Energy
Boost: Apple cider vinegar contains potassium and enzymes to help
banish fatigue. Plus, its amino acids may help prevent the buildup of lactic
acid in your body, further preventing fatigue.
Vitamins and
minerals in your food: "When your
stomach isn't producing enough acid, this impairs the absorption of nutrients
as well as B6, folate, calcium, and iron," Dr. Kellman explains. Help your
body by ingesting a bit more acid in the form of vinegar, and you'll actually
be able to use all the good stuff you consumed by ordering the side salad
instead of fries.
Lower your blood pressure: Animal studies suggest that drinking
vinegar can lower your blood pressure by a few points. Researchers don't
understand exactly how this works or whether it is equally effective among
humans, but Johnston is pretty confident it can make at least a modest
difference.
Constipation: soluble
Apple cider aids the body in promoting bowel movement. This action is due to
pectin, a water- fiber that adds bulk to stools and therefore promotes bowel
movement. For an effective treatment of constipation, add 2 tablespoons of
apple cider into a glass of water, and drink this mixture three times a day.
Mix with apple juice or grape juice to make it more palatable.
Age
spots: Blend and drain an onion in a bowl, and mix with an equal amount of
apple cider. Apply with a cotton swab dipped in the mixture over the spots. Or,
drink a mixture of a few drops of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and
add honey as sweetener.
Weight
loss: This cider has been used in traditionally as a weight loss agent
and studies have proven that indeed, it does! A study conducted in 2006 obese
Japanese reported a modest decrease in weight and decrease in appetite with
intake of 30 ml of apple cider vinegar leading to the conclusion that it might
reduce obesity.
Kills bad breath: You might have heard that the antibacterial
properties of vinegar can kill microorganisms responsible for bad breath — and
in theory, this is true. However, Johnston warns, "it's no more effective
than any other antibacterial agents, and there are better products designed for
this purpose."
Acne:
Apple cider kills bacteria, helps balance skin pH, and absorbs excessive oil
from our skin. Use one part vinegar in 3-4 parts water. Apply to the skin using
cotton swab and leave for ten minutes then rinse. Use three times a day.
For severe cases of acne, leave on the skin overnight.
Diabetes: The
most studied of the many uses of apple cider vinegar. Studies have reported
apple cider vinegar to decrease blood glucose levels in patients with type 2
diabetes. One study in 2004 reported apple cider to have similar activity as
metformin or acarbose, both antidiabetic drugs.
Fruit
and Veggie Wash: Vinegar is one of the best natural agents for
removing certain pesticides and bacteria from your fresh produce. Try a
solution of 10 percent vinegar to 90 percent water as a bath to briefly soak
produce. Just place your veggies or fruit in the solution, swish them around,
and rinse thoroughly (don't use this process on fragile fruits like berries
since they could be damaged in the process or soak up too much vinegar through
their porous skins).
