22 Amazing Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar or ACV, is a type of vinegar made by the fermentation of apple cider. During the fermentation process, sugar in the apple cider is broken down by bacteria and yeast into alcohol and then into vinegar. Like other types of vinegar, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and it also contains some lactic, citric and malic acids.

Unlike white vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a light yellow-brown color and is often sold unfiltered and unpasteurized with a dark, and cloudy sediment settled at the bottom of the bottle. Known as “mother of vinegar,” this sediment consists mainly of acetic acid bacteria. Unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is sold in health food stores, online and in some grocery stores.

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Ancient Healing History of Apple Cider Vinegar

The use of vinegar as medicine probably started soon after it was discovered. Its healing virtues are extolled in records of the Babylonians, and the great Greek physician Hippocrates reportedly used it as an antibiotic. Ancient Greek doctors poured vinegar into wounds and over dressings as a disinfectant, and they gave concoctions of honey and vinegar to patients recovering from illness. In Asia, early samurai warriors believed vinegar to be a tonic that would increase their strength and vitality. During the Civil War and World War I & II, American medical medics used this vinegar to combat indigestion, pneumonia and scurvy.

Top 22 Health Wonders Of Apple Cider Vinegar

  1. Weight Loss

    Apple Cider Vinegar has long been used to alleviate weight loss since it stimulates the body’s metabolic rate helping burn fat vigorously.

  2. Wart Cure

    By soaking the warts affected area for 20 minutes per day in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water or applying a bandage of ACV soaked cotton pad over the affected area overnight, warts will diminish and disappear.Apple Cider Vinegar: History, Health Benefits, and Side Effects

  3. Fights Yeast Infections

    Apple Cider Vinegar’s antibacterial and antifungal properties relieve women affected by Candida, a fungal infection and other yeast and fungus infections of the skin, foot and toe nails.

  4. Maintains Healthy Cholesterol Levels

    Research has indicated that apple cider vinegar improves the lipid profile of blood by decreasing the levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or bad cholesterol, as also by increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) or good cholesterol.

  5. Improves Bone Health

    The abundance of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other vital minerals, helps apple cider vinegar boost and maintain bone density and strength.

  6. Steadies Blood Pressure

    Both high blood pressure or low blood, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water every day can stabilize blood pressure.

  7. Fights Diabetes

    The anti-glycemic effects of apple cider vinegar help to improve insulin sensitivity, steady your stomach’s rate of digestion, helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

  8. Hair Care

    Acetic acid, the main ingredient in ACV destroys the Malassezia furfur fungus, restore the pH balance of the scalp, cleanses the effect of toxic hair lotions, strengthens the hair shafts and treats dandruff in the hair, leaving shiny lustrous hair.

  9. Fights Arthritis

    The potassium in cider vinegar works to prevent calcium build-up in the joints, which is linked to joint stiffness and other bone diseases like arthritis.

  10. Skin Toner

    Apple cider vinegar reduces inflammation, balances pH levels and absorbs excessive oil and fights variety of skin problems from psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, age or liver spots, sunburns, acne and blemishes.

  11. Mouth Freshener

    Due to its acidic properties, a rinse of apple cider vinegar mixed with water, helps reduce bad breath or halitosis.

  12. Stops Hiccups or Acid Reflux

    Acid reflux or hiccups is caused by an underproduction of stomach acid. Apple Cider Vinegar restores the acid balance in the stomach and eases irritating spasms of the diaphragm.

  13. Relieves Gastrointestinal Distress

    Apple Cider Vinegar’s pectin, with its antibiotic property relieves the symptoms of diarrhea caused by a bacterial infection and forms a protective coat for soothing the colon lining and intestinal spasms.

  14. Prevents Indigestion

    A concoction of Apple cider vinegar with honey in warm water helps cure issues with indigestion.

  15. Soothe Sore Throat

    Gargling with apple cider vinegar in warm water can soothe a sore throat as its acidic property kills germs.

  16. Soothe Insect Bites

    Apple cider vinegar has been an ancient remedy to stop itching induced by a nasty insect bites.

  17. Clears Stuffy Nose

    Ingesting a drink of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water, helps stimulate the unblocking of the sinus.

  18. Replenishes Energy Levels

    Apple cider vinegar contains potassium and enzymes that negate fatigue causing lactic acid build up, due to post workouts or stress.

  19. Reduces Swelling

    One to two capfuls of apple cider vinegar in warm bath helps expel toxins, moisturizes skin, and soothes aching and swollen hands and feet.

  20. Teeth Whitener

    Gargling with apple cider vinegar helps remove stains, whiten teeth, and kills bacteria in your mouth and gums.

  21. Reduces Varicose Veins

    Apple Cider Vinegar improves circulation, eases the bulging and swelling of varicose veins, eases pain and makes it less noticeable.

  22. Natural Deodorant

    Rubbing Apple cider vinegar in your underarms helps absorb and neutralize odors without blocking the natural ability of the body to sweat and detoxify.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns

  • Undiluted apple cider vinegar, in liquid or pill form, may damage the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract. Apple cider vinegar drinks may damage tooth enamel if sipped.
  • One case report linked excessive apple cider vinegar consumption with low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) and low bone mineral density. People with osteoporosis, low potassium levels, and those taking potassium-lowering medications should use caution.
  • People with allergies to apples should avoid apple cider vinegar.
  • Vinegar applied to the skin may cause burns and scarring.
  • Excessive doses of apple cider vinegar have been found to cause damage to the stomach, duodenum, and liver in animals.

Vinegar continues to be used as a medicine in recent times and has gained a “super food” status. Natural-healing enthusiasts and vinegar fans continue to honor and use many of those folk remedies.

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