The saying “an apple a day, keeps the doctor away” is well known and many of our parents used it to help convince us to eat fruit every day. But it would seem that if you opt for apple cider vinegar you can get even more benefits.
Apple cider vinegar is a vinegar created by the fermentation of apples. It has a lovely golden colour and although still strongly acidic in smell, the apple fragrance comes though, and is therefore often used in salad dressings and marinades for added flavour.
Many health benefits of apple cider vinegar have been investigated, and although further research needs to be done in order to have the complete picture, here are some of the most popular uses.
Please note: this is not medical advice, always consult your doctor. It is advisable to consume a maximum of 30ml per day.
Weight loss: There are studies that show that having a spoon of apple cider vinegar may help you feel fuller for longer and therefore eat fewer calories, aiding in weight loss. However, it is shown that a single action is seldom the best approach. Focussing on a generally better lifestyle will give best long-term results.
Controlling blood sugar and cholesterol: There are promising studies that shows that including apple cider vinegar in your diet can lower your blood sugar after a meal, improve insulin sensitivity and even lower cholesterol. However, too much apple cider vinegar can lead to abnormally low potassium levels, especially when combined with certain diabetes medicine.
Washing fruit and vegetables: Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial properties, so washing kitchen counters and your produce in a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar is a good way to have a safe cooking environment. As an added bonus you are also likely to have less fruit flies around the kitchen.
One of the best ways to include apple cider vinegar in your diet is by making salad dressing. You could also make your own mayonnaise or marinades using apple cider vinegar instead of normal vinegar. Should you want to start your day with it as a beverage, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water is a common recipe.
Other possible uses:
Using vinegar in the water when boiling or poaching eggs can help the egg white solidify quicker, which means the egg will keep its shape better. Especially useful if an egg cracks while boiling.
Hair rinse (diluted in water) for shine and help with dandruff.
Skin toner (heavily diluted) for possible help with acne (do not use on broken skin).
For a natural all-purpose cleaner, mix a cup of water with half a cup of apple cider vinegar.
Undiluted apple cider vinegar can work as a weedkiller on some weeds.
As with any home remedy, be careful of overuse, and rather err on the side of caution. Always consult a medical professional if you are taking medication.
