Apple cider vinegar is essentially vinegar made from fermented apple juice, created by crushing apples then squeezing out the juice. While commonly used in food, there are also some proven benefits – both with health and around your home.
Studies have found apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss, reduce cholesterol, lower blood sugar and improve symptoms of diabetes.
Apple cider vinegar can also be used to clean your home, with a number of antibacterial properties.
An equal parts water and apple cider vinegar solution creates an all-purpose cleaner that can be used around your home.
For seven surprising benefits of apple cider vinegar, read on below.
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1. Relieves heartburn
Heartburn or acid reflux can be an uncomfortable feeling, often triggering a burning sensation in the chest.
You can buy tablets to combat heartburn, however, if you want to try a natural method some people swear by apple cider vinegar to alleviate symptoms.
However, there are no studies which show the benefits of apple cider vinegar on acid reflux as yet.
If you want to give it a go, you can drink apple cider vinegar.
Mix one to two tablespoons (15–30 ml) with water before or after meals.
2. Improves digestion
Similarly, drinking apple cider vinegar can help increase hydrochloric acid (HCL) in your stomach – which can aid digestion.
HCL helps to break down proteins and absorb carbohydrates, fats and vitamins.
Boosting HCL this can help balance stomach acid, and prevent reflux.
3. Promotes bladder health
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be painful and intrusive, causing a burning sensation when you urinate and causing you to go to the bathroom more often.
One widely touted remedy for UTIs is apple cider vinegar, which contains potassium.
Potassium can stop the growth of the bacteria which causes UTIs, and the acetic acid in ACV can kill bad bacteria.
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4. Brightens skin
While there are no scientific studies that prove the benefits of ACV on skin, many swear by it for brightening, toning and treating eczema.
However, apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, which is often used to exfoliate, bright and smooth skin.
You should always test a small area before using ACV on your skin, to make sure it is suitable.
To make a facial toner with ACV, mix one tablespoon of ACV into two cups of water.
Apply using a cotton ball, gently sweeping over the skin and then rinse.
5. Cleans your home
As mentioned above, apple cider vinegar is often used around the home to clean.
A mixture of ACV and water can remove bacteria, shift stains and leave fresh surfaces behind.
Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar to create an all-purpose cleaner which can be used around your home.
6. Kills weeds
While many of us may not think of using apple cider vinegar in the garden, it can be a formidable weed killer.
The acidity of ACV can kill weeds at the root, preventing any spreading and making it easy to remove them.
Look for ACV with a higher acetic acid content, which can be found at garden supply stores.
Often, one usage of ACV can be enough to kill weeds outright.
7. Unclogs drains
Blocked drains can be smelly, cause all manner of problems and can be costly to shift.
You can use ACV to help shift blockages, with baking soda and hot water.
First, pour half a cup of baking soda into your drain, and follow with one cup of apple cider vinegar.
This will foam up, leave to sit for a few minutes.
Then pour a kettle full of hot water down the drain, followed by cold water.
Source: Daily Express
