Apple cider vinegar has been used in the culinary world and for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. It’s made by combining apples with yeast to create alcohol, which is then fermented into acetic acid by added bacteria. Apple cider vinegar also contains water, vitamins, minerals, and trace amounts of other acids. Apple cider vinegar is fermented twice – once to make alcoholic cider and a second time to make it vinegar. Also, it has been proven to be of wonder to hairstylists especially of the natural hair community, as it helps to balance the pH of the hair and scalp, combats fungal and bacterial infection in the hair, clarifies and exfoliate the hair and so much more. 
While apple cider vinegar has tons of benefits, it can offer in;

• Aiding weight loss 

• Reducing cholesterol 

• Lowering blood sugar levels 

• Improving the symptoms of diabetes

HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

This almost-magical vinegar can do many things for your health.  Drinking apple cider vinegar can help achieve a lot of results which can be very interesting to note and the following are some of the benefits.

DRINKING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR WEIGHT LOSS 

Apple cider vinegar has been used as an aid in weight loss for ages. There are several studies that have concluded using apple cider vinegar for weight loss actually works. They also found it works even without dietary changes. However, when drinking apple cider combined with a healthy lifestyle, the results are truly impressive. Apple cider vinegar increases satiety (your feeling of fullness) and that’s very helpful for staying on track with your healthy diet. Especially at the beginning of your weight loss journey when you need a little bit of help to start and to stay on track. 

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND DIABETES

Apple cider vinegar is great in diabetes prevention. So, if you have a family history of diabetes, you should consider drinking apple cider vinegar to decrease the risk. However, this should not replace medication. A healthy diet and exercise are always recommended for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes and take insulin or prescription drugs, you should talk to your doctor before drinking apple cider vinegar because your potassium levels can drop too much.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR HELPS WITH DIGESTION

Drinking apple cider vinegar for digestion can get rid of heartburn, reduce bloating, and improve digestion overall. When we experience pain and discomfort after a meal, it maybe we ate too much or maybe our digestive system doesn’t work properly. Proper digestion means proper acid levels in the stomach so the nutrients in our food can be absorbed. When there’s not enough acid, food is not properly broken down and the nutrients are not assimilated which can lead to digestive issues so drinking apple cider vinegar for digestion means increasing acid production. And that leads to proper digestion.

USING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR SKIN AND HAIR

Apple cider vinegar can also improve skin appearance and hair health. Apple cider vinegar is great for skin and hair because:

• treats and reduces the prevalence of acne;
• treats and soothes sunburn;
• has anti-aging properties;
• improves hair health;
• combats hair tangles;
• reduces hair frizz;
• seals the hair cuticles and help the hair to retain moisture;
• treats dandruff.

it’s important to note it is not recommended to apply apple cider vinegar to the skin without diluting it in water first.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND CANCER

it has been discovered that apple cider vinegar can help in cancer prevention because it promotes health. There are many factors and causes for cancer and we still have a long way to go in terms of prevention and treatment but, what we do know is apple cider vinegar can reduce the risk of cancer and can slow down cancer cell growth. But that being said it shouldn’t replace treatment for cancer.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR KILLS BACTERIA

Apple cider vinegar is a great way to treat and prevent infection because apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria easily. It also inhibits bacteria, like E-coli, from spoiling food so that’s why it’s so often used as a food preservative. It’s also natural and better than artificial preservatives. 

HOW TO DRINK APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

• You can put a 1 to 2 table spoons of apple vinegar and mix in water

• using it in various recipes including salad dressing recipes and marinade recipes.

• making an apple cider vinegar tonic by mixing apple cider vinegar with lemon juice – 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar added to a glass of fruit juice. Drinking apple cider vinegar is easier this way. You won’t notice the taste as much but you’ll get all the health benefits of apple cider. Plus the benefits of fruit juice.

HOW MUCH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SHOULD I DRINK DAILY?

This is important. Because you don’t want to overdo it. The common dosage per day is 15-30 ml. Basically, 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar – mixed with water or made into a tonic or added to a salad dressing. Preferably it’s advisable to start with a tablespoon and then increase to 2 tablespoons if you don’t notice any side effects.  It can be quite strong at first, so you’ll want to get used to it. As a reminder, drinking apple cider vinegar without diluting it is not at all recommended because apple cider vinegar is acidic and it can cause:

• tooth decay and weaken tooth enamel;
• low potassium levels – when drinking more apple cider vinegar than recommended or when you already have low potassium levels;
• indigestion – too much apple cider vinegar can cause indigestion;
• digestive problems – for someone who has ulcers or acid reflux, apple cider vinegar will only worsen the symptoms.
• skin burns – apple cider vinegar can soothe sunburn but if you apply it to the skin undiluted it can burn your skin. For treating acne, make sure you add only a little bit of apple cider vinegar in water before applying it to the skin. For sunburn – use 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into your bath water.