Five reasons to keep a bottle of apple cider vinegar in your kitchen

Experts have touted the benefits of apple cider vinegar for years. While many health claims such as improved heart health and metabolism have been circulating the internet, here are five old-fashioned uses of the vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar’s long-forgotten benefits

Apple cider vinegar has gained greater popularity in both the medical and aesthetics community due in part to its apparent benefits. Apple cider vinegar has been linked to better blood sugar levels, improved detoxification, and free radical eradication. The vinegar has a long history of use before the advent of modern medicine.

Dandruff remedy – Apple cider vinegar has many antibacterial properties, making it a potent dandruff remedy. Mixing equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water seems to do the trick for most people. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar eliminates dandruff-causing bacteria and fungi in the scalp and prevents them from recurring. It also contains high levels of probiotics. Apple cider vinegar has high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds that prevent scalp inflammation and retain scalp moisture. The vinegar is also useful in opening clogged hair follicles to facilitate hair growth.

Toenail fungus treatment – According to the Mayo Clinic, toenail fungus infection sets in when the pH of the surrounding skin and toenails become more basic or alkaline. The fungus, which triggers symptoms such as toenail discoloration and odor, lives in highly alkaline environment. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may counter this alkalinity and eradicate the fungus. The acid in apple cider vinegar is strong enough to kill the fungus, but still mild enough to be tolerated by the skin. Using apple cider vinegar as a foot bath may help alleviate the infection. The formula for the foot bath would be one part vinegar and one part water. People who do not have the time to concoct the footbath may directly apply two drops of apple cider vinegar on the affected area.

Skin care add-on – The apple cider vinegar’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties make it a potentially effective treatment for acne. The vinegar helps prevent acne by keeping the skin pores free from oil, dust, and bacteria. It helps balance the skin’s pH levels, which play a role in preventing acne breakout. Apple cider vinegar also works as a good skin toner, primarily because of its astringent properties. The vinegar is also high in alpha hydroxy acids, which boost surface blood flow and minimize pore size. Add one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water for an effective skin toner.

Heartburn therapy – Consuming apple cider vinegar mitigate the effects of gastroesophageal acid reflux (GERD), according to a 2016 study. Researchers at the Arizona State University found that raw or unfiltered apple cider vinegar helped relieve GERD symptoms in participants who did not respond well to antacid treatments. However, researchers said the findings warrant further assessment to determine whether apple cider vinegar may significantly improve GERD in patients. One explanation to this, according to health website Wellness Mama, is that apple cider vinegar copies the acidic environment of the stomach, which in turn facilitates food breakdown.

Natural cold remedy – Apple cider vinegar is a natural immune system booster and may help stave off common colds. Adding one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to water helps alkalize the body, which in turn fends off bacteria and viruses. Experts recommend drinking the mixture at the first sign of colds.

yogaesoteric
December 20, 2017