Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is made from apple juice which is fermented into hard apple cider. It then goes through a second fermentation process to become apple Cider Vinegar.
A natural antibiotic and antiseptic, apple cider vinegar’s health benefits are thought to include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and improvement of skin conditions and allergies. It can also relieve heartburn, nausea and migraines.
Apple cider vinegar has many non-health related uses too, like hair conditioning, skin care, dental care and as a household cleaning product.
What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar?
- Low calories: Apple cider vinegar only contains about 3 calories per tablespoon.
- It contains all the good stuff: Quality apple cider vinegar contains amino acids, antioxidants and small amounts of potassium.
- Vinegar can help kill pathogens, including bacteria. It has traditionally been used for treating nail fungus, lice, warts and ear infections.
- Apple cider vinegar can help stabilise blood sugar levels, which is very useful for diabetics. It has also been shown to improve insulin levels.
- Weight loss: Some studies show that apple cider vinegar can help with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and lowering glucose and insulin levels.
- It can prevent heart disease and reduce blood pressure. In studies of rats, apple cider vinegar lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can help in the prevention of heart disease.
- Because it balances your body’s P.H. levels, it is great to include as part of a detox.
- ACV is great for your lymphatic system. Because of its ability to cleanse the lymph nodes and reduce mucus and sinus congestion; it can help with allergies and related symptoms, such as sore throats and headaches.
- It can help eliminate candida. Apple cider vinegar is rich in natural enzymes that can help rid your body of yeasts that cause thrush.
What is ‘mother’?
Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains strands of proteins, enzymes and good bacteria, called ‘mother’. This gives it a murky, cobweb-like appearance, and is the most beneficial type of vinegar.
How to consume apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is available at most supermarkets. Unlike other vinegars, it has a tart-sweet taste, so it is drinkable on its own. However, it is highly acidic so it’s always best to mix it with water.
Choose the organic, unfiltered and cloudy vinegar – this contains ‘mother’ and is the most beneficial.
Incorporate it into your diet by using it as a salad dressing, splashing over roast vegetables or using in pickles and chutneys.
You can also take it like medicine, a teaspoonful at a time. Don’t consume more than two tablespoons per day. Take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar followed by a glass of water after meals, this can correct low acid and reduce heartburn. You can also start your day with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in half a cup of hot water. Add a small teaspoon of honey to sweeten, and stir until dissolved.
Other great uses for apple cider vinegar:
- Use it as a hair rinse a twice a week after shampooing, this will boost your hair's body and shine.
- Gently rub directly on your teeth to remove stains. Rinse with water.
- Got sunburnt? Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a bath and soothe your skin by soaking in it for around 10 minutes.
- Spray a mixture of one part vinegar with one part water on your pets' fur and rub into the skin. Do this once a day for up to a week to get rid of fleas.
- Mix with some water to use for cleaning and disinfecting.
If you suffer with any health issues we recommend consulting a doctor.