In recent years, apple cider vinegar has become more and more popular. It is attributed a plethora of health benefits and has been shown to help with a variety of ailments and disorders, including include weight loss, cholesterol, blood sugar, and diabetes.

Apple cider vinegar benefits

1.      Helps with digestion

For a bad stomach, sipping on apple cider vinegar diluted in water might be the solution. If a bacterial infection is the source of your diarrhea, apple cider vinegar will help manage the problem with its antibiotic benefits and virtues.

Apple cider vinegar is also probiotic, contains vitamins and its many fruit acids act as a kind of intestinal lavage. Intestinal motility is stimulated, food is passed through the stomach faster and digestion is promoted overall, making apple cider vinegar beneficial for anyone with digestive discomfort or constipation.

Learn more about the foods you should eat to prevent constipation.

2.      A powerful antioxidants

Apple cider vinegar contains powerful antioxidants that have a positive effect on general health. Indeed, these effects of vinegar, particularly on the liver and kidney, have been extensively documented. Thus, apple cider vinegar is recommended to people suffering from liver and kidney illness, as well as chronic inflammation.

3.      Relieves heartburn

The most common cause behind heartburn is not an over-acidified, but a sub-acidified stomach. The regular intake of apple cider vinegar, diluted with water and ideally before eating, counteracts heartburn very effectively.

After only a few days, the progress is noticeable. Many people use this treatment to alleviate persistent stomach discomfort, acid reflux, and nocturnal agony.

4.      Relieves throat infections

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar helps ward off infection. It turns out that most germs in your throat cannot survive in the acidic environment that the vinegar will create.

5.      Lowers cholesterol

More research is needed to establish an absolute correlation between apple cider vinegar and its ability to lower bad cholesterol levels in humans. However, a 2006 study showed that the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar lowered cholesterol levels in rats. Also, a Japanese study found that consuming 15 milliliters of apple cider vinegar per day could help participants lower their cholesterol levels.

6.      Prevents indigestion

It is always good to consume a little apple cider vinegar before a heavy, calorie-dense meal. To try this trick, mix a teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink the mixture 30 minutes before eating. In addition to activating digestion, this tangy potion will give you a clear conscience and will not make you regret having taken a second serving of Grandma’s cake.

7.      Cleanses a congested nose

The next time you have a stuffy nose from a cold, get your hands on some apple cider vinegar. Indeed, apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium, which helps to dissolve phlegm, as well as acetic acid, which inhibits the growth of germs that cause nasal congestion.

8.      A great ally for weight loss

If you are trying to lose weight, apple cider vinegar may help you in your quest. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar has been proven to suppress appetite, increase metabolism and decrease water retention.

9.      Removes dandruff

The antibacterial apple cider vinegar kills the yeast on the scalp that causes dandruff. If you suffer from dandruff, it is, therefore, a good idea to use apple cider vinegar on your scalp during a shower.

10.     Energizing

When you exercise, lactic acid builds up in the body, which subsequently causes increased fatigue. Apple cider vinegar’s amino acids function as an antidote to this process.

The potassium in apple cider vinegar can also help to alleviate tiredness. You can add a spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of juice or water to increase your energy the next time you’re feeling low.

11.     Counters night cramps

Leg cramps can indicate an insufficient level of potassium in your body. Apple cider vinegar contains a lot of potassium. Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water and drink this mixture. Your cramps will be a thing of the past.

12.     Gets rid of bad breath

If a good toothbrushing and mouthwash can’t get rid of your bad breath, try this home remedy. Gargle with apple cider vinegar or drink a teaspoonful (diluted or not) to kill off the odor-causing bacteria in your mouth.

Find out more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for bad breath.

13.     A natural teeth whitener

Gargle with apple cider vinegar in the morning. Vinegar helps remove stains and whitens teeth. It also kills bacteria in your mouth and gums. Then brush your teeth in the normal way after gargling. You can also brush your teeth with baking soda once a week to help remove stains and whiten your teeth. 

14.     Controls blood sugar levels

Several studies show that a few sips of apple cider vinegar may help keep blood sugar levels in balance. A study in which participants with type 2 diabetes did not take insulin showed that consuming 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before going to bed lowered blood sugar levels in the morning. 

15.     Tones the skin

Apple cider vinegar contains antimicrobial agents that naturally cleanse the skin. Its alpha-hydroxyl acids (AHAs) and acetic acid soften up dead skin and stimulate circulation: your skin is more radiant, and its pores are tightened. 

16.     Relieves sunburn

Apple cider vinegar works best on sunburned skin. This powerful anti-inflammatory also contains potassium which accelerates healing. Mix ½ cup of apple cider vinegar with 4 cups of distilled water. Soak a washcloth in it and apply it to the affected area to reduce redness and swelling, prevent blistering and keep the skin from peeling. If you are sunburnt all over your body, take a bath with a little apple cider vinegar.

17.     Helps to harden the nails

Experts recommend dipping soft, brittle nails in a solution of apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil once a week to strengthen and harden them. Not to mention that this vinegar removes yellow spots and prevents infection. 

18.     May help relieve eczema and psoriasis

Chronic and inflammatory skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, develop when the skin barrier is damaged. During a flare, fill a bottle of equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water and spray your skin with it twice a day. The anti-inflammatory properties of this vinegar will relieve itching and irritation. Then apply some lotion to keep your skin moist.

19.     Cures razor irritation

Razor irritation is almost inevitable. The next time you have nasty bumps and a rash on your skin from the use of a razor, don’t use an expensive product to fix them. Instead, saturate a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and pat the affected area. It will calm the irritation, decrease the redness, and prevent the skin from being invaded by bacteria. 

Video – Apple Cider Benefits

How is apple cider vinegar made?

Apple cider vinegar is obtained from apple juice that has been fermented twice. Indeed, this vinegar comes from a long fermentation process that begins with the production of cider. The latter itself comes from the alcoholic fermentation of apple must.

Then, the pure cider goes through an acetic fermentation process in order to turn into apple cider vinegar. Currently, there are two types of apple cider vinegar: artisanal and industrial.

Industrial transformation is a rapid production system. The apple cider vinegar is pasteurized, filtered, and produced in acetators.

The artisanal method follows a long process of transformation of the cider. Farmhouse apple vinegar is obtained by acetification of cider in specific barrels. Usually, these barrels contain a vinegar mother which must be supplied regularly with cider. Depending on the temperature of the barrel location, cider fermentation can take up to 4 months, and even longer. The higher the temperature, the faster the process.

Contrary to artisanal production, apple cider vinegar produced industrially is poor in nutrients.

Which apple cider vinegar to choose?

To take full advantage of its benefits, choose a high-quality cider vinegar. The ideal is unpasteurized organic cider vinegar, produced in an artisanal way. It must have aged for at least 10 months in oak barrels to contain the maximum number of active substances.

Precautions and contraindications

Although very safe, consuming apple cider vinegar in large amounts or over a long period of time is harmful to tooth enamel and can cause burns to the esophagus or skin. Drinking apple cider vinegar, even diluted, is therefore contraindicated in cases of severe ulcer, gastritis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.