blog, be it direct or indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages.