Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar For A Healthier Life



“My go-to drink in the winter to fight colds and flu is about 3.4 ounces of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, lots of cayenne pepper and cinnamon, one lemon, and 1 teaspoon of raw honey”, says Kelly Gale. She is a Swedish-Australian model of Indian and Australian heritage. Gale is a fitness enthusiast and known globally for her work for Victoria's Secret, Playboy, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and being featured in the music video of "Duele el Corazón" by Enrique Iglesias.  

The name apple cider vinegar is self-explanatory. It is vinegar made by fermenting crushed apple juice. It contains acetic acid and nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, and amino acids. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar gives it a sour smell and taste. The unfiltered type of apple cider vinegar like the Himalayan Natives Organic Apple Cider Vinegar contains the ‘mother’, which carries all the necessary proteins, enzymes, and good bacteria - giving your apple cider vinegar its cloudy appearance.

Health Benefits And Uses Of Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar(ACV) has been used as a staple in many recipes and home remedies. It is believed to be an age-old secret and an elixir for youth by many. It has incredible healthful properties, including antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. This wonderful multipurpose ingredient covers many aspects of your life and takes care of you literally from ‘head to toe’. 

Helps Lower Blood Sugar:

Apple cider vinegar can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It helps improve insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood sugar responses after meals. Some studies by diabetes journals show that consuming apple cider vinegar after eating a high-carb meal can help improve insulin sensitivity by as much as 34% and reduce blood sugar levels significantly.

Helps The Heart Stay Healthy:

Apple cider vinegar contains valuable nutrients that help to alkalize the body. It helps lower the triglyceride level. Triglyceride causes fatty plaque along the arteries. This buildup may block the blood flow or cause a sudden rupture, causing heart attacks or stroke. To prevent this you can consume ACV on a regular basis. You can drink it as an ACV tonic which is prepared by mixing a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of warm water. For added taste and health benefits you can add a tablespoon of raw honey to this drink.

Aids In Maintaining Gut Health:

Apple cider vinegar is a natural prebiotic and is very easy to digest. It helps maintain good bacteria in your gut. It might also help in getting rid of gastroesophageal reflux which is commonly known as acid reflux. ACV may introduce more acid into the digestive tract. If your acid reflux is due to very little stomach acid, consuming apple cider vinegar might be beneficial. 

Healthy And Lustrous Tresses:

Apple cider vinegar makes your hair smooth, shiny, and dandruff-free. It can be used as a hair rinse which can help remove product buildup, detangle, and add shine to your hair. The acid in the vinegar could help stop the fungal and bacteria growth, which contributes to dandruff. You can mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1 part water and pour the mixture over your hair once it is shampooed. Leave it in for a few minutes and massage your scalp before rinsing it out. 

Beauty tonic for skin:

Apple cider vinegar is also beneficial for your skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and consists of acetic acid and alpha hydroxy acid. AHAs are great exfoliators for the skin. They also absorb excess oils and unclog blocked pores. Apple cider vinegar also helps to restore the pH levels of your skin. It can be used as a facial toner. It can also be used to prevent or treat acne by directly applying diluted ACV to the pimple. The general recipe is 1 part apple cider vinegar to 2 parts water. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to make a more diluted solution. You can also use organic virgin coconut oil for your skin health.

Looks After Your Toes:

Apple cider vinegar takes care of you from ‘head to toe’. We have already read about its benefits for hair and skin. Let's see how it helps our toes. The antifungal properties of this vinegar also make this soak a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Another apple cider vinegar benefit includes treating the athlete’s foot. It is a fungal infection that affects the toes making them red and the skin may peel. For mild forms of these conditions, an ACV soak might work well. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. Please seek medical attention for more serious ailments or if the symptoms do not subside.

Helps Preserve Food:

Apple cider vinegar is an effective preservative. It is used by many as a pickling agent to preserve food. Adding ACV makes the food more acidic, which deactivates its enzymes and kills any bacteria that may cause spoilage.

Aids in Weight Management:

Apple cider vinegar can help in weight loss. Several studies suggest that apple cider vinegar can help you feel full thereby reducing your calorie intake and promoting weight management. To lead a healthy and fit life you should also make other dietary and lifestyle changes. These Healthy Snack Recipes Using Edible Seeds can also help you reach your fitness goals.

Helps soothe a sore throat:

A very popular home remedy for sore throats is gargling with diluted apple cider vinegar. The antibacterial properties of ACV could help kill off the bacteria that could be causing the sore throat.

Prevent Bad Breath:

Apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative to commercial mouthwashes. It has antibacterial properties that may help with bad breath. However, while using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, make sure to dilute it well with water since the acidity of the vinegar could damage your teeth. 1 tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water is usually a safe ratio.

Deodorizing Agent:

Apple cider vinegar is known to eliminate bad smells because of its antibacterial property. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1 part water to make a natural alternative to odor neutralizers. It can be used to wipe your underarms or used in making a foot soak for unwanted foot odor. It is also a great hack for those summer days when you suddenly realize that you have used up the last can of deodorant spray and have none available now.

Natural Cleaning Agent:

The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar also make it a popular choice for a natural alternative to commercial cleaning agents. It can be used in various ways. Washing fruits and vegetables with diluted ACV may help kill any dangerous bacteria on food like E. coli and Salmonella. It can also be used to clean dentures and your toothbrush. But rinse the toothbrush well since undiluted vinegar could damage your teeth. Some people also use it to clean their dishes.

Weedkiller:

Apple cider vinegar can be used to spray undiluted vinegar on unwanted weeds in your garden to get rid of them. You can also mix it with some soap and lemon juice to make it more effective. This homemade weed killer is quite beneficial.

Apple cider vinegar is an extremely versatile household item. It has tons of different uses. It is a cheap and easy way to tackle many common problems around your home and also offers excellent health benefits. For a healthy life, you need to include foods in your diet that are as close to natural as possible. Himalayan natives consistently work towards offering 100% natural products just as nature intended them to be. Check out our recipe on ACV pomegranate cocktail on our Instagram post and let us know in the comments section if you enjoyed it.