It’s no secret that all-natural solutions to everyday issues have been trending in the last few years. Between charcoal masks and kombucha, it seems there are constantly new ways to naturally heal your gut, your skin, or to help you lose weight. However, there are a few natural remedies that have withstood the test of time. Their benefits have been researched for years, and they are now household staples. One of these is apple cider vinegar (ACV).
Many of the benefits of apple cider vinegar exist due to the way that it is created. In the fermentation process of apple cider healthy enzymes and probiotics are formed, while small amounts of sugar remain. Because of this, apple cider vinegar is attributed to increasing insulin sensitivity (regulating blood sugar levels), enhancing weight loss, reducing blood pressure, cleaning and whitening teeth, and more.
Apple cider vinegar improves the health of hair, skin, and nails, too. Due to its acidity, it’s well known for drying out pimples, improving dandruff, and killing fungal infections. However, be careful to use apple cider vinegar in moderation. Doctors recommend a 1:10 ratio with water to dilute the potentially harmful affects on teeth, skin, and hair. Too much acid on teeth wears down on enamel and will do more harm than good. For best results with using ACV in your hair to reduce dandruff, mix 1/8 of a cup of apple cider vinegar with ¾ of a cup of water, and add to your hair and scalp after shampooing. And, if you color your hair, apple cider vinegar is not recommended at all. The vinegar can damage or remove the coloring.
For gut health, 1-2 tablespoons a day of apple cider vinegar is shown to provide healthy bacteria to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. If you suffer from indigestion, add a teaspoon of ACV and a teaspoon of honey to a glass of warm water and drink it a half hour before you eat.
Around the home, apple cider vinegar’s anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties can be used a cleaner. Mix equal parts water with ACV to create an all-natural cleaning solution.
Apple cider vinegar is by no means the end-all-be-all for natural remedies. However, it can provide a wide range of benefits for you and your home. Like anything, moderation is key, and you should do research and talk to your doctor before any major lifestyle or diet changes.