10 Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may aid in killing harmful bacteria due to its antifungal and antibacterial effects. It is very effective at destroying common fungal disorders and the bacteria that induce staph infections. Besides this, vinegar has been found to have antimicrobial properties that can help eliminate pathogens, including certain strains of bacteria.

The acetic acid provides powerful disinfectant activity against even the most resistant bacterial strains. As a result, traditionally, it has been used for disinfecting and cleaning, treating nail fungus, warts, lice, and ear infections. Also, it is a food preservative that can inhibit bacteria growth and preserve food from spoiling.

Keeping kidneys in top shape is vital. Apple cider vinegar is a kidney-friendly beverage that assists in treating kidney stones. Kidney stones have become increasingly prevalent due to unhealthy diets and lifestyles, and if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications.

However, this drink is used as a home remedy for preventing and treating kidney stones.

• Dissolves kidney stones: Apple cider vinegar has an acidic nature that aids in decreasing the size of kidney stones over time, gradually breaking them down. As the size of the stones decreases, they can easily pass through the urinary tract.
• Breaks down stone-developing tissues: The presence of acetic, phosphoric, and citric acid significantly assists in breaking down the hard tissues that form kidney stones.
• Cleanses the body: Regular consumption can help flush toxins and lower the kidney stone formation risk in your body.
• Pumps up digestion: The alkalizing effect supports digestion and activates hydrochloric acid production, stopping kidney stone development.

Apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural hair conditioner to promote shine and reduce frizz. It may also help balance the pH level of the scalp. So, it's an excellent way to achieve high shine levels and protect your hair.

Some ways apple cider vinegar benefits hair:

• Encourage hair growth: Although apple cider vinegar is not a remedy for hair loss, the acidity of this drink is the solution for hair thinning. It maintains a balanced pH level, so adding ACV to your diet could restore hair level, clear pores, and boost hair regrowth.
• Conditions and protection color: Fermented apples contain enzymes that help to close and smooth the hair cuticle. The hair cuticle is the protective layer that retains essential lipids, proteins, and moisture. Using ACV can help restore your hair's condition and shine and even prevent color pigment loss if your hair is color-treated.
• Clarifies and adds volume: ACV can help remove all the accumulated grease, grime, and product build-up that has built up in the hair over time. By extracting the excess oils, it can help to increase volume and make your hair look fuller and healthier.
• Ease itchy scalp and dandruff: ACV's anti-inflammatory properties can help control bacterial growth on the scalp, providing relief to individuals who suffer from dandruff or an itchy scalp.

Usually, apple cider vinegar is used as a home cure for colds, as the antimicrobial effects can destroy bacteria and fungal infections. The probiotics included in this drink help stimulate to ward off the disease responsible for sore throats. Rubbing apple cider vinegar on the throat and sinuses may ease congestion and promote easier breathing while fighting off infection.

Home-made cough medicine, including ACV and other ingredients like ground ginger, honey, cayenne pepper, and water, can help relieve the symptoms.

Apple cider vinegar can accelerate weight loss. It has a strong appetite-decreasing effect, and it promotes feelings of fullness and lower calorie intake. It contributes to weight management by lowering blood sugar levels, lessening insulin levels, and promoting satiety. Mixing ACV with honey in your diet daily reduces belly fat alongside decreasing blood triglycerides.

Good quality apple cider vinegar will also give some vital amino acids, antioxidants, and trace amounts of potassium. These components can improve digestion and alleviate digestive issues like bloating and gas, which will help you with your weight loss goals.

Vinegar has been used for centuries as a remedy for various health concerns, including easing allergy symptoms. Apple cider vinegar can lower mucus production, a common side effect of airborne allergies. Besides, it stimulates the immune system as polyphenols-rich food equips the body with antioxidant support to recover from oxidative stress and tissue damage while contributing to a healthy immune response.

In addition, it assists lymphatic drainage by cleaning the lymphatic system, which includes vessels, lymph nodes, and organs. The congestion of the lymphatic system may compromise its role in fighting infections, putting allergy sufferers at risk of sinus infection growth.

Apple cider vinegar and apples help to get rid of a headache. They help restore the acid-alkaline level in the body. Even ACV helps to improve digestive health and regulate blood sugar spikes, which means it assists in controlling headaches or migraines caused by digestion problems and blood sugar.

It also has an abundance of potassium, which can potentially aid in preventing migraines. Steam vapors of ACV may help with sinus headaches. Here are two methods to use ACV to soothe your headache and provide relief.

• To alleviate headaches, fill a large bowl with steaming hot water and add 3 to 4 tablespoons of ACV, then place a towel over your head and take the vapor for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add some ACV to a glass full of water and sip it 2 to 3 times a day.

Heartburn is a painful feeling of burning in the chest caused by acid reflux. Most burning ache in the chest is due to too little acid production instead of too much. Apple cider vinegar is a frequently used natural treatment as it helps alleviate burning pain in your chest by balancing the acid levels in the stomach.

In addition, diluted ACV is used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux. The acid content of the beverage, merely a few tablespoons alongside a small amount of water, can balance your stomach pH by counteracting stomach acid. It helps to ease any burning sensation generated by the acid in the vinegar. 

Apple cider vinegar is a perfect treatment for varicose veins. It promotes natural body detoxification and enhances blood flow and circulation through the veins. Once blood circulation is improved, the bloating and heaviness will reduce, and the veins will automatically stop swelling naturally.

Steps to reduce the appearance of varicose veins:

• Apply ACV to the affected area.
• Start by letting your skin get used to it and then gently massage it into the area.
• For best results, apply this simple home remedy every day before bedtime and again after you wake up.
• Keep up with this routine until you notice a visible difference in the size of your varicose veins.

Apple cider vinegar's acidic properties make it a popular remedy for skin issues such as dryness and eczema. Due to its natural antibacterial properties, it contributes to keeping a balanced pH level on your skin, potentially lessening acne and enabling a clearer complexion.

Even it is instructed for oily and acne-prone skin. So, some even use it as a natural toner, facial cleanser, or spot treatment. It also soothes sunburn, as applying diluted ACV to sunburned skin may offer comfort. It can have a cooling effect, relieving discomfort and promoting healing.

Some of apple cider vinegar skin benefits are:

• Control acne
• Give skin a dewy glow
• Maintain radiant, healthy skin
• Promote a youthful, vibrant body
• Soothe redness and irritated skin

Apple cider vinegar includes only trace amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with no significant vitamins or minerals. Serving one tablespoon or 15 grams of apple cider vinegar supplies:

• Calories: 3
• Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 0.75 mg
• Carbohydrate: 0.14 gram
• Sugar: 0.06 gram
• Calcium: 1 mg
• Potassium: 10.9 mg
• Phosphorus: 1.2 mg
• Iron: 0.03 mg
• Magnesium: 0.75 mg
• Manganese: 0.04 mg or 2% of DV

The same amount contains a small trace of zinc, copper, and selenium. Additionally, it is packed with beneficial plant compound that acts as an antioxidant called polyphenols. This antioxidant can aid the body fight free radicals and cell injury, decreasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. It even lowers inflammation.

For many years, people have used apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for everything from fighting germs to preventing heartburn. But it may have potential risks for some people.

Some possible side effects of consuming apple cider vinegar:

• When used with insulin, it increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
• May have stomach problems, particularly for the individual with gastroparesis
• Interact with some medications, like insulin and diuretics.
• It may decrease potassium levels, leading to weakness and constipation, fatigue, muscle cramps, or irregular heart rhythm.
• Nausea and vomiting in people who cannot bear the acidity and taste of ACV
• Harshly damaged tooth enamel
• Chemical burns on the skin