Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Can drinking apple cider vinegar help you lose weight? Does it really have any actual health benefits? Learn everything you need to know about this fermented apple juice and discover the many uses for apple cider vinegar, including how it can help improve your gut health, strengthen your hair, and more!

 

Gaining popularity in 2016 and on a steady incline ever since, it’s clear that you, like many, are interested in the benefits of apple cider vinegar. We’re sure that in some context, you’ve heard people refer to apple cider vinegar. But what is it? And what are the benefits? Here’s what we know… 

Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is a natural vinegar made from fermented apple juice that comes from crushed apples. You might be asking yourself, what made this vinegar so popular all of a sudden? Well, the popularity of ACV might be a recent thing but the vinegar itself isn’t so new. Apple cider vinegar has actually been around since 400 B.C., it was used by one of the first doctors as a prescription for coughs and sores. It was also mixed with honey to alleviate some of these ailments. 

So, what does that mean for us today? Well, research and the modern age have brought us to now, when apple cider vinegar is making its comeback. Since apple cider vinegar is as natural as it gets, it is also a good substitute for those who are on specific diets. Most people who are on the Ketogenic diet, a Paleo diet, or even an AIP diet, have been known to use ACV in their cooking and daily lives. A popular use for apple cider vinegar is using it in either baking or cooking as an egg substitute. Add to vegan treats for extra flavour and texture. ACV is also known for its antibacterial properties, and can be used as a non-toxic, natural home cleaner.

How to make ACV?

Most apple cider vinegar is made commercially and can be picked up at your local grocery store. But the process of making apple cider vinegar for use can also be accomplished at home. On a base level, ACV is made from chopped apples. But, there are a few more steps that need to happen before you have apple cider vinegar at home.

Here's how to make Apple Cider Vinegar at home: 

1. Chop apples of choice, including core.

2. Place in a mason jar and covered with water. Use a cheesecloth to cover the opening of the jar and secure with a rubberband. Leave for about 2 weeks. During this time, the natural sugars ferment (a process called fermentation; at a certain point ethanol will begin to form). Bacteria will then convert this form of alcohol into acetic acid. Strain the apple pieces and transfer the liquid to a clean mason jar. Leave the jar to continue fermenting.

3. In a few weeks, bacteria strands called “mother” will form the cider. You can either choose to strain out the “mother” or keep it to help speed up the process for your next batch. 

4. Fermentation is complete around 6 weeks from the day you started. Remove the cheesecloth and replace with the jar lid. Store in your cupbaord, in a cool dark place.

Along with being a popular additive to food or base for cooking, there are benefits of apple cider vinegar that many people take advantage of. And, with the information in this article, you could too. 

What Are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar? 

Apple cider vinegar can help promote weight loss. It’s true! One of the most common things known about apple cider vinegar is that it can help promote weight loss. Adding just a tablespoon to your morning glass of water can help curb your appetite and in the long run, lead to weight loss. There are certain diets known as “apple cider vinegar diets”, which involve taking 1-2 tablespoons of ACV per day to achieve weight loss. It can be taken before meals or anytime throughout the day. 

It is a natural and clean way to replenish electrolytes. Good news for all you athletes out there. It has been proven that apple cider vinegar can help replenish electrolytes in your system. By having apple cider vinegar after a workout, it can help rebalance and replenish your electrolytes. It is even a great natural supplement that can enable healing in sore muscles. Make sure to dilute ACV in water before consuming! Even being slightly dehydrated can lead to diminishing effects on your physical performance. But, taking apple cider vinegar along with water, can aid in replenishing your fluids and electrolytes. 

Having trouble going to the bathroom? Forget the fancy chemically-induced laxatives from the store. ACV is a natural laxative. It contains water-soluble fibre, which can help with overall digestion. So, by just simply taking a small amount of apple cider vinegar when you are constipated, the bacteria found in it should help regulate bowel movement. 

What ACV does for hair? Apple cider vinegar is also a great way to strengthen your hair and nails. Simply add ACV to your hair care routine and watch your hair strengthen over time. What is known as an apple cider vinegar wash, can be incorporated into your normal hair care routine. Simply mix a couple of tablespoons with water, and work into your hair after washing it normally, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse. By using ACV in your hair routine, it can promote a healthy scalp and can help keep detangling at bay. 

Apple cider vinegar for fingernails. Because of its antibacterial qualities, ACV has been known to be a popular remedy for nail fungus, or even to help strengthen nails. Use an ACV soak daily to help strengthen cuticles, help with cracked nails, or prevent toenail fungus. 

Over the years, many have rediscovered the benefits and uses of apple cider vinegar. From helping with weight loss and strengthening your hair, to replenishing electrolytes and being an all-natural cleaner. The bottom line is that ACV is a useful health tool that everyone can use to improve their day-to-day life. Whether you’re baking with it, using it to clean, or adding it to your salad dressing, you can be sure that you’ll experience great taste and great benefits. 

Best Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar:

There are many different ways to use and consume apple cider vinegar, some we have already listed above. You can drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to suppress your appetite, take ACV gummies if the taste is a little overwhelming at first, and you can even bake using this vinegar. Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your baked goods can deepen the taste and flavour of whatever it is that you’re baking. 

When baking a cake, apple cider vinegar can be used as a leavening agent if you run out of regular baking powder. It’s magical! Making pancakes and you’ve run out of eggs? No worries! Since apple cider vinegar is a leavening agent, it can also be used as a substitute for eggs. Just like regular vinegar, ACV also works just as well when it comes to pickling vegetables. 

How much apple cider vinegar to take daily? 

With all things acidic, especially vinegar, it is crucial that it be consumed in moderation. The acidity can be harmful to your stomach lining if consumed too frequently. Most experts recommend that 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar can be consumed a day. It should also be diluted in water. 

But nobody mentioned snacks! Well, we are. Natura Market carries a variety of snacks and foods that contain apple cider vinegar. Forget the hassle and pick up a pre-made salad dressing that also has apple cider vinegar in it. There's even sparkling soda, bone broth, barbecue sauce and even brownies! 

Cleaning with apple cider vinegar: 

Apple cider vinegar is not just limited to food, supplements, and snacks. Apple cider vinegar, like regular vinegar, can be used as a natural all-purpose cleaner. Always be sure to dilute in water before starting your cleaning projects. You’ll be amazed at how effective it is and how clean things will be once you’re done cleaning with it. Unlike regular white vinegar, most people who clean with natural cleaners prefer ACV for the scent. 

Apple cider vinegar cleaning hacks for those who are thinking of cleaning with it; use dish soap with ACV to ensure maximum “tough on grime” action, or if you are sticking to all-natural cleaning, try adding a drop or two of essential oils for a clean without any of the harmful chemicals. ACV has enough acid to get rid of stuck-on gunk and even bacteria, but it isn’t acidic enough to cause damage on surfaces, so have your pick off of your to-do list and get to cleaning! 

Final Thoughts:

From 400 B.C to now, apple cider vinegar has been a multi-purpose and effective tool used for many things. Everything from cooking, cleaning, and overall health, this vinegar has gained back its notoriety as more people have been known to substitute white vinegar for apple cider. There have been great developments when it comes to apple cider vinegar and other products that use ACV in them. Some of them include: apple cider vinegar gummies, apple cider vinegar pills, and apple cider vinegar drinks. Many experts and celebrities have been using ACV for years now, and they are sure to boast about the benefits of apple cider vinegar. We can’t get enough of this stuff and hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll do yourself a favour and pick up a bottle of ACV or Apple Cider Gummies!