Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar commonly found in our kitchens and is used in cooking and other household purposes. It also helps with several health concerns.

It is prepared in 2 ways. The first process is to expose the crushed apples to the yeast so that they ferment and turn the sugars into alcohol. The second method is bacteria are added to this alcoholic solution that further ferments and converts the alcohol into acetic acid.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

The organic apple vinegar thus contains various enzymes, protein and good bacteria. It also contains some amounts of potassium and antioxidants. However, it does not contain many minerals and vitamins, but is low in calorie.

Let us discuss in brief the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:

1. Anti- microbial and antiseptic- Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms due to the presence of acetic acid in it. Because of this property, it is used for cleansing and as a disinfectant. It is also used to treat an ear infection, lice, nail fungus and warts.
2. Natural food preservative- Use apple cider vinegar to preserve food. It kills and restricts the growth of E-coli that may spoil and contaminate the food.
3. Removes acne- Dilute apple cider vinegar with essential oil and apply it on the acne to get rid of it. Also, it softens and exfoliates the skin by maintaining the pH balance.
4. Prevents and fight type-2 diabetes- Apple cider vinegar not only improves the insulin sensitivity, but also lowers the level of blood glucose. Just take 2 spoons of apple cider vinegar before going to the bed. This will reduce the fasting blood glucose by 4 percent.

Prevents and fight type-2 diabetes

Prevents and fight type-2 diabetes

If you are already taking medication to control the level of blood sugar, please consult your doctor before taking apple cider vinegar.
5. Reduces risk of cardiac disease- Apple cider vinegar reduces the bad cholesterol and blood triglycerides thus prevents heart diseases.
6. Prevents cancer- Research shows that apple cider vinegar has the capability to shrink tumor cells and slows the cancer cell growth.
7. Weight control- Apple cider vinegar on one hand is low in calories and on the other hand it gives the feeling of fullness and suppresses appetite thus helps to control weight. Also, due to high acetic acid content, it aids digestion, promote metabolism and reduces the retention of the water.

Weight control-

Weight control-

8. To aid digestion- Take 2 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar and one glass of water. Mix the ingredients and drink it before every meal to improve digestion. You may also gargle with it too and get rid of bad breath.
9. Treat piles- Soak a ball of cotton with apple cider vinegar and apply it on the piles. This will give instant relief from pain and itching. You may also add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a half cup of water and drink it daily to cure piles.
10 Relieves a sore throat – Apple cider vinegar kills germs. Whenever you have a sore throat take one-fourth cup of apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of warm water. Gargle with this preparation several times in a day. As germs are unable to survive the acidic environment they will be killed and you will be relieved from a sore throat soon.
11. Helps to get rid of post nasal drip- Whenever you catch a cold or suffers from a cold, nasal drip dilute a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it. Potassium present in it will thin the mucus and will aid drainage of the sinus.
12. Relieves a headache- If you suffer from a regular headache then take 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and an equal amount of honey in a glass of water. Mix the ingredients and drink it daily to get rid of a headache and migraine.

Relieves a headache

Relieves a headache

13. Remove dandruff- Take equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water. Mix well and rinse off your scalp with it. After 20 minutes, wash your hair. For best results, try this 2 to 3 times a week. The acidity property of apple cider vinegar will make it impossible for the yeast to grow and you will get rid of dandruff.
14. To get rid of hiccups- Take half teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and mix it with a little water and slowly drink this solution. The sour taste distracts you and helps to get rid of hiccups.
15. To relieve stiff neck- Soak a ball of cotton with apple cider vinegar and keep it over the affected area for 15 minutes to relieve stiff neck.

To relieve stiff neck

To relieve stiff neck

16. Boost immunity and reduce stress- The amino acids present in the apple cider vinegar act as an antidote against the lactic acid build-up due to stress. Also, the presence of enzymes and potassium ward off tiredness. You may add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to one glass of water or any vegetable drink of your choice to boost your energy.
17. Reduces nighttime leg cramp- It is usually caused due to deficiency of potassium. Take 4 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and add it to a glass of warm water. You may add 1 teaspoon honey to the mixture. Drink this solution and you will be relieved by night cramps within few minutes.

Reduces nighttime leg cramp-

Reduces nighttime leg cramp-

18. In the case of bruises- Soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and apply to the bruises or wounds. It helps to fade the color owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.
After acknowledging so many benefits of apple cider vinegar I hope you will always find a space for this wonderful remedy in your kitchen.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.