Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV) comes from apples that have been crushed, distilled, and then fermented. It can be consumed in small quantities or taken as a supplement. Its high levels of acetic acid, or perhaps other compounds, may be responsible for its supposed health benefits.
Apple Cider Vinegar has a long history as a home remedy, used to treat things like sore throat and varicose veins. There isn’t much science to support the claims. But in recent years, some researchers have been taking a closer look at apple cider vinegar and its possible benefits.
Some people say the “mother,” the cloud of yeast and bacteria you might see in a bottle of apple cider vinegar, is what makes it healthy. These things are probiotic, meaning they might give your digestive system a boost, but there isn’t enough research to back up the other claims.
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
It’s said “Father of Modern Medicine”, Hippocrates, used apple cider vinegar for cleaning wounds and relieving coughs. So why has this folk remedy remained popular since Ancient Greece?
We’ve listed some of the health-enhancing properties of The Mother.
It could help improve digestion
Like other fermented foods, unpasteurised apple cider vinegar contains healthy bacteria – the gut-friendly bacteria that helps to keep your digestive system working properly. Cider vinegar could provide relief for those with stomach problems like indigestion or heartburn. This is because it neutralises stomach acid whilst acetic acid fights harmful bacteria.
It could support your immune system
Prevention is better than cure, so protecting your immune system means you’re more likely to ward off diseases and infections. And here’s where the healthy bacteria in raw cider vinegar come into play. Studies have found that healthy bacteria could help you recover sooner if you do get sick.
It could help boost the condition of your hair
If you have dry, brittle hair or an itchy scalp, replacing your usual shampoo with a bottle of unfiltered cider vinegar could give you more manageable tresses. Research found that using high alkaline shampoos leads to hair breakage and dryness. The acetic acid in The Mother is thought to help lower our hair’s pH to combat that dry, frizzy feel. Plus, raw cider vinegar is antimicrobial which means it may help control bacteria which leads to scalp itchiness.
It could help improve your skin and nail health
Thanks to its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, apple cider vinegar is used as a natural treatment for healthier skin and nails. Applied as a toner, it may help to balance the skin’s pH and has an exfoliating effect that smooths and softens. And, for rough, cracked heels or mild fungal nail infections, apple cider vinegar is commonly used as a foot soak.
It helps lower blood sugar levels
Keeping your blood sugar levels in check is important and studies have shown that the acetic acid found in cider vinegar could be beneficial. In fact, drinking 4 teaspoons of vinegar before a high-carb meal helped to prevent blood sugar spikes. And if you’re counting your calories, research found that acetic acid stops your body from absorbing the calories from carbs.
Apple Cider Vinegar Uses and Dosage
Vinegar is used in cooking, baking, and salad dressings and as a preservative. There’s a lot of acid in it, so drinking vinegar straight isn’t recommended. It can cause problems, like eroding the enamel of your teeth, if you get too much.
As you know now, we have the goodness of ACV in a form of convenient capsules which can be taken as a supplement. People who don’t like the strong smell or taste of vinegar may be interested. You will still achieve all the benefits of the ACV!