Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a kitchen staple that comes with a slew of health benefits. It can also be utilized for a wide range of aesthetic, household, and culinary reasons. Cleaning, hair washing, food preservation, and skin function enhancement are just a few of them. Salad dressings, soups, sauces, hot beverages, and other dishes can all benefit from apple cider vinegar. 

Benefits & Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar 

Lowering blood sugar levels 

Apple cider vinegar is said to aid diabetics in controlling their blood sugar levels. According to some research, drinking vinegar after a high-carb meal can improve insulin sensitivity by up to 34% and lower blood sugar levels significantly. 

If you're on diabetes medication, though, you should consult a doctor before using apple cider vinegar.  

To make you lose weight 

When it comes to weight loss, apple cider vinegar is frequently suggested. If you want to lose weight and reduce belly fat, several short-term studies have suggested that drinking apple cider vinegar can help you eat fewer calories, lose weight, and reduce belly fat. 

However, its long-term weight-loss effects are uncertain, and they are likely to be minor unless a person undertakes other dietary and lifestyle adjustments.  

To keep food fresh 

Apple cider vinegar, like other varieties of vinegar, is a good preservative. For thousands of years, people have used vinegar as a pickling agent to preserve foods. It works by raising the acidity of the food, which disables enzymes and kills microorganisms that could cause spoiling. Many recipes for preserving or pickling food with apple cider vinegar may be found online.  

When used as a deodorizer 

Antibacterial activities are known to exist in apple cider vinegar. As a result, apple cider vinegar is frequently said to be able to eradicate odours. 

There isn't any evidence to back up these claims, but you may prepare a deodorising spray by mixing 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1 part water. 

A healthy alternative to odour removers

You may also make a foot soak using apple cider vinegar, water, and Epsom salts, like this one. Destroying odour-causing bacteria may aid in the removal of undesirable foot odour.  

To prepare a salad vinaigrette, combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl

A basic salad dressing, such as this one, is a simple way to use apple cider vinegar. Salad dressings produced at home are often less processed and tastier than store-bought dressings. To prepare an all-purpose cleaner, combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. When looking for a natural alternative to industrial cleaning products, apple cider vinegar is a popular choice. This is due to the fact that it has antibacterial characteristics. You may make a natural all-purpose cleanser by mixing 1 cup of water with half a cup of apple cider vinegar. 

However, some vinegars, like apple cider vinegar, can destroy some bacteria, they aren't as powerful as professional cleaning products at eradicating dangerous bacteria.  

To help with a sore throat 

Common home treatment for sore throats is gargling with apple cider vinegar. It's been suggested that its antibacterial capabilities could aid in the killing of the bacteria that are causing the sore throat. However, there is no evidence to back up this claim. If you try this at home, make sure the vinegar and water are mixed together before gargling. This is due to the fact that apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can induce throat burns if drank undiluted.  

Used as a marinade 

Making a marinade with apple cider vinegar is another method to use it in the kitchen. Apple cider vinegar is really a common ingredient in many steak marinades. This is because it imparts a pleasant sweet-and-sour flavour to the meat. 

To give your steak a great flavour, combine it with wine, garlic, soy sauce, onion, and cayenne pepper.  

Fruit and vegetable washing 

Many people are concerned about pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables. Some people prefer to wash their fruits and veggies in apple cider vinegar for this reason. It's hoped that it will eliminate more chemical residues than just water. 

Although it's unclear whether it will remove more pesticides than merely washing with water, it could aid in the killing of any harmful bacteria on food. Washing foods in vinegar, for example, has been demonstrated to eradicate harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.  

Rinse your hair 

A hair rinse made with apple cider vinegar is supposed to eliminate product buildup, untangle the hair, and enhance shine. Make a combination of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 1 part water and apply it to your hair. Before removing it, let it sit for a few minutes. 

Because the vinegar is quite acidic, start with a lesser dilution if you have sensitive skin. 

As a remedy for dandruff 

Diffusing apple cider vinegar and massaging it into your scalp may help you get rid of dandruff. It's unknown how efficient this is, but the notion is that the acid in the vinegar can help block the fungus Malassezia from growing, which can cause dandruff.  

In a hot beverage 

Mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon honey, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in 12 oz (355 ml) hot water as an alternative to hot chocolate or warm tea.  

As a mouth rinse 

Apple cider vinegar is frequently recommended as a healthy alternative to commercial mouthwash. Its antimicrobial characteristics may aid with foul breath, yet no research has been done to see how helpful they are. 

If you want to use apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, make sure you dilute it thoroughly with water (the standard ratio is 1 tablespoon for every cup or 240 ml) because the acidity of the vinegar can harm your teeth.  

Acne treatment 

Anecdotally, dabbing small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar on pimples is said to help get rid of them. Undiluted apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, is highly acidic and can cause skin burns if applied directly to the skin.

To get rid of fleas  

Fleas can be avoided with the use of apple cider vinegar. Spraying your pet with a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part apple cider vinegar is considered to produce an environment where fleas won't want to stay. 

Take Away 

Apple cider vinegar is a multi-purpose home staple with numerous applications. It can be a low-cost and simple solution to a variety of problems in your home.