Here are 15 good reasons to always have apple cider vinegar (ACV) stocked in your pantry. Apple cider vinegar has wonderful health and healing properties.
They range from curing hiccups to relieving cold symptoms. It also has benefits for health concerns like diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, heart problems and weight issues.
- Apple cider vinegar helps to settle stomach issues
If you have an upset stomach, mix one or two tablespoons of ACV into water, or clear apple juice and drink this. The antibiotic properties of ACV help reduce diarrhea, since it is anti-bacterial. The pectin in ACV may help alleviate intestinal spasms.
- Apple cider vinegar is a good cure for hiccups
The sour and tart taste of ACV has been know to cure hiccups. The apple cider vinegar soothes the throat nerves that cause the spasms.
- Apple cider vinegar can soothe a sore throat
ACV creates an acidic environment which eliminates the germs causing the sore throat. This requires a relatively strong combination of a solution of 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup warm water. Prepare this solution and rinse/gargle with it approximately every hour.
- Apple cider vinegar could lower cholesterol
Research is still under way to definitively link apple cider vinegar with lowering cholesterol in humans, but one 2006 study found it effective in lowering bad cholesterol in rats. In a study panel set up in Japan, participants reported that half an ounce of apple cider vinegar taken daily reduced their bad cholesterol.
- Apple cider vinegar prevents indigestion
It helps to take ACV before you eat; if you know that you are going to splurge on rich foods — especially at parties and on festive occasions. This country cure has been known to work: take a glass of warm water and add to it teaspoon of honey. Drink this mixture about 30 minutes before you dine.
- Apple cider vinegar helps to clear stuffed noses
If you feel that you have a stuffy nose or nasal congestion, ACV can help! The potassium in ACV thins out the mucus causing the congestion; and its acidic content destroys germs and bacterial growth. Just one a teaspoon of ACV in a glass of warm water makes an effective cure.
- Apple cider vinegar can help with weight loss
Many weight losing techniques work by suppressing the appetite and Apple cider vinegar not only decreases cravings and suppresses appetite; but it also increases your metabolic rate and reduces bloating or retention of water; which helps you lose weight. Some medical studies infer that apple cider vinegar interferes with starch digestion in the body, permitting less calories to enter the bloodstream.
- Apple cider vinegar is a good dandruff remover
Dr. Oz recommends apple cider vinegar for dandruff treatment on his website. This works because of its pH or its acidity. Yeast causing dandruff cannot grow or proliferate on your scalp at its acidic pH level. To prepare an anti-dandruff solution, simply fill a Spray or Spritzer bottle with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup water. When you need to use it, spray it on your scalp. Preferably, use a mildly warm towel to wrap your head and let the solution work on your scalp for 15 to 60 minutes and then rinse your hair as you would normally do. Recommended frequency is twice weekly for best results.
- Apple cider vinegar clears acne
The anti-bacterial properties of Apple cider vinegar makes it a great natural skin toner. This is one of the best natural home remedies for acne and it keeps your skin looking toned and healthier . ACV contains malic acid and lactic acid which can lighten red spots, act as an exfoliating agent for the skin and balances pH levels.
- Apple cider vinegar boosts energy
ACV can also act as an energy booster. The lactic acid that builds up in your body following exercise and stressful situations are counterbalanced by the amino acids in ACV which serve as an antidote. Potassium and other enzymes contained in ACV can also dissipate feelings of tiredness and fatigue. To prepare yourself a quick pick-me-up, add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water to boost your energy.
- Apple cider vinegar can relieve nightly muscle cramps and pulls
A lack of Potassium is known to contribute to Leg muscle cramps especially at night. To increase your level of potassium, prepare this easy home remedy. Mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon honey to a glass of warm water and drink this solution.
- Apple cider vinegar banishes bad breath
Do you suffer from halitosis or bad breath? The most important things are brushing your teeth and gums well, flossing and using a good mouthwash; but if those do not work in eliminating bad breath, a good home remedy is using apple cider vinegar to control bad breath. Dilute it with water and drink a teaspoon. Or you can use a stronger solution to just gargle and rinse out your mouth. This should help to eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Apple cider vinegar whitens teeth
The market is flooded with a variety of products to whiten teeth from special toothpastes to whitening strips. But ACV provides a simple and cost-effective solution. Before you brush your teeth use a solution of ACV with water to gargle your mouth in the morning. The benefits include stain removal, whitening of teeth, and elimination of oral bacteria. Then, continue brushing your teeth as usual. By the way, try using Baking Soda or even common Salt occasionally (maybe once a week). Both of these are also good for whitening teeth and stain removal since they have abrasive and cleansing properties. Discontinue use of Baking Soda or Salt, if your gums are sensitive and your feel soreness.
- Apple cider vinegar lightens scar marks and bruises
Bruise marks often take a while to disappear and there are several formulations in the market to assist with this. The anti-inflammatory properties of Apple cider vinegar help to lighten the scar marks or skin discoloration from a bruise. Just dab some ACV on the affected area or prepare a compress by soaking a sterile bandage with apple cider vinegar and lay it on the affected area.
- Apple cider vinegar helps control blood sugar
Assisting with Blood Sugar control may be one of the most important benefits of apple cider vinegar. Many studies have shown a co-relation between balanced blood sugar levels and regular consumption of ACV. A study was conducted with people suffering from type 2 diabetes who weren’t taking insulin. The study results showed that just two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar taken before going to bed resulted in lower glucose levels by morning. The effect of high carbohydrate meals on blood sugar levels was measured in another study conducted at the Arizona State University. The study found that insulin-resistant subjects, who drank a solution of ACV diluted with water and then ate a high carbohydrate meal, had lower blood sugar levels than those who did not have the ACV solution. This has led scientists to believe that ACV may also have high anti-glycemic effects because of its acidity levels.
Adapted FROM THE READERS DIGEST BOOK EXTRAORDINARY USES FOR ORDINARY THINGS