Health

The health benefits of apple cider vinegar and why you should be using it every day

Dec 09, 2015

Apple cider vinegar really is a cure-all, and has been used for centuries to cure health ailments. Here’s a few ways you can make the most out of this liquid gold today.

1. Ease a sunburn

Not a quick cure for sunburnt skin, but a simple way to ease any discomfort is to add 1 – 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a bath and soak for 10 minutes. Like it does when fighting body odours, the vinegar will help to restore your PH levels and leave your skin feeling fresh and soothed.

2. Calm itchy skin

Utilising its PH altering gifts, apple cider vinegar will calm an itchy skin if applied directly to the problem spot.

3. Clear sinuses

The antibacterial qualities of apple cider vinegar make this liquid a mucous-fighting machine. Mix some water and vinegar and sip to clear your cold and prevent further infection.

4. Soothe a sore throat

Use any left over solution from your sinus clearing drink to soothe your sore throat as well. Simply gargle the mixture at the first sign of discomfort and repeat every hour (or as needed).

5. Fade bruises

Bruises are a unsightly but unavoidable part of life. Utilise the anti-inflammatory effects of the liquid by dabbing it to the bruised skin to ease discolouration and swelling.

6. Relieve a headache with a compress

Apple cider vinegar has a multitude of health applications but is particularly useful when it comes to treating headaches. Pour 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar into a large bowl, and then fill the bowl halfway with boiling water. Place a towel over your head so that it drapes over the bowl, trapping the steam, and hold your face over it. Do this for 5-10 minutes.

7. Acid reflux

Not many people realise by acid reflux typically results from having too little acid in your stomach. You can easily improve the acid content of your stomach by drinking one tablespoon of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water every day.

8. Curb flatulence

ACV is one of the best natural remedies for digestion. You will get almost instant relief from indigestion and gas by mixing up a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of warm to hot water. Sip slowly.

9. Fight diabetes

Several studies have found that vinegar may help to lower glucose levels, making it a beneficial treatment for people with type 2 diabetes. A 2007 study from Arizona State University found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed led to a 4-6 per cent decrease in fasting blood sugar levels.

10. Reduce appetite and cravings

The magic ingredient in all vinegars that can suppress appetite is believed to be acetic acid, which helps to reduce the glycemic index of foods, slowing the rate at which sugars are released into the bloodstream and lessening appetite.

11. Lowers bad cholesterol levels

A 2012 study published in Life Science Journal revealed that consumption of apple cider vinegar over an eight-week period can significantly reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

12. It can help you detox

As part of balancing the body’s pH, ACV creates an overall detoxification of the body. Research shows that it can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver.