Apple Cider Vinegar: Benefits and Uses
Apple Cider Vinegar is all over the internet, almost every other person is talking about its benefits, uses, and whatnot. so let us find out what the buzz is all about.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apples are firstly crushed and their juice is prepared, then comes the fermentation process where yeast ferments the sugar from apple juice and converts it into alcohol. Further fermenting this alcohol and turning it into acetic acid and now apple cider vinegar with Mother is obtained. Only good quality ACV contains a substance called “MOTHER”, which makes it exceptionally beneficial.
NOTE: Acetic Acid is one of the main components of ACV.
What is “MOTHER” in ACV?
Raw and Unfiltered ACV contains the mother. Mother is the thick sticky layer or small particles of yeast and acetic acid bacteria, found floating or sometimes settled at the bottom of ACV. Mother is important because it is loaded with:
1. Enzymes: Enzymes help in the breakdown of food nutrients, which further easily get absorbed in the body.
2. Good bacteria: They help in maintaining gut health.
Uses of ACV
Uses of APPLE CIDER VINEGAR are infinite , but lets discuss few of them
- It may help in Weight Loss:
It works in a way that after a meal rise in glucose level is very low and so is the insulin level So Acetic acid in ACV instead of storing body fat in the body uses it as energy. thereby helping in weight loss. Also, it keeps you full for a longer period by slowing down the digestion of starch.
- It may lower blood sugar levels:
Researchers claimed that ACV increases insulin sensitivity, which means the body starts using blood glucose effectively. Thus, reducing blood sugar levels.
- It may reduce cholesterol:
Antioxidants property in ACV help in reducing LDL (low-density lipoprotein) called bad cholesterol, triglycerides (unwanted fat circulating in the blood), and increasing HDL (high-density lipoprotein) also called good cholesterol. Therefore, maintaining good heart health.
- Improves Digestion:
Organic ACV is loaded with probiotics i.e., healthy bacteria. These healthy bacteria breakdowns the food’s nutrients and simplify the process of food absorption in the body. Probiotics improve gut health and altogether keep digestion on track.
Dosage: For the above 4 benefits dilute 1.5 tsp of ACV in a glass of water and you can have it 15 minutes before the meal.
Some more uses of ACV
- Skin Benefits:
The Antifungal and Antibacterial property of ACV is a boon for the skin.
It is beneficial in skin conditions like Eczema.
It lightens hyperpigmentation.
Fights acne by removing excess oil, dirt, and bacteria from the skin.
It helps in exfoliation.
Balances skin Ph levels.
NOTE: Before applying ACV on the face, always dilute it with water to avoid any negative consequences due to its high acidic level.
- Hair Benefits:
ACV removes dandruff and other accumulated germs from the scalp.
It removes all the mineral deposits from hard water, leaving your hair clean and shiny.
It is beneficial in lice treatment also.
- Food Preserving Agent:
For thousands of years, people use it as a natural food preservant. It is used as a pickling agent to preserve food for a longer period.
- Keeps veggies and greens bacteria-free:
ACV is naturally antimicrobial, which keeps greens, vegetables, and salads bacteria-free and fresh for a longer time.
- Eliminates Yeast growth:
Antifungal property ACV helps in treating yeast infection and other problems related to bacterial or fungal infection.
- Household cleanser:
ACV in water is a great method to clean or mop the house, keeping germs and bacteria away. Using it to clean the kitchen will keep ants away.
CAUTION: Always dilute ACV with water and a maximum of 2tsp is advisable to consume to avoid the following consequences:
- Throat burn
- Skin burns
- Damaged tooth enamel
- Low potassium level
If you are on any medication, consult your doctor before trying anything new.