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Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made by crushing apples, adding yeast, and then adding sugar. Vinegar is commonly used in cooking as an ingredient in salad dressings, pickles, and marinades.

It’s been found that apple cider vinegar has some benefits for health, like reducing blood sugar levels or helping with weight loss. Although there is not significant scientific proof that ACV has health benefits there is anecdotal evidence.  Anecdotal evidence is personal testimonies that support an idea that are not backed up by scientific evidence.  ACV, or apple cider vinegar is usually safe to use as long as it is used correctly. 

Types of Apple Cider Vinegar

In fermentation, sugar is converted into alcohol (cider) and then into vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is made by allowing apple sugar to turn into alcohol (cider) and then vinegar through the process of fermentation. The yeast in the mixture turns the sugar in the apple juice into alcohol after a few weeks. The alcohol in vinegar is broken down into acetic acid by natural bacteria, which gives it its tangy taste and odor.

The type of ACV you usually find in the grocery store is the clear, pasteurized, and filtered kind. Even though this is healthier than drinking soda, it’s not raw and doesn’t have the probiotic benefits. You can also buy raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains a sediment that is not clear. This substance, referred to as “the mother,” is composed of settled bacteria and yeast.

Some people attribute ACV’s health benefits to its mother. This food is also thought to contain small amounts of probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that are good for gut health. There is no evidence to suggest that the mother provides any health benefits.The acetic acid in ACV is results in the health benefits it has. Other types of vinegar also contain acetic acid.Apple cider vinegar is also available in pills, powders, and gummies. There is little evidence to suggest that these supplements are effective. You can’t be sure of what is in dietary supplements because the FDA does not regulate them. 

Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

People also use apple cider vinegar for purposes that haven’t been researched as much, or haven’t been shown to be effective. Some of these uses include:

1. Lower blood pressure

A study showed that ACV could help with high blood pressure in rats. But no studies done in humans back this up. High blood pressure can be a serious condition. So medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle are essential.

2. Ease acid reflux

ACV is a popular remedy for heartburn and acid reflux. Many people swear by its effectiveness. But there’s no research to show it’s effective. If you are feeling discomfort, you can ask your doctor if you should try using apple cider vinegar. Start with small amounts, diluted in water.

3. Eczema relief

Some people use ACV to ease their eczema symptoms. But not everyone had the same reaction to the study and some people’s skin was irritated. You should ask your dermatologist if it is safe for you to try using ACV.

Some people use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse to help with dandruff or to remove product buildup. There’s no proof it works for these things. Though ACV does not have direct antibacterial or antifungal agents, it does contain compounds that supports hair health by fighting bacteria and fungi.Apple cider vinegar may help to reduce the negative impacts of hard water. Water that contains a high concentration of these minerals is referred to as “hard water.” Apple cider vinegar may help remove calcium deposits and leave your hair looking shiny when used after shampooing. 
6. To help you feel full

People sometimes recommend apple cider vinegar as a way to lose weight. This is because it may help you feel full. If you are looking to lose weight and reduce belly fat, some short term studies have shown that consuming apple cider vinegar may help you eat fewer calories.

The long-term effects of this are unknown, but it’s not likely to help much with weight loss unless other dietary and lifestyle changes are also made.

7. To preserve food

Apple cider vinegar is just as effective as other types of vinegar when it comes to preserving food. Vinegar has been used as a pickling agent to preserve foods for thousands of years.

The device causes the food to become more acidic, which in turn deactivates the enzymes and kills any bacteria that could potentially cause spoilage. There are many ways to preserve food using apple cider vinegar that can be found online.

8. As a deodorizer

Apple cider vinegar is known to have antibacterial properties. Since apple cider vinegar is effective at removing bad smells, it is often used for this purpose.

Try by mixing one part apple cider vinegar with one part water to create a deodorizing spray.

Apple cider vinegar can also be mixed with water and Epsom salts to create a foot soak. This may help to reduce foot odor by preventing the growth of bacteria that cause odor.

9. To make a salad vinaigrette

You can make a simple salad dressing with apple cider vinegar by following this recipe.

Mix together: 1/2 cup oil, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp sugar, 3 tablespoons ACV, 1/4 tsp pepper.

You can make your own salad dressings at home that are less processed than store-bought dressings, and they usually taste better as well.

10. To make an all-purpose cleaner

Many people choose to use apple cider vinegar instead of commercial cleaning agents because it is a natural alternative. This is because of its antibacterial properties.

To make an all-purpose cleaner, mix together 1 cup of water and half a cup of apple cider vinegar.

It is important to note that although vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, can kill some bacteria, it is not as effective at killing harmful bacteria as commercial cleaning agents.

11. To soothe a sore throat

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for sore throats. People often gargle with it to soothe their throats.

It is widely believed that the natural antibacterial properties could help to eliminate the bacteria that might be causing a sore throat.

Make sure to dilute the vinegar with water before gargling, if you try this at home. Apple cider vinegar is stomach-acid-like and can cause throat burns when ingested undiluted.

 

12. As a facial toner

Apple cider vinegar is said to help with skin conditions and aging, although there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Many people use apple cider vinegar as a skin tonic.

The general rule is to mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water. After you have cleansed your face, you can take this product and apply it to your skin using a cotton pad. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to make a solution that is more diluted by adding more water.

Stop using if your skin becomes irritated.

13. To trap fruit flies

Fruit flies can be eliminated by using a trap made from apple cider vinegar. Place apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a cup and wait for the trapped flies to sink.

14. To boil better eggs

If you want to produce good eggs, add vinegar to the water you use to boil or poach them. Egg whites firm up more quickly when exposed to more acidic liquids.

When poaching eggs, it is desirable for the egg whites to solidify rapidly so that the eggs maintain their shape.

Adding vinegar to the water when boiling eggs can make the egg whites clot, or come together, faster. If the shell cracks while the egg is being boiled, this can be useful.

15. As a marinade

Apple cider vinegar can also be used to make a marinade. Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient in steak marinades.

Steak can be made more delicious by combining ACV with wine, garlic, soy sauce, onion, and cayenne pepper.

16. To wash fruits and vegetables

Pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables can be a concern for many people.

Some people like to wash their fruits and vegetables in apple cider vinegar to get rid of any pesticide residues that may be on them. The hope is that the product will remove more of the chemical residues than water alone.

Although it’s not entirely clear whether it will remove more pesticides than simply washing with water, vinegar may help kill any dangerous bacteria on food. Soaking food in vinegar has been shown to remove bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.

17. To clean dentures

To clean your dentures with apple cider vinegar, simply soak them in a cup of vinegar for 30 minutes. There is no one agreed-upon best way to clean your teeth, but some people think that using apple cider vinegar may be less harmful to the skin in your mouth than other methods.

18. As a dandruff treatment

For dandruff, try massaging diluted apple cider vinegar into your scalp.

Although it is not certain how helpful this is, the idea is that the acidic substance in vinegar might help prevent the fungus Malassezia from growing. Malassezia could be one of the causes of dandruff.

19. In a sauce

Apple cider vinegar is a perfect way to add a little bit of tang to your sauce. I like to add ACV to my chili to give it a little extra zip.

20. In soup

If you want your soup to have more flavor, try adding vinegar. If your homemade soup needs more flavor, try adding vinegar to it. Start by adding a little bit of the ingredient and tasting it as you go along until you reach a flavor you like.

21. To treat acne

Apply small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar to pimples is said to be an effective way to get rid of them. However, pure apple cider vinegar is very acidic and can cause burns if applied directly to the skin.

22. To get rid of warts

Apple cider vinegar is believed to be a natural way to get rid of warts. The acidic nature of vinegar is likely effective for removing warts from skin. Although this method is very effective, it is also very painful. Some people who have tried it have required a local anesthetic.

23. To get rid of fleas

Apple cider vinegar may help to keep fleas off your pet.

It is believed that if you mix one part water with one part apple cider vinegar and spray it on your pet, the acidity will make it an unsuitable environment for fleas.

 

Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Adding ACV to your meals is a safe and tasty way to add some excitement to them. This herb can be used to add flavor to sauces, stews, salad dressings, and marinades.

Apple cider vinegar can also be diluted in hot or cold water to drink. Some people drink ACV before or after meals, or before going to bed.

How much should you take if you start with an ACV pill, tablet, power, or gummy? Follow the package directions for the specific brand you are using, as dosages may vary by brand.

The best option is to choose brands that have a Banned Substances Control Group (BSCG), Informed Choice, ConsumerLab, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF Certified for Sport, or NSF International stamp.

If your doctor tells you it’s okay to try apple cider vinegar for your eczema, do a small test on a patch of skin first. Test a small area of your skin with apple cider vinegar to see if you have any reaction before using it on a larger area. You could then try it in:

A bath

Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a tub of lukewarm water. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to rinse your body well with cool water, and don’t forget to moisturize with a scent-free lotion afterwards!

A wet wrap

Mix 1 cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of ACV together to create a solution. Soak clean gauze or cotton fabric in the solution. Soak some cloths in water and then put them on your skin. Cover the wet cloths with a layer of dry cotton fabric. Leave them on for 3 hours or overnight.

When you add water to ACV, it becomes less intense and won’t be as harsh on your scalp and skin. You can mix ACV with water in a 1:1 ratio, or add 2-4 tablespoons to 2 cups of water, depending on what beauty websites you consult. It’s probably safest to start with a weaker solution. 

Dosages for Apple Cider Vinegar

There are no official dosage suggestions for apple cider vinegar because there is still a lot to learn about it. But some studies have given clues about the amount of apple cider vinegar that may help with certain health conditions:

Weight control

The study found that people who drank ACV before meals lost more weight than those who didn’t. The experts say that amount should be safe for the majority of people.

Blood sugar and cholesterol control
The study participants who took apple cider vinegar after their meals saw an improvement.
Acid reflux
A tablespoon or two of ACV in a glass of water may help with your acid reflux. It’s unlikely to make your condition worse. 

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar can be used for cleaning, cooking, and even as a beauty product. Do-it-yourself home improvement can save you money and be a way to fix many things in your home.

 

 

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