What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar, also known as cider vinegar, is a type of vinegar that is made by fermenting apple cider. Though apple cider vinegar is often used for household cleaning, it is also referred to as a health tonic. In this article, we will learn more about what is apple cider vinegar used for.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar

Unlike the refined and distilled vinegar that you get at the grocery stores, mature natural apple cider vinegar contains a dark and cloudy substance, which is referred to as the ‘mother of vinegar’. If you place the bottle against light, you will see this foamy substance. This substance comprises cellulose and a strain of bacteria called Acetobacter. It is this bacteria that combines with the oxygen from warm air and causes apple cider to ferment.

Though this foam might make the vinegar look cloudy, it imparts pungency as well as a sour flavor to it. This foam also contains vital enzymes and nutrients such as potassium, pectin, and malic acid, which otherwise are lost due to the process of distillation and pasteurization. If you wish to use apple cider vinegar for promoting good health, it would be a better idea to use natural apple cider vinegar. Ancient literature reveals that apple cider vinegar’s health benefits were known even in the times of Hippocrates.

Well, the fact that the popularity of apple cider vinegar has not waned even after centuries have elapsed and it is still a part of many home remedies, reveals its value. Wondering what is apple cider vinegar good for? Here’s a brief overview of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar Used for?

Just as an apple a day can keep the doctor away, apple cider vinegar can also keep many diseases at bay. While cider vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner and has many uses in housekeeping, and is also used as a flavoring agent in many cuisines, in this article, we will delve into the aspect of health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Let’s begin with the impact of apple cider vinegar on skin and hair.

Skin and Hair Problems:

Apple cider is believed to be an excellent skin toner. It is believed that the application of diluted apple cider on age spots can help in fading them. Many a time, spending a lot of time outdoors on sunny days causes unsightly sunburns. Well, rubbing diluted apple cider vinegar on affected skin might prove beneficial in treating sunburns.

Applying cider vinegar on bug bites can also help in relieving itching. Skin conditions such as acne, nail fungus, warts, and foot corn can also be treated with the help of apple cider vinegar. Soaking one’s feet in a bucket filled with water and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar will help in softening the hardened skin. One can also rinse hair with diluted apple cider vinegar and warm water to make dandruff disappear.

Weight Loss:

One of the main apple cider vinegar benefits is that it can facilitate weight loss. A lot has been said about the benefits of apple cider vinegar and honey remedies when it comes to weight loss and detoxification of the body. Starting your day by drinking a glass of water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and honey each added to it, is said to be a great remedy for losing weight. Both apple cider vinegar and honey are known to be effective cleansing agents. Besides facilitating detoxification of the body, the nutrients in apple cider vinegar help in improving metabolism and maintaining the pH balance.

Diabetes:

Apple cider vinegar can also help in lowering blood glucose levels to some extent. Drinking a glass of water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt mixed in it might prove beneficial in controlling blood glucose levels.

Joint Pain:

It is believed that apple cider vinegar can help in alleviating joint pain and stiffness to some extent. Drinking a glass of water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey can help in dissolving the uric acid crystals. The topical application of two parts of apple cider vinegar and one part of olive oil on the affected joint will also help in reducing joint pain. Following a healthy diet along with the use of this remedy will help in maintaining the pH balance and preventing the buildup of uric acid crystals in the future.

Besides the aforementioned health conditions, apple cider vinegar can also be used for treating bad breath, body odor, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Though you would have got a basic idea of what is apple cider vinegar used for, it’s always best to ask a doctor before you use any of these home remedies. The use of undiluted apple cider vinegar can eat away the enamel of the tooth and cause other problems. It must, therefore, be diluted and used in moderation to avoid any side effects.