Introduction
Apple Cider Vinegar (sometimes just referred to as apple vinegar) is one of the oldest known therapeutic substances still in use. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used it to treat coughs. It has been used as a food condiment, a wound balm, a beauty ingredient, food preservative, and weight loss aide for thousands of years. Ancient Greeks, Romans and Persians used it as a medicinal aid. It was also used in the American Civil War and the First World War for disinfecting and dressing up wounds.
What is apple cider vinegar?
So, what exactly is Apple Cider Vinegar? It is vinegar made from apple juice that has been fermented twice. First, apple juice is fermented to apple cider. Then, apple cider is fermented to Apple Cider Vinegar. This double fermentation breaks down natural sugars in apple juice first into alcohol and then into acetic acid. Apart from acetic acid, Apple Cider Vinegar has vitamins, minerals, citric acid, malic acid, amino acids, soluble fibre, live enzymes and polyphenols (micronutrients with antioxidant properties). As it has live yeast bacteria helpful for gut health, it has excellent probiotic qualities too.
7 Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an all-in-one anti-inflammatory, anti-gylcemic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic product. It can be consumed, diluted with water. It can also be applied topically to skin or scalp or hair.
As per traditional usage, Apple Cider Vinegar has quite the ‘one cure for all’ status. Some of its numerous benefits have been validated by research too. We list a few important ones:
1. ACV for Weight Loss
With sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets, surplus weight has become a major challenge for most people. Apple cider vinegar can help the body lose extra weight as it is anti-glycemic i.e. it slows down digestion of carbohydrates into simpler sugars that in turn checks fat production. Do note that you do need an active lifestyle and healthy diet for sustained weight loss.
2. ACV for Diabetes Support
Apple Cider Vinegar is clinically proven to improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. This assists in reducing insulin and blood sugar fluctuations that in turn helps diabetic patients keep their blood sugar in stable zone.
3. ACV for Anti-inflammatory Support
Apple Cider Vinegar has been recommended in alternative healing therapies for relief from joint pains (caused due to inflammation) due to vitamin B complex present in it. As an effective diuretic (increases urine output), Apple Cider Vinegar also helps lower uric acid levels that brings relief in gout.
4. ACV for Antioxidant support
Polyphenols present in Apple Cider Vinegar are antioxidants i.e. these help neutralize harmful free radicals to reduce oxidative stress that would otherwise harm body tissues.
5. ACV for Cardiac Health & Blood Cholesterol/ Triglycerides Levels
It is said that Apple Cider Vinegar help to balance triglyceride and cholesterol levels in blood. As higher levels of both are linked to heart disease/ brain stroke, regular intake of Apple Cider Vinegar can help in improving cardiac and vascular health as well.
6. ACV for Antiseptic & Disinfectant
Before modern medicinal discoveries (e.g. antibiotics), Apple Cider Vinegar was used extensively to treat fungal infections, clean wounds and disinfect things.
7. ACV for Beauty Aid
Apple Cider Vinegar benefits is a tremendously popular home cure for checking dandruff, fading pigmentation, whitening teeth, treating sunburn, and even reducing acne breakouts. People have been using it for thousands of years. So many brands sell skincare and hair care products enriched with Apple Cider Vinegar as a key active ingredient.
What should I look for when buying apple cider vinegar?
Apple Cider Vinegar is best consumed in its original liquid form. And that too as raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized, with real mother of vinegar in it. Filtering and pasteurizing Apple Cider Vinegar kills live enzymes and healthy probiotics present in it, and that reduces its efficacy.
Remember, not all apple cider vinegars brands are equal. Here is a checklist for choosing the right kind:
- Is it raw?
- Is it unfiltered?
- Is it unpasteurized?
- Does it have genuine mother of vinegar content (visible as cloudiness and floating strands in the bottle) of at least 3 %?
Absolutely clear amber coloured Apple Cider Vinegar is actually not good. You need to choose one that has cloudiness with occasional floating strands as that’s where most of its healthy goodness hides.
Some people find liquid Apple Cider Vinegar too tart in taste. For those on move, lugging around a bottle of liquid can be tiresome. For these users, there is the option of Apple Cider Vinegar capsules that pack in all the healthy goodness in easy to carry and consume capsule form. Again, like with liquid Apple Cider Vinegar, ensure that the capsules contain raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized contents only.
The Best way to Intake Apple Cider Vinegar
1. Take as a general wellness tonic or for help with weight loss/ blood sugar/ cholesterol
Mix 1 tbs Apple Cider Vinegar in 1 cup warm water. Sip 20 minutes before meals on empty stomach. Non-diabetics may add 1 tbs natural honey for enhanced benefits.
2. In capsule form
Take 1 capsule in the morning and 1 in the evening at meal times with water, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
3. Add to salad dressings
Three salad dressing recipes to add taste as well as ACV power to your vegetable/fruit salads:
- Blend 1tbs apple cider vinegar, 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil, ½ clove of garlic, 1 tsp each of honey and mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Blend 1tbs apple cider vinegar, 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbs lemon juice and 1 tsp honey. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Blend 1 tbs apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbs sesame oil and 1 tsp lemon juice with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add to juices, smoothies and herbal teas
Add a dash of apple cider vinegar to fresh squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, or blend into smoothies or mix into your daily cup of herbal or green teas. Enjoy the fresh tangy taste with lots of good health stirred in.
5. For easing sore throat/ bad breath, and whitening teeth
Add1-2 tbs Apple Cider Vinegar to 1 glass water. Gargle with it twice a day to cure bad breath, soothe sore throat, and to whiten teeth.
Tips to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for your Face/Skin
1. For pigmentation
Mix apple cider vinegar and water in 1:2 ratio. Apply on skin using a cotton ball to gradually lighten pigmentation.
2. As toner/ acne control
Mix 1 tbs Apple Cider Vinegar with 100 ml water. Apply to skin with a cotton ball after cleansing. Let dry. Apply moisturizer.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Growth
As last rinse for frizz-free, glossy hair – Add 1 tbs apple cider vinegar to 500 ml water. After shampoo, use as last rinse. Wrap hair in a towel turban for 10-15 minutes.
Spray it on for natural dandruff control & hair conditioning – Mix apple cider vinegar and water in 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle. Spray it all over scalp and hair. Massage lightly. Wrap hair in a towel turban for 30 minutes. Shampoo hair as usual. For severe dandruff, leave ACV in hair overnight.
Side effects of Using Apple Cider Vinegar
1. Apple Cider Vinegar is a safe substance to consume or apply in moderation, and when diluted adequately with water.
2. If applied undiluted on skin/scalp, it can cause irritation.
3. If consumed neat, it can erode dental enamel or cause throat burns. You should always rinse your mouth with water after consuming it.
4. Initially, consumption of Apple Cider Vinegar can cause acidity or intestinal discomfort which should subside in a few days on regular use.
5. If you are on any medication or have any serious ailment, consult your healthcare provider before adding Apple Cider Vinegar to your daily routine.
Precautions
When consumed orally: It’s probably safe to eat amounts of apple cider vinegar. Short-term usage of apple cider vinegar as a medication may be safe. However, if used frequently and in big quantities, it can be dangerous. Long-term heavy consumption of apple cider vinegar may cause issues including low potassium levels.
It may not be safe to apply apple cider vinegar topically: Some people may have chemical burns on their skin after applying apple cider vinegar topically. Breastfeeding during pregnancy: To determine whether apple cider vinegar is safe to take as medicine while pregnant or nursing, there isn’t enough trustworthy information available. Remain cautious and adhere to meal amounts.
Low blood potassium (hypokalemia): The blood potassium level may be lowered by using apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar may further lower your potassium levels if they are already low. Apple cider vinegar should not be used if you have this illness.
Interactions
Moderate Communication
Use caution when combining this mixture.
Apple cider vinegar interacts with digoxin (Lanoxin).
High doses of apple cider vinegar may cause the body’s potassium levels to drop. Digoxin side effects may intensify in people with low potassium levels.
Insulin and apple cider vinegar interact.
The body’s potassium levels may be lowered by insulin. High doses of apple cider vinegar may also lower the body’s potassium levels. Insulin and apple cider vinegar consumption may result in low potassium levels in the body.
Apple cider vinegar interacts with diuretics, or water tablets.
Potassium levels can be lowered by apple cider vinegar. Potassium levels can also be lowered with “water pills”. If ‘water pills’ are taken with apple cider vinegar, the potassium levels may fall too low.
Apple cider vinegar and diabetes medications (antidiabetes medicines) interact.
Blood sugar levels may be lowered by apple cider vinegar. If you take diabetic medicine and apple cider vinegar together, your blood sugar may drop too low. Keep a watchful eye on your blood sugar.
Dosage
Foods often contain apple cider vinegar. There is no set standard for what constitutes “apple cider vinegar” in US product definitions. It can occasionally be standardised to acidity in concentrations between 4% and 8%. However, each apple cider vinegar ingredient’s quantity may differ from one product to the next.
There isn’t enough trustworthy information available about apple cider vinegar’s potential dosage when used as medicine. To find out what dosage could be appropriate for a particular disease, consult a healthcare professional.
WOW Life Science Apple Cider Vinegar is 100% natural, raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized with 4% live ‘Mother of Vinegar’ for extra potency. It has been made from fermented juice of freshest and finest Himalayan apples in a hi-tech and hygienic Himalayan plant.
Conclusion
Apple Cider Vinegar is a traditionally trusted home remedy that has been used for thousands of years as a health, wellness and beauty aid. It is a good item to have in kitchen pantry/ medicine cabinet.
We recommend choosing only raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar with at least 3% mother of vinegar content in it.
FAQs
1. What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple Cider Vinegar is a vinegar made from apple juice that has been fermented twice – from apple juice to apple cider and then further to apple cider vinegar.
2. What are Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules?
Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules are encapsulated form of dried ACV. These are convenient to consume if you do not like tart, vinegary taste. These are also convenient to carry on the move.
3. How is Apple Cider Vinegar good for my health?
Apple Cider Vinegar has vitamins, minerals, citric acid, amino acids, soluble fibre, live enzymes and polyphenols (micronutrients with antioxidant properties). As it has live yeast bacteria helpful for gut health, it has excellent probiotic qualities too. Apple Cider Vinegar has anti-inflammatory, anti-glycemic, antiseptic and probiotic qualities that are very useful for the body. This product can be consumed for help with weight loss, blood sugar/triglyceride/cholesterol control, joint pain relief and bad breath/sore throat relief.
4. Can I use Apple Cider Vinegar for skincare and hair care?
Yes, of course. Apple Cider Vinegar has been used for thousands of years for enhancing skin and hair.
5. What criteria should be kept in mind when choosing an apple cider vinegar?
Check that it is raw, unfiltered, undiluted, unpasteurized, and has at least 3% real mother of vinegar in it. When held towards light, the liquid should be somewhat cloudy with strands floating in it.
6. Should I drink Apple Cider Vinegar, or should I take its capsules?
A bottle of liquid Apple Cider Vinegar always comes handy as you can use it in many ways beyond drinking too (check the article for more ideas). However, take capsules if you dislike the tart vinegar-y taste or if you are travelling and can’t carry a bottle of liquid with you.
