For centuries, vinegar has been used for various household and cooking purposes. It is also an ancient folk remedy, claimed to help with all sorts of health problems. The most popular vinegar in the natural health community is Apple Cider Vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the sugars from apples. This turns them into acetic acid, the active ingredient in vinegar. It is claimed to have all sorts of benefits, many of them even supported and backed by science.

Non-Toxic Cleaner
It’s no secret that vinegar is an excellent household cleaner. What many of us don’t know is that raw, unfiltered vinegar contains all the bacteria fighting benefits that some commercial vinegars lack. To make your own cleaning solution, simply mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, plus a little “scrub scrub”, to get your home free of dirt, bacteria, and toxins. Not to worry, the vinegar smell goes away as it dries.

Odor Neutralizer
Is your home filled with an unpleasant odor that just won’t go away? Place some apple cider vinegar in a dish and leave near the offensive odor to help get rid of it quicker.

Diabetes Prevention
Multiple studies have shown a correlation between apple cider vinegar and lower blood sugar levels. In one study participants took two tablespoons of ACV before bed and saw their blood sugar 4 to 6 percent by the time they woke. The antiglycemic effect of the acid in apple cider vinegar is what helps with insulin sensitivity.

Weight Loss
Yes O! … I know moms are dancing alingo right now – LOL – this is a use of apple cider vinegar you most definitely will be happy about. Consuming apple cider vinegar can help you feel more full, which can help you eat less. A study has also shown acetic acid, found in ACV, to slow fat accumulation. If the flavor is too strong for you to sip on its own (which I can assure it is), try adding apple cider vinegar to juices, salad dressing, and even water to incorporate it into your diet. I personally make sure I add ACV to every cup of tea I drink … add a dash of honey, and your tea drinking experience is magical *blush*

Lower Cholesterol
In addition to lowered blood sugar and weight loss, studies have also shown interesting findings regarding apple cider vinegar and cholesterol.  Lowered VLDL (VLDL stands for very low density lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are made up of cholesterol, triglycerides, and proteins. They move cholesterol, triglycerides, and other lipids (fats) to around the body. VLDL is one of the three main types of lipoproteins. VLDL contains the highest amount of triglycerides) levels and lowered triglycerides were discovered in lab rats who were given apple cider vinegar alongside a high cholesterol diet. The rats that weren’t given ACV did not see the same drop in cholesterol.

Detox
Apple cider vinegar can help detox your home, but it can also detox your body. It can help promote circulation and detoxify the liver. The acid in ACV can also bind to toxins which can assist in removing toxins from the body. Apple cider vinegar’s potassium content helps to break up mucus in the body and clearing the lymph nodes. This also aids in the removal of toxins.

Clear Sinuses
Since breaking up mucus is one of apple cider vinegar’s many talents, it also helps clear out the sinuses. Since it’s antibacterial, it can also prevent a sinus infection or cold as well. Sip some water and apple cider vinegar to breathe a little easier.

Sore Throat
The bacteria fighting properties of apple cider vinegar works just about anywhere. Gargle equal parts warm water and apple cider vinegar at the first sign of a sore throat to keep it at bay and repeat every hour as needed.

Digestive Aid
Having tummy troubles or know you’re going to eat something that you might regret later? Sip diluted apple cider vinegar (mixed in water or juice) to help settle that stomach. It’s the antibiotic properties and bacteria fighting power of ACV that help. Some say the pectin in apple cider vinegar also helps with intestinal spasms.

Itchy or Sunburned Skin
Just apply right to the itchy area for some relief. It works for itches caused by insect bites, and as for sunburned skin, soak in a bath with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to help ease the pain.

Energy Boost
Don’t reach for any chemical filled energy drink if you’re feeling tired. Instead, grab a bottle of apple cider vinegar for an energy boost. The potassium and enzymes in apple cider vinegar will help give you that quick “pick me up”. Just add some ACV to a glass of water. I like adding it to my water during a workout to prevent fatigue. The amino acids in apple cider vinegar combat lactic acid build up that can happen after exercise.

Shiny, Flake Free Hair
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent weekly hair rinse. It leaves hair looking shiny and soft. The acid in ACV helps to remove product build up. It also helps to balance your scalp’s pH level. Mix 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar into 4 cups water and rinse the hair after shampooing, then rinse with cold water. If you are having issues with dandruff, twice a week try spraying your scalp with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Place a towel around your head and leave wrapped for up to an hour. Wash your hair as you usually would.

Facial Toner/Cleanser
Thank God for the antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar, it’s great for cleaning most everything, even your face. It can even help prevent break outs. Just like with you scalp, it can help balance your skin’s pH levels. Dilute some apple cider vinegar with water and apply to a cotton ball to use as a toner or on blemishes.

Deodorant
Many deodorants are harmful to your health. Apple cider vinegar will help fight the odor causing bacteria without the cancer causing toxins. Just apply a little ACV under your arms. You won’t be left smelling like vinegar once it dries.

Fade Bruises
After any bump or the appearance of a bruise, dab on some apple cider vinegar. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and will help to ease the discoloration.

Whiten Teeth and Eliminate Bad Breath
Make those teeth sparkle after swishing around some apple cider vinegar diluted with two parts water. Then brush as usual. The bacteria fighting power of ACV is an added bonus too. So to eliminate bad breath, use apple cider vinegar as a mouth wash and gargle to help eliminate objectionable mouth odor. It kills the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Stop Smelly Feet
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, apple cider vinegar helps get rid of bad smells, wherever they may be. If that just so happens to be on your feet, try this remedy. Wipe your toes and feet down with a paper towel soaked in ACV to combat the odor. The ability of apple cider vinegar to balance the pH of your feet and eliminate odor causing bacteria is what makes it a great natural remedy.

Juices / Smoothies
Consuming organic raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar can assist in many of the health benefits I listed above. Try adding it to juices or smoothies if the taste is too pungent for you on its own.

Baking
Fluff up your baked good by adding apple cider vinegar. It adds lift to cookies, cakes, and other concoctions and you won’t taste it in the final product.

Soups and Sauces
I’m sure at this point you are like “Ruby, please tell us more ways to get apple cider vinegar into our diet” … Not to worry … Try adding it to your favorite soups and sauces, mix it into condiments that are too thick. It will definitely add a bit of brightness and flavor to your cooking. I use apple cider vinegar for all my cooking, it’s perfect for that tangy but sweet flavor.

Salads

I think this one goes without saying, but it certainly needed to make the list. I almost never buy salad dressings. Whisk together some apple cider vinegar, olive/coconut (my fav) oil, mustard, and honey for a delicious drizzle over your vegetable salad.

I know what you’re thinking, “I need to buy a lot of apple cider vinegar right now”. You can get ACV in any supermarket or pharmacy.
You’re Welcome *wink*

 

Ruby Agu CFT (IREP), LWMS, ACISM
Lifestyle & Weight Management Specialist | Nutrition Consulting | Fitness Training/Advisory

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