Apple Cider Vinegar Uses & Benefits

The history of Apple Cider Vinegar dates back to somewhere around 5000 BC. From Hippocrates to Cleopatra, all vinegar folklore will tell you something interesting.

For instance, Hippocrates, also known as the father of medicine, used vinegar to heal wounds. Cleopatra used to dissolve her precious pearls and offered them to Mark Anthony.

There are numerous uses of apple cider vinegar as a kitchen staple or as other home remedies like cleaning, washing, or preserving foods. Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. Food preservation

Vinegar is probably one of the most widely used food preservatives you came across. People have been using it for pickling for thousands of years.

It works by killing the bacteria and deactivating the enzymes in the food that spoils it, making the food more acidic.

2. Cure a Sore Throat

People using apple cider vinegar effervescent as a remedy for sore throats is quite common.

It is mainly because of its antibacterial properties that help kill off the bacteria that might be causing the problem.

If you plan to use this remedy, make sure to mix the vinegar with water before gargling. Otherwise, the acidity might cause throat burns.

3. As a Facial Toner

Many people apple cider vinegar as a skin tonic mostly to exfoliate the skin and absorb excess oils that might otherwise block the pores. It also helps to balance the pH of the skin.

This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar that helps in giving you a bright and dewy look.

For application, the general recipe consists of 1 tablet ACV with 2 parts water. You can use cotton pads to apply it and if your skin is sensitive, it’s better to use a more diluted solution.

4. As a Deodorizer

Apple cider vinegar has strong antibacterial properties. Due to this people use it to eliminate bad smells.

Body-odour is created when sweat starts decomposing in the body. ACV can help to neutralize that effect.

You can wipe your underarms with 1 tablet of apple cider vinegar mixed with water or you can use it as a spray.

Few people also mix Epsom salt in water to make a foot soak. This helps in getting rid of unwanted foot odour.

Also Read: When To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?

5. To get rid of warts

Apple cider vinegar is a natural agent for getting rid of warts. It’s considered effective for removing warts from skin mainly because of its acidic nature.

However, this method can be very painful as well and may require a local anesthetic.

6. All-purpose cleanser

It is a convenient all-purpose cleaning option used by many as an easily available natural alternative to commercial cleaning agents.

You can use it by mixing 1 cup of water with 1 tablet of apple cider vinegar and use it on surfaces or objects as you like.

7. As a hair rinse

Use of Apple cider vinegar can help remove product build-up in your hair, detangle frizz and add a shiny glimmer to your hair.

Mixing 1 part ACV with 1 part water is good enough to pour all over your hair. For better results, leave it for a few minutes before washing out.

For people with sensitive skin, vinegar can get very acidic. Therefore, diluting to form a weaker solution is advisable.

This may also help you get rid of dandruff and remove excess oil from the scalp.

8. To Wash Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies always carry the risk of pesticides. ACV can help in getting rid of the chemical residue present in them. It is definitely better than cleaning with just water.

Washing foods in vinegar can help you remove dangerous bacteria like E.coli and salmonella.

Now let’s look at some of the major health benefits that apple cider vinegar provides:

9. Lowers Blood Sugar

Apple cider vinegar can help you control your blood sugar levels.

Multiple studies show that regular intake of vinegar after a high carb meal can improve insulin levels by as much as 34% and help balance blood sugar levels significantly.

However, people who take diabetic medications should consult their doctors first as it may interfere.

10. Improves Satiety

Apple cider vinegar effervescent is also good if you’re trying to lose weight. This is because it can keep you feeling full.

Studies have shown that consuming apple cider vinegar regularly may help you eat fewer calories, lose weight and also reduce belly fat.

It goes without saying that dietary and lifestyle changes will have to be followed in order to achieve the desired results.

11. Can be used as a probiotic

ACV has both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help keep your gut healthy.

ACV improves your overall digestion and can help you get rid of heartburn and reduces bloating.

Just know that whenever you’re experiencing any discomfort or pain it may be a sign that the food you consumed produced too much of acid. And so to balance that effect ACV intake can go a long way. Fun fact, although ACV is an acid, inside the stomach it acts as a base, thereby neutralizing acidic formations.

Apart from probiotics, ACV is also loaded with B-vitamins, polyphenols and antioxidants since it is derived from apple juice.

Apple cider vinegar contains only 3 calories per table spoon.

12. Supports heart health by reducing cholesterol

In case of high blood pressure, apple cider vinegar keeps the vessels relaxed which helps in maintaining a steady pressure.

Likewise, ACV also helps lower cholesterol by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL), mainly due to its natural antioxidant properties.

13. Reduce the risk of cancer

Few closed-group studies have shown that the use of ACV can slow down the growth of cancer-causing cells thereby reversing the effect of cancer.

That being said further study is required to conclusively say anything.