Everything You Need to Know About Apple Cider Vinegar
Greater access to information online means that it’s a lot easier to learn about the world around us. Whether you’re active on social media or simply get your news through online portals, you’re probably going to come across what’s trending.
This is especially true for information about health and wellness. With growing concerns over health and a growing body of information, it’s easier than ever to learn about natural remedies and modern health solutions.
Previously, we wrote about ‘The Top 4 Weight Loss Minerals’ including basic facts and where to find them. In the same vein, today we’ll talk about the growing popularity of apple cider vinegar, and what it can do for you.
Powerful Home Remedy
Apple cider vinegar has gained a lot of ground in recent years due to its versatility and effectiveness. Despite its unassuming look, it has several surprisingly effective benefits that can do wonders for your quality of life.
One common ailment that ACV is well-equipped to handle is dandruff. Dr. Neil Sadick of Sadick Dermatology says that ACV has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and acidic properties that can restore the natural pH of the scalp and kill off dandruff-causing bacteria. A simple rinse with diluted ACV can offer relief for an itchy scalp, as well as natural exfoliation.
Great for Your Skin
The pH of the skin on our faces is around 5.5, meaning that it’s also naturally acidic. However, that pH can change according to thins like pollution, oil production, and even water.
Insider tested a natural ACV toner for a couple of weeks and found that while the smell was difficult to bear, it was overall effective in reducing acne and adding a healthy glow to the skin. Apple cider vinegar toners should be well diluted with at least one part water to one part ACV, to prevent your skin from getting too acidic and dry.
Not for Acid Reflux
Although ACV has a ton of different applications, especially on the home remedy front, it’s important to differentiate between old wives’ tales and scientific facts. One oft-cited ACV home remedy is that it can help reduce the effects of acid reflux, also known as heartburn.
According to Brightcore’s article on ACV, there are no scientific studies that back up its use as a treatment for acid reflux. Apple cider vinegar is still acidic, and taking too much acid can actually make your acid reflux worse. However, while it might not be the best thing for heartburn, ACV still has a ton of other uses that can benefit you, especially when taken in a less acidic supplement form.
Can Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Almost half a billion people around the world have diabetes, and over 1.6 million deaths can be attributed per year to diabetes alone. Given the way modern lifestyles predispose us to prediabetes and diabetes, it’s more important than ever that we keep our blood sugar at manageable levels.
Apple cider vinegar is surprisingly great for this. Everyday Health notes that taking ACV, whether diluted or in supplement form, can help slow down the conversion of complex carbohydrates into glucose in the bloodstream. Put simply, taking ACV can help lower your blood sugar levels, helping you avoid all the dangerous effects of blood sugar spikes.
Aids in Digestion
Apple cider vinegar can play a pretty important role when it comes to digestion. Although it’s not the ultra-powerful digestive aid that many say it is, Dr. Nadia Khan of Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital says that it can probably help.
ACV is fermented, so it contains important probiotics and yeasts that can aid in digestion. It should definitely be taken in moderation, however, so if you want to take it for temporary relief, be sure to dilute it properly with water to reduce its acidic effects.
