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What are Some Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

C. Ausbrooks
C. Ausbrooks

Apple cider vinegar is a natural substance made from pulverized apples. Two separate rounds of fermentation are necessary to produce the vinegar. Apple juice is turned to hard apple cider, which is then fermented again into vinegar. The resulting liquid contains potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and many other vitamins and minerals that are vital to good health.

The benefits of apple cider vinegar have been known for centuries. In 400 BC, Hippocrates recognized the healing powers of the substance as an antibiotic and antiseptic. In modern times, the health benefits have been scientifically proven and promoted by medical professionals and other health specialists.

One of the most researched benefits is apple cider vinegar's ability to lower blood glucose. Studies performed by researchers at Arizona State University show apple cider vinegar can reduce blood glucose levels by as much as 6% when taken regularly.

Apple cider vinegar is extremely acidic but this can also be a benefit. It is a wonderful remedy to combat bad breath or even halitosis. Due to its acidic nature, it should always be diluted in water or juice before consuming.

Apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar.

One of the most popular benefits is its promotion of weight loss. The cause for this is currently unknown although some theories suggest that is speeds the metabolism. Drinking 2 tablespoons (29.5 ml) of apple cider vinegar diluted in 1 cup (236.5 ml) of water before meals is recommended. Aside from these benefits, apple cider vinegar contains natural pectin which helps the bowels move and normalizes acid levels in the stomach. The same dose that is recommended for weight loss is also a suggested remedy for constipation.

Skin problems such as acne, age spots, varicose veins and cellulite can be remedied using apple cider vinegar. The sulfur it contains minimizes the effects of aging. It also improves circulation and helps rid the body of excess fluids.

Apple cider vinegar is made from the freshly pressed juice or cider of sweet apples.
Apple cider vinegar is made from the freshly pressed juice or cider of sweet apples.

In addition to the many health benefits of apple cider vinegar in humans, it can also be used on pets. It is often used as a general health tonic for dogs and cats or to repel parasites such as mosquitoes, ticks and fleas, and to alleviate skin conditions.

Apple cider vinegar can also be used as a non-toxic household cleaner. It can be used to remove mineral deposits, clean jewelry, disinfect surfaces and deodorize. Natural beauty supplies and natural head lice treatments also commonly make use of apple cider vinegar.

Discussion Comments

EarlyForest

Does apple cider vinegar really work for weight loss? Because I've heard so many claims about the benefits of apple cider vinegar for weight loss that I'm starting to get suspicious. Can any natural product really work that well?

naturesgurl3

Did you know that it's actually not very hard to brew your own apple cider vinegar at home? It's actually easier to get all the beauty and medical benefits of apple cider vinegar with homemade vinegar, since your product tends to be purer, and thus more effective.

All you need to do it is some hard cider, a little bit of apple cider vinegar with the mother of vinegar in it (and there are great benefits of apple cider vinegar with the mother in it alone), some cheesecloth, and some glass jars.

You pour about 500 ml of the hard cider into the glass jar, then add in 50 ml of the unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the mother. Cover it with cheesecloth, then let it sit in a warm, dark place for at least a month, and up to two months.

When its done, you simply store it in a clean glass bottle, and you're good to go! It's a much cheaper way to enjoy all the benefits of raw apple cider vinegar, and also more environmentally friendly!

galen84basc

When I first read about all of the apple cider vinegar benefits, I have to say I was kind of suspicious, since it sounded like an old wives tale, or at least an exaggeration.

And although some companies do exaggerate the benefits of drinking raw apple cider vinegar, it really does have a ton of proven health benefits.

It's not only great for weight loss and acne, like you said, it's also proven to be beneficial for your hair and nails as well as getting rid of dandruff.

And even if you don't consider the medicinal benefits of apple cider vinegar, it's still a great product since it works as an effective household cleaner, and can even prevent fleas and ticks in pets.

So do your own research -- but don't be surprised if you come away converted, like I did.

ivanka

Apple cider vinegar diluted, can also be used against nail fungus. You have to be very persistent, since fungus does not give up easily.

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    • Apple cider vinegar.
      By: Roman Ivaschenko
      Apple cider vinegar.
    • Apple cider vinegar is made from the freshly pressed juice or cider of sweet apples.
      By: volff
      Apple cider vinegar is made from the freshly pressed juice or cider of sweet apples.
    • Apple cider vinegar is available as a pill.
      By: Jens Ochlich
      Apple cider vinegar is available as a pill.
    • Apple cider vinegar may be good for varicose veins.
      By: roblan
      Apple cider vinegar may be good for varicose veins.
    • Acne might respond to an apple cider vinegar treatment.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Acne might respond to an apple cider vinegar treatment.
    • Apple cider vinegar may be used to clean jewelry.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Apple cider vinegar may be used to clean jewelry.
    • A bath in apple cider vinegar and water may help relieve a bladder infection.
      By: rimglow
      A bath in apple cider vinegar and water may help relieve a bladder infection.
    • Apple cider vinegar might be particularly useful for someone struggling with halitosis.
      By: carla9
      Apple cider vinegar might be particularly useful for someone struggling with halitosis.
    • Apple cider vinegar may be used as a treatment for head lice.
      By: goodluz
      Apple cider vinegar may be used as a treatment for head lice.