While the uses for white vinegar are plenty, apple cider vinegar has arguably even more applications. Its wide-ranging benefits include everything from helping lose weight to alleviating cold symptoms, and some people have turned to apple cider vinegar to help with health concerns including diabetes, cancer, heart problems, high cholesterol, and fungal issues. Read on for more reasons to keep apple cider vinegar handy in your pantry.
- Rich in Potassium
The minerals in apple cider vinegar like potassium can help reduce swelling and inflammation, improving poison ivy. Also, ACV can help detox the poison out of your skin helping poison ivy heal more quickly.
- Antifungal
The anti-bacterial and antifungal compounds in apple cider vinegar make it an excellent natural cure for skin and toenail fungus. Simply rub on the area of fungus 2x daily. Also, using a mixture of coconut oil and oil of oregano is great for killing the fungus.
- Antibacterial
Vinegar is known to have anti-fungal abilities and to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, so traditionally people used it to clean their homes, bodies, and to fight off fungus from forming. Today, many people still use ACV- and other types of vinegar too- for a full range of cleansing applications
- Can Support Weight Loss and Improve digestion
A study published in the Journal of Diabetes Care found that consuming apple cider vinegar could promote weight loss. There are several reasons ACV promotes fat loss, but one of those reasons include that ACV reduces sugar cravings, improves digestion and detoxification. Another study found that supplementing with the acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar reduced body fat in mice by 10%.
- Balances Blood Sugar and Improves Diabetes
Medical research has proven that the acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar can balance blood sugar and improve diabetes. Put apple cider vinegar on salads or consume one tablespoon in water before meals.
- Can Treat Heartburn
Some of the leading causes of acid reflux and heartburn are an imbalanced stomach pH and lack of enzymes and probiotics. Using apple cider vinegar is full of all of these nutrients. Adding 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and drinking it five minutes before meals can cure acid reflux.
- Good for the skin
The pH of apple cider vinegar makes it an excellent remedy for skin issues. Rub apple cider vinegar on an area or use it to wash an area then put coconut oil and essential oils on the area to support further healing.
- Cures the warts
Put apple cider vinegar topically on the wart and then cover with band aide or bandage. Leave on overnight and remove in the morning. You may see results in one week, or it could take longer. Thousands have sworn that apple cider vinegar cured warts and other skin issues.
- Strengthens the hair and makes it shine
ACV can be used as a natural hair conditioner and makes your hair strong and shiny! Take an old shampoo bottle, then fill it will one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water. Pour this on your hair after shampooing three times per week for best results.
- Fight Seasonal Allergies
Another fantastic treatment of ACV is for allergies. ACV helps break up mucous in your body and support lymphatic drainage. It also supports the immune system and can clear your sinuses. Put two tablespoons in a large glass of water and drink 3x daily for allergies.
- Cure a Cold and Sore Throat
Apple cider vinegar is the ultimate remedy to cure a cold and sore throat fast! Because it’s loaded with vitamins and probiotic boosting acetic acid, it’s a great natural cure. Take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water 3x daily to cure a cold.
- Boosts energy
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which is acidic in nature but has a more alkaline effect on the rest of your body. Balancing your bodies pH can reduce your risk of chronic illnesses like cancer and can dramatically increase your energy.
- Natural Teeth Whitener
One of my apple cider vinegar uses is as a natural teeth whitener. Take your finger and rub apple cider vinegar on your teeth for 1 minute. Then rinse mouth out with water. The pH of apple cider vinegar can remove stains from your teeth which help naturally whiten.
- Soothe a Sunburn
One of my favorite apple cider vinegar uses to soothe a sunburn. Put 1 cup of apple cider vinegar in a lukewarm bath along with 1/4 cup of coconut oil and lavender essential oil to ease sunburnt skin.
- Natural Deodorant
Harmful bacteria and yeast are a primary cause of body odor. The armpit can stay damp which also makes it a breeding ground for bad bacteria. Simply dabbing some apple cider vinegar on your fingers and running it into your armpit can kill yeast and neutralize odors keeping you smelling fresh all day.
- An All-Natural Household Cleaner
The anti-bacterial properties and the balanced pH of apple cider vinegar make it a perfect household cleaning product. Fill a spray bottle with 50% water and 50% ACV then spray windows and counters for cleaning.
- Ease Varicose Veins
Apple cider vinegar is excellent for varicose veins because it improves circulation in the vein walls and is anti-inflammatory so reduces bulging veins. Combine apple cider vinegar with witch hazel and rub on veins in a circular motion, and you should see improvements in two weeks.
- Skin Toner for Eczema and Acne
The pH of apple cider vinegar makes it an excellent remedy for skin issues. Rub apple cider vinegar on an area or use it to wash an area then put coconut oil and essential oils on the area to support further healing.
- Lower Blood Pressure
In a 2009 12-week study they found that consuming apple cider vinegar lowered triglycerides and blood pressure significantly.
- Heal Poison Ivy
The minerals in apple cider vinegar like potassium can help reduce swelling and inflammation, improving poison ivy. Also, ACV can help detox the poison out of your skin helping poison ivy heal more quickly.
