The Magic of Apple Cider Vinegar

by Maria Harpas | May 6, 2015 | General Health Information

Apple cider vinegar is an inexpensive go-to product which seems to be all of the rage lately! So, What is all the fuss about? Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is organic fermented apple juice which is left raw, unfiltered and unpasteurised in order to maintain its beneficial bacteria forming colony, known as the ‘mother’. This ‘mother’ is formed by cloudy strings of trace minerals, beneficial enzymes, and pectin. Pectin encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria which is vital for good gut health.

Apple Cider Vinegar can be added to salads and vegetable dressings, instead of lemon or balsamic vinegar, or in addition too! Drink it straight, apply it on your skin, pop it in your garden, it is just so versatile. Here are 8 of our favorite benefits of this magical vinegar!

Apple Cider Vinegar, What is it Good For?

1. Enhance Digestion:

Apple cider vinegar is beneficial in detoxifying the digestive system and eliminating toxins from the body. It also aids in lowering the pH of the stomach in people who suffer from Gastro Oesophageal Reflux (GORD). It is best used in the morning on waking before breakfast by placing two teaspoons into a glass of warm water and sipping. Use a straw to avoid tooth enamel damage.

2. Improves Insulin function and decreases Blood Glucose Levels:

ACV has been shown to have numerous benefits for insulin function and blood sugar levels:

Insulin sensitivity is improved during a high-carb meal and blood glucose and insulin responses are reduced significantly. (1)
Reduces blood sugar when eating 50 grams of white bread (2).
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bedtime can reduce fasting blood sugars (3).
Numerous other studies, in both rats and humans, show that vinegar can increase insulin sensitivity and significantly lower blood sugar responses during meals (4, 5,6,7,8,9,10)

For these reasons, vinegar can be useful for people with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 1 and 2 diabetes, and for those who wish to prevent blood sugar spikes.

If you’re currently taking blood sugar lowering medications, then maintain regular blood glucose levels and review this with your medical and nutritional practitioner before increasing your intake of apple cider vinegar.

3. Removing Tough and Pesky Warts

Instead of heading to the chemist for OTC wart treatments, reach for a bottle of ACV. Immerse a cotton ball in vinegar and tape it over the wart securing it with Elastoplast tape. It may sting for a short time but the enzymes in the vinegar will kill the wart causing it to turn black and fall off within a week or two. You may want to use a barrier cream around the wart to protect the surrounding skin.

4. Weed Exterminator

For those who are trying to eliminate toxic garden sprays, fill a spray bottle with straight ACV to banish weeds, like dandelions, from your healthy, green lawn or vegetable patch.

5. Healthy Mouth & Gums

Yes, apple cider vinegar will banish bad breath and coffee stains, but on a deeper level, the enzymes will also aid in the healing of bleeding gums, gum decay, and mouth infections. Simply gargle with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. You can even swallow this form of mouthwash if you want the digestive benefits. Just be sure to brush your teeth right after to avoid acid wear.

6. Soothe Nasty Stings

Bees, wasps, lice, and even jelly fish stings can be treated with first aid by applying a few drops of undiluted apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball and applied directly to the area will soothe the pain and swelling almost instantly. The natural acids in the vinegar will neutralise the venom and provide almost instant relief by inhibiting further toxins from being released into your skin.

7. Natural Skin Toner

The key to glowing skin can be as easy as a bottle of apple cider vinegar used as a toner. Use 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water and apply in the am and at bed time to deter acne, oily-prone patches skin, blemish scars, and age spots. ACV can be added to a foot soak to expel foot fungus.

8. Ward off Rodents

Are rabbits or rats nibbling up your veggie patch or compost bin? Ward off all sorts of rodents by spraying undiluted apple cider vinegar around the perimeter of trees, flowerbeds, and trash bins.