Why and How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Many people think of apple cider vinegar as a seasoning to be used in cooking, or as a ingredient in homemade cleaning products. Those are definitely wonderful uses, but are you aware of all the amazing health benefits apple cider vinegar possesses? 

• Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties which can help keep acne under control. The malic and lactic acids found in apple cider vinegar soften and exfoliate skin, reduce red spots, and balance the pH of your skin.
• Apple cider vinegar’s effect on blood sugar is very well-documented. It has been shown to lower blood glucose and insulin levels in healthy adults. It’s anti-glycemic effects could be of value in managing diabetic complications. 
• Apple cider vinegar contains potassium, which thins mucus; and the acetic acid in it prevents bacterial growth, which could be the cause of some nasal congestion. Consuming apple cider vinegar could help with sinus drainage and allergy symptoms. 
• Apple cider vinegar could aid in weight loss. Scientists theorize that apple cider vinegar interferes with the body’s digestion of starch, which means fewer calories enter the bloodstream. It can also increase feelings of fullness, leading to less consumption of food which could lead to weight loss.
• There is ongoing research to prove that vinegar may benefit the heart and prevent cancer, but there are not yet any human studies on these possible benefits and the studies have not been limited to only apple cider vinegar. 
• Apple cider vinegar helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level. Research shows that higher acid levels (lower pH level) leads to a lack of energy and higher incidences of infection. Consuming apple cider vinegar can provide an energy boost and strengthen the immune system. 

How to use Apple Cider Vinegar

• For digestive issues, drink it, but don’t drink it straight. It’s so acidic that it could harm your tooth enamel and your esophagus. Dilute 1 to 2 tablespoons in a big glass of water, and sip it along with your meals one or two times a day. 

• When experiencing the beginnings of a sore throat, which could lead to something more, start gargling with apple cider vinegar. Mix 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup of warm water and gargle every hour. An added benefit? Gargling apple cider vinegar cuts down on bad breath by killing odor-causing bacteria. It can also whiten teeth. 

• For dandruff, mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle, and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a week for best results. It will also make your hair shine!

• As a skin toner for problem skin, dilute apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water and dip a cotton ball in the mixture. Gently dab all over face after cleansing.

• As a great start to your day, drink a 8 ounce glass of water with several tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 to 2 drops of lemon essential oil. This makes a great wake-me-up and detoxifying start to your day.  This could also benefit anyone struggling with weight.

I love this article on how to make your own apple cider vinegar. Until I get around to making my own, I am using Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar. “Certified Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and 5% acidity. Contains the amazing Mother of Vinegar which occurs naturally as strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules.” I’ve been using Bragg’s for years and love it! I recommend using unfiltered apple cider vinegar, the cloudy kind, where you can see sediment in the bottle. That sediment is known as “the mother”, (as mentioned above in Bragg’s description of their vinegar) and it’s full of probiotics and other beneficial bacteria.