Okay, so it’s not as luxurious as a creamy latte or as refreshing as a mug of peppermint tea and apple cider vinegar may not sound very appetizing or appealing either. Let’s face it, we’ve all tried to suck it down by plugging our noses and hoping for the best. But over the last few years, apple cider vinegar has gained popularity as wellness enthusiasts are finding it can help from your dental hygiene to your immune system … and literally everything in between.
Read on for 10 reasons why you should pucker up and bear your daily dose of Apple Cider Vinegar:
1. It helps banish bad bacteria.
Apple cider vinegar has potent antibacterial properties; in fact, it was used for cleaning wounds many years ago. The malic and acetic acids found in apple cider vinegar not only have antibacterial qualities, but also anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, too, helping to prevent an overgrowth of candida bacteria, a naturally occurring yeast in our body. Candida overgrowth has been linked to several health issues from yeast infections, fibromyalgia, and fatigue to headaches, sugar cravings and even depression.
An overgrowth in candida takes place when the body is too acidic. This can happen a multitude of ways, commonly triggered by excessive intake of processed foods or sugar, or if your body is low in good bacteria. Apple cider vinegar helps boost beneficial yeast that can then serve as a prebiotic, giving our good bacteria a chance to grow. If it means no more yeast infections, pass me the bottle now. Am I right, ladies?
2. It improves digestion.
Think of how much work your digestive system does each day. It’s constantly working to break down food, so it’s only natural that from time to time it needs a little helping hand. Apple cider vinegar works by stimulating digestive juices, helping move along the digestive process.
Individuals that suffer from acid reflux will also find benefit from drinking apple cider vinegar. Acid reflux often occurs when there is too little stomach acid. Introducing apple cider vinegar can help boost the necessary acid needed, and also helps remove any harmful bacteria that may be triggering the reflux.
3. Can help keep your heart healthy.
Heart disease and strokes are the two leading causes of death, so if there’s a way to prevent one from occurring, we’re going to want to give it a go, right? The ‘bad’ type of cholesterol, LDL, can cause the build-up of plaque in our arteries, which can lead to disease. The antioxidant chlorogenic acid, found in vinegar, has been shown to prevent cholesterol particles from becoming oxidized, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Is great for detoxing.
Apple cider vinegar has been used for a while now as a means of detoxing. And I’m not surprised; apple cider vinegar is packed full of vitamins and minerals and helps to balance the body’s pH, aiding in the detoxification process. Apple cider vinegar also stimulates circulation and helps to detox the liver. It will also do wonders for your skin, as once the toxins and such leave your body, your skin will look more clear. The best way to enjoy apple cider vinegar is in a little bit of water in the morning. Adding a little lemon juice will boost the detoxifying qualities and leave your skin glowing.
5. It can aid weight loss.
When we want to lose a few pounds we tend to turn to quick-fix fad diets that often do more damage than good! Acetic acid, found in apple cider vinegar, has been associated with increased weight loss when consumed daily.
6. It helps treat inflamed skin.
Some of us spend so much time and effort trying to combat troubled skin. Apple cider vinegar could be just the thing to get the job done. You’re probably thinking that acidic vinegar would be the worst thing for skin, but it can be the absolute opposite. The malic and lactic acids found in apple cider vinegar work as an exfoliant for the skin and soften it, helping to reduce redness while balancing out the pH levels of the skin, preventing further breakouts.
To use apple cider vinegar on the skin dilute it with water—one part vinegar to three parts water. Apply it to a cotton pad and then place the solution on each pimple. Alternatively you can use apple cider vinegar as a toner. Mix one part apple cider vinegar to one part water, apply to the skin and wait for it to dry. The scent will linger for ten seconds before fading completely. Looking for a recipe to inspire you? We have a homemade cleanser recipe here.
Apple cider vinegar can also be used to get rid of unsightly warts. Soak a cotton ball in some apple cider vinegar, and place it over the wart, securing it with a Band-Aid. The best time to try this is overnight. After a few days it will turn black and fall off. Continue this process for a few days to be sure that the wart will not return.
7. It soothes a sore throat.
Whether you’re struggling with blocked sinuses or are battling a sore throat, the antibacterial properties in apple cider vinegar can do wonders to help ease your symptoms. Have a stuffy nose that makes you breathe like Darth Vader? Apple cider vinegar thins the mucus, helping to clear your sinuses so that you can breathe again. If your throat is sore, try gargling with apple cider vinegar. To try, simply dilute the vinegar with warm water and gargle for around twenty seconds.
Apple cider vinegar also boosts the immune system, and can be used as a preventative measure during cold and flu season.
8. It kills bad breath.
Nobody wants to knock people out when they breathe. Bad breath is caused when bad bacteria lingers in our mouth. But it can also happen when we eat smelly foods. Hello, garlic. By gargling with apple cider vinegar you’ll not only kill off bad bacteria but also freshen your breath. Using it over time as a mouthwash can help whiten your teeth, too. Remember to dilute apple cider vinegar with water as it’s highly acidic and drinking it pure from the bottle could cause unnecessary damage to tooth enamel.
Another way to use apple cider vinegar is by adding it to your morning glass of water. Simply add it to water to make a quick fix drink that will freshen your breath and kick-start your metabolism and digestive system.
9. It helps banish dandruff.
Nobody wants to run their hands through their hair and find a flurry of snow. It’s pretty gross and doesn’t exactly fill you with confidence. But don’t hide those locks under a hat—fight back against dandruff with some apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar works to alter the pH levels of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow which helps eliminate the formation of dandruff.
To try it, mix one part water to one part apple cider vinegar and spray it onto your hair; treat it like a hair mask and simply wrap your head in a towel and leave it to do its thing from fifteen minutes to an hour. Then wash your hair and get ready to embrace luscious, shiny, dandruff-free locks.
10. It can be used to wash your fruit and vegetables.
The skin of fruits and vegetables can harbor harmful pesticide residue as well as bacteria, so it’s important that you wash your produce before eating. Water alone isn’t always enough; add 1 part vinegar to 9 parts water to create a produce bath that will help you clean your food. Skip this option with porous foods like berries; they’re simply too fragile and could end up damaged (not to mention they’ll taste of vinegar).
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