Health, Skin and Hair care benefits of Apple cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, or cider vinegar, is a vinegar made from fermented apple juice, and used in salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrettes and food preservatives. It is made by crushing apples, then squeezing out the juice. Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, which converts the sugars to alcohol. In a second fermentation step, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria. Acetic acid and malic acid combine to give vinegar its sour taste.

Apple cider vinegar is 94% water and 5% acetic acid with 1% carbohydrates and no fat or protein. In a 100 gram (ml) reference amount, it provides 22 calories, with negligible content of micronutrients. ACV is not only good for health it also contains innumerable benefits for skin care and hair care. For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been used to treat a wide variety of health ailments. It’s also a popular disinfectant and natural preservative. Today, it may be best known as a weight loss aid and a way to help control your blood sugar.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Health

Controls Blood Sugar

The acetic acid in vinegar may block enzymes that help you digest starch. Starchy foods such as bread, pasta, and rice can cause a surge in blood sugar after you eat. So taking apple cider vinegar could lead to a smaller blood sugar spike after starchy meals. To add apple cider vinegar to a meal, try a splash on salads or in marinades, vinaigrettes, and sauces. If you have diabetes and take insulin or prescription drugs,vinegar can interact with diabetes medication so you should talk to your doctor before drinking apple cider vinegar because your potassium levels can drop too much.

Aids in Weight Loss

If you’re trying to lose weight, every little boost can help. And apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss. One small study showed that adding apple cider vinegar to a healthy diet might help people lose more weight. But these findings haven’t been proven with large, controlled studies. That said, some human studies have reported positive effects of ACV on feelings of fullness and helping to lower calorie intake. This combined with balancing blood sugar and reducing insulin levels may explain its perceived effects on weight. For example, a study examining the impact of adding vinegar to a meal based on white bread found the people in the study experienced better satiety and reduced blood glucose and insulin responses.

Fights Against Bacteria

Apple cider vinegar was used for disinfecting wounds and treating fungus back in the day. Still it is a great way to treat and prevent infection because apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria easily. It also inhibits bacteria, like E-coli, from spoiling food so that’s why it’s so often used as a food preservative. It’s also natural and better than artificial preservatives.

Reduces Belly Fat

In animal studies acetic acid has been seen to reduce the accumulation of body fat. The same was seen in a 12 week study of obese men. The men consumed an acetic acid-rich vinegar and were seen to experience a reduction in body weight, BMI, visceral fat, waist circumference and blood triglyceride levels. Findings look promising, but more research is needed.

Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has a high acidity that erodes tooth enamel, which you can’t get back once it wears away. It can also damage your esophagus if you drink it straight. To help prevent these problems, water it down. Add a tablespoon to a mug of warm water. This can cut down on the amount of acid hitting your teeth and throat. It also has some other possible side effects like Lower potassium levels, Interactions with medicines, Nausea and vomiting etc.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin

Many claim ACV can help eczema and acne, fade fine lines, and make skin appear brighter and more youthful. ACV has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can help kill bacteria and yeast on the skin related to conditions like acne, eczema, and dandruff. It contains citric acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA) used to exfoliate, brighten, and smooth, as well as polyphenolic antioxidants, which might help improve the skin’s appearance. From skin brightening and clearing out acne, it is a skin superhero and you really need to make apple cider vinegar a regular part of your skincare. 

Acts as Toner

An apple cider vinegar toner also wipes away all the impurities and harmful bacteria that your cleanser may have left behind. In a spray bottle, combine one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water. Shake the contents together until they blend into one another. Your toner is ready. Wash your face using an oil-based cleanser followed by your usual face wash. Take this mixture on a cotton pad and wipe it all over your face and neck. Alternatively, you can even spray it directly on your face and allow it to sink in for about a minute.

Reduces Sunburn

Since apple cider vinegar restores your skin’s pH levels, it works quickly to reverse some of the damage caused by overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Start with well-diluted ACV. While you can use the bath method we mentioned above to soothe your sunburn, you can also douse a mixture with a washcloth and apply directly onto your sunburned skin.

Fights blackheads and acne

Apple cider vinegar, which has antibacterial assets, can also be mixed with baking soda and water to exfoliate and help diminish blackheads. Mix raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar with filtered water in a bowl. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it on the affected skin. Leave it for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Reapply a few times daily for a few days to see the result.

Soothe and Exfoliate Skin

Apple cider vinegar will soothe your skin and will leave it soft and supple. Its alpha hydroxyl acid removes the dead skin cells and reveals healthy new skin cells. Pour some apple cider vinegar in a bathtub of warm water. Be in there for 15-20 minutes. Allow the protective acid to soak into your skin. Follow this routine to maintain the pH levels of your skin. 

Improves Hyperpigmentation

Malic acid in apple cider vinegar may help clear up any hyperpigmentation issues like dark spots. Malic acid is known for its ability to decrease the production of melanin, it is what gives the skin its pigmentation. Therefore, malic acid is great at improving hyperpigmentation.

How to use on skin

Due to its high acidity, Apple cider vinegar should be diluted before a person applies it to the skin.For treating acne, apply the solution directly to acne spots, before rinsing it off. If the skin feels dry or irritated after using an Apple cider vinegar solution, stop using it and try a different treatment. Some people believe Apple cider vinegar can soothe sunburn. Soak some cotton wool in a diluted solution of Apple cider vinegar and water. Gently apply this solution to the sunburn.

Apple Cider Vinegar on Hair

Not only did they weigh in on Apple cider vinegar’s beauty claims but they also dished on who could most benefit from adding it to their hair care routine

Acts against Itchiness and Scalp Infections

The antimicrobial qualities of apple cider vinegar make it effective against fungi and bacteria that cause scalp infections. Regular use of apple cider vinegar for hair wash can help you heal your scalp and become itch-free.

Protects Hair Colour

Apple cider vinegar smooths and seals the hair cuticle, making it ideal for reaching high shine levels. The enzymes from the fermented apple close and smooth the hair cuticle, the protective layer that locks in vital lipids, proteins, and moisture. Doing this will restore condition and shine, plus even prevent color pigment loss if your hair is color-treated.

It Can Reduce Hair Loss & Repair Breakage

Apple cider vinegar has the ability to balance our scalp’s pH and effectively clear any inflammation within our hair follicles, overall the ingredient is working to reduce hair loss. ACV is strengthening our strands through use overtime and bringing more balance to our scalp, therefore less stress is put on the area. 

Reduces Dandruff

Alpha-hydroxy acid, present in apple cider vinegar, is an exfoliant that cleans up scalp and reduces dandruff.

How to use Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is slightly acidic, when it’s mixed with two to three parts water it may extend the life of hair color, but only when applied right after the color is rinsed off. You can experiment to find a dilution that works best for you and your hair type, but in general, the following steps to start working with ACV.

1. Mix five parts water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray your scalp well and see that it is evenly coated.
3. Massage the vinegar into clean hair with your fingers. It doesn’t cause any burn if it is diluted correctly.
4. Allow the vinegar mixture to sit for two to five minutes and rinse your hair and scalp with cool water. until you’re sure all the product is drained.
5. Follow this rinse with a light conditioner, nothing that will weigh down your hair.

However apple cider vinegar has a wide range of benefits, it has to be used in a limited quantity with proper knowledge. It is good to consult a doctor before starting using ACV, if you are using any medications or having any kind of allergies.