Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

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1. Non-Toxic Cleaner:

It’s no secret that vinegar is an excellent household cleaner. What some people don’t know is that raw, unfiltered vinegar contains all the bacteria fighting benefits that some commercial vinegars lack. To make your own cleaning solution, simply mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, plus a little elbow grease, to get your home free of dirt, bacteria, and toxins cleaners. Don’t worry, the vinegar smell goes away as it dries.

2. Weed Killer:

A friendly neighbor turned me on to vinegar as weed killing alternative years ago and it’s even more effective than dangerous glyphosate.  Just mix 1/2 gallon apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup salt, and 1/2 teaspoon dish soap. It will effectively kill any plant you spray it on, so make sure you avoid the flowers and other plants you want to keep.

3. Odor Neutralizer:

Is your home filled with an unpleasant odor that just won’t go away? Place some apple cider vinegar in a dish and leave near the offensive odor to help get rid of it quicker.

HEALTH

4. Diabetes Prevention:

Multiple studies have shown a correlation between apple cider vinegar and lower blood sugar levels. In one study participants took two tablespoons of ACV before bed and saw their blood sugar 4 to 6 percent by the time they woke. The antiglycemic effect of the acid in apple cider vinegar is what helps with insulin sensitivity.

5. Weight Loss:

Consuming apple cider vinegar can help you feel more full, which can help you eat less. A study has also shown acetic acid, found in ACV, to slow fat accumulation. If the flavor is too strong for you to sip on it’s own, try adding apple cider vinegar to juices, salad dressing, and even water to incorporate it into your diet.

6. Lower Cholesterol:

In addition to lowered blood sugar and weight loss, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed interesting findings regarding apple cider vinegar and cholesterol.  Lowered VLDL levels and lowered triglycerides were discovered in lab rats who were given apple cider vinegar alongside a high cholesterol diet. The rat who were not given ACV did not see the same drop in cholesterol.

7. Detox:

Apple cider vinegar can help detox your home, but it can also detox your body. It can help promote circulation and detoxify the liver. The acid in ACV can also bind to toxins which can assist in removing toxins from the body. Apple cider vinegar’s potassium content helps to break up mucus in the body and clearing the lymph nodes. This also aids in the removal of toxins. Add apple cider into your diet and check out these other ways to detox.

8.Clear Sinuses:

Since breaking up mucus is one of apple cider vinegar’s many talents, it also helps clear out the sinuses. Since it’s antibacterial, it can also prevent a sinus infection or cold as well. Sip some water and apple cider vinegar to breathe a little easier.

9. Sore Throat:

The bacteria fighting properties of apple cider vinegar work just about anywhere. Gargle equal parts warm water and apple cider vinegar at the first sign of a sore throat to keep it at bay and repeat every hour as needed.

10. Digestive Aid:

Having tummy troubles or know you’re going to eat something that you might regret later? Sip diluted apple cider vinegar (mixed in water or juice) to help settle that stomach. It’s the antibiotic properties and bacteria fighting power of ACV that help. Some say thepectin in apple cider vinegar also helps with intestinal spasms.

11. Itchy or Sunburned Skin:

I know this is one of my favorite uses for apple cider vinegar. Just apply right to the itchy area for some relief. It also works for itches caused by bug bites, poison ivy, or a jellyfish sting. As for sunburned skin, soak in a bath with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to help ease the pain.

12.Wart Remover:

Over the counter wart removers are anything but natural. A trip to the doctor to remove it can be scary, painful, and leave a scar. Instead, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and cover the wart. Leave it covered overnight (I use a a bandaid or medical tape) and repeat every night until the wart falls right off.

13. Energy Boost:

Don’t reach for an chemical filled energy drink if you’re feeling tired. Instead, grab a bottle of apple cider vinegar for an energy boost. The potassium and and enzymes in apple cider vinegar help to give you a pick me up. Just add some ACV to a glass of water. I like adding it to my water during a workout to prevent fatigue. The amino acids in apple cider vinegar combat lactic acid build up that can happen after exercise.

BEAUTY/HYGIENE 

14. Shiny, Flake Free Hair:

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent weekly hair rinse. It leaves hair looking shiny and soft. The acid in ACV helps to remove product build up. It also helps to balance your scalp’s pH level. Mix 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar into 4 cups water and rinse the hair after shampooing, then rinse with cold water. If you are having issues with dandruff, twice a week try spraying your scalp with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Place a towel around your head and leave wrapped for up to an hour. Wash your hair as you usually would.

15. Facial Toner/Cleanser:

Thanks to the antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar, it’s great for cleaning most everything, even your face. It can even help prevent break outs. Just like with you scalp, it can help balance your skin’s pH levels. Dilute some apple cider vinegar with water and apply to a cotton ball to use as a toner or on blemishes.

16. Deodorant:

Many deodorants are harmful to your health. Apple cider vinegar will help fight the odor causing bacteria without the cancer causing toxins. Just apply a little ACV under your arms. You won’t be left smelling like vinegar once it dries.

17. Fade Bruises:

Coming from a long line of klutzes, this was a use of apple cider vinegar I was happy about. After a bump or the appearance of a bruise dab on some apple cider vinegar. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and will help to ease the discoloration.

18. Whiten Teeth:

Make those teeth sparkle after swishing around some apple cider vinegar diluted with two parts water. Then brush as usual. The bacteria fighting power of ACV is an added bonus too.

19. Eliminate Bad Breath:

Use apple cider vinegar as a mouth wash and gargle to help eliminate objectionable mouth odor. It kills the bacteria that causes bad breath.

20. Stop Smelly Feet:

In case you haven’t figured it out yet, apple cider vinegar helps get rid of bad smells, wherever they may be. If that just so happens to be on your feet, try this remedy. Wipe your feet down with a paper towel soaked in ACV to control odor. The ability of apple cider vinegar to balance the pH of your feet and eliminate odor causing bacteria is what makes it a great natural remedy.

21. Juice: 

Consuming organic raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar can assist in many of the health benefits I listed above. Try adding it to juices or smoothies if the taste is too pungent for you on it’s own.

22. Baking:

Fluff up your baked good by adding apple cider vinegar. It adds lift to cookies, cakes, and other concoctions and you won’t taste it in the final product.

23. Sauces:

I use apple cider vinegar for my barbecue sauce and it’s perfect for that tangy but sweet flavor. Try it in your favorite marinades or mix it into condiments that are too thick.

24. Soups:

Still need more ways to get apple cider vinegar into your diet? Try adding it to soups. It can add a bit of brightness and flavor. Don’t worry, it won’t end up tasting like vinegar.

25. Salads:

I think this one goes without saying, but it certainly needed to make the list. I almost never buy salad dressings. Whisk together some apple cider vinegar and olive oil and your favorite additions (garlic, mustard, citrus, honey, etc) for a delicious drizzle over your organic greens. It’s even great in salad recipes especially!