6 Amazing Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
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Apple cider vinegar (ACV) isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of natural beauty products. However, ACV has long been known as a powerful aid for beauty, wellness and natural living. Hippocrates was prescribing vinegar to his patients as early as the 4th century BC. Today, apple cider vinegar is going through a bit of a revival as more people catch on to the beauty benefits of apple cider vinegar for skin and hair, as well as for overall health. People are finding that using this type of vinegar, both externally and internally, can have a huge impact on how you look and feel.
Apple cider vinegar comes from a double fermentation process that leaves a strong tasting liquid, chock full of health promoting nutrients. These include over a dozen minerals, plus vitamins, essential amino acids, and enzymes that have benefits as both an internal medicine and an external antiseptic. Due to the fact that vinegar does contain acid, doctors recommend small doses. You can also use it as an all natural agent to clean surfaces and to help freshen laundry... bonus!
Healthy Weight & Blood Sugar Management
A few studies from Japan, Arizona State University, and elsewhere indicate that small doses of apple cider vinegar can help people trying to control weight or blood sugar. Those with type 2 diabetes especially achieve noticeable results. Vinegar seems to mimic the insulin stimulating action of three major diabetes drugs while also slowing the absorption of sugars into the system.
A Great Source of Antioxidants for Ageless Benefits
Antioxidants can play a strong role in maintaining good health and staving off chronic disease. They help cells in the body fight the degrading effects of free radicals. Studies have linked free radicals to cancer, heart disease, and other life threatening ailments. Free radicals also speed the ageing process. Experts agree that natural sources of antioxidants, such as apple cider vinegar, give the body the best chance to use fight off the detrimental health and beauty effects of these substances.
It Makes a Great Hair Rinse
Chemical-based hair and scalp products, especially shampoo, disrupt the natural pH level of hair. They strip away natural oils called sebum, which protect both the hair and scalp against fungi that can cause dandruff and other conditions. The acetic acid that composes apple cider vinegar has a pH level close to that of human hair. Rinsing hair with apple cider vinegar helps to restore the natural pH balance, protecting your hair and scalp.
Apple cider vinegar can also remove buildup from sprays, gels, and other hair products that remove the natural lustre from hair. Apply the vinegar, leave in for three minutes, then rinse thoroughly to get all that gunk off your hair and scalp. Mix with an essential oil such as Rosemary or Lavender for a softer more heavenly scent.
Finally, apple cider vinegar stimulates blood flow to the scalp and cuticles. Improved blood flow brings needed nutrients to the follicles and hair. This may have the effect of slowing down or stopping hair loss in men and women.
To create an apple cider vinegar hair rinse, follow these directions:
- Blend one cup of water with two to four tablespoons of vinegar.
- After a thorough shampoo and rinse, slowly pour the vinegar rinse over your entire scalp, allowing it to run down the length of your hair (being careful not to get it in your eyes).
- Massage the rinse into the scalp. This may stimulate circulation and hair growth.
- After three minutes, rinse out the vinegar.
Touch Up Those Bath Towels
Most people have experienced this problem... At some point bath towels, even when clean, can develop a mildew like odour. No thank you! Add a cup of apple cider vinegar and detergent to a load of towels, sheets, or any clothes. Stop the wash cycle when the washer fills and let the vinegar soak into the fabric for about 15 minutes. Then start the cycle and let it proceed as normal.
Preventing Infections
When Hippocrates practiced medicine almost 2,500 years ago, he did not know about bacteria. He understood, however, that treating wounds with vinegar prevented infections later on. Apple cider vinegar in the environment inhibits or even prevents the growth of bacteria. Experts suggest that when used in air humidifiers, it could help prevent sinus infections. Ingesting it regularly could also reduce the chance of urinary tract infections. Also, Hippocrates used vinegar correctly when diluting with water to treat wounds.
Doctors warn that apple cider vinegar is best used as a preventative treatment. It will not cure infections. Existing infections require antibiotics prescribed by a physician.
Use It as an Inexpensive Surface Cleaner
Preventing infection and illness rank among the most important benefits of apple cider vinegar. A tidy home provides an important line of defense against household illness. Diluting apple cider vinegar with water in a spray bottle produces an effective and inexpensive surface cleaner. The more natural scent, compared to bleach, also makes apple cider vinegar an excellent choice for day to day cleaning.
It's remarkable how much impact simple, natural ingredients can have on our appearance, as well as our wellbeing. Have fun trying out the many benefits of apple cider vinegar. Use it with some of our high-quality, natural skincare products and you have a wonderful foundation for toxin-free living and the marvelously gorgeous skin that comes with it.
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Anna Mitsios
Anna is a certified naturopath and nutritionist and founder of leading Australian natural skincare and wellness company, Edible Beauty Australia. Anna has been featured in various publications including Mind Body Green, Women’s Health and Allure. She is committed to the natural transformation of her client’s skin using proven botanicals, nutrients and herbal formulations, both on the inside and out.
Anna’s career began in the corporate sector, where she specialised in corporate finance and private banking for over ten years working in Sydney and New York for a large Australian bank. Anna’s career change was sparked by her own health journey, following a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at 18 years of age. Her diagnosis triggered her intense study of botanicals and nutrition to manage auto-immune condition and assist others in attaining optimal health. Anna’s naturopathy career has included working as a naturopath within a reputable natural fertility clinic in Sydney, within a pharmacy and health food store and running her own naturopathy practice.
Amazing! I knew a lot about it already, but indeed there is many more benefits to this miracle product. My Mum used it as a rinse for hair, and if infused with lavender, hair actually smells nice.
Hélène on Oct 12, 2020
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