Written by Siddhi Latey (Weloquent)
There are many treasures hidden in our kitchen cabinets that have the powers to heal everyday problems, and replace our pill boxes. Amongst these stand a sour-tasting remedy that has been a reliable kitchen companion for centuries: the apple cider vinegar, resting humbly in a cool, dark corner of your kitchen awaiting your attention.
Popularised again by advocates of good health, the apple cider vinegar is a wellness ingredient that actually lives up to the hype. Renowned for its gazillion health and wellness benefits apple cider vinegar also boasts of specific elements that make it useful and effective for improving your skin, hair, and also your home. Having antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, it is an integral ingredient of many healthful methods of detoxifying your body.
Here are 5 different ways to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your daily routine for an overall enhanced lifestyle:-
- Improves digestion and gut health
Made from fermented apple juice, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which grants the solution its ability to boost human health. Organic and unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains a substance called ‘mother’ which counts as a probiotic and consists of strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria. Apple cider vinegar is ripe with B-vitamins, polyphenols (plant-based antioxidants), and also traces of potassium.
A tablespoon mixed in a glass of water or in a salad dressing, consumed daily is known to aid digestion and improve your gut health. Although it cannot be entirely replaced with prescribed medication for diabetes, several studies reveal that apple cider vinegar helps control blood sugar levels. In a small study published in the American Association of Diabetes in 2004, the consumption of apple cider vinegar after a meal significantly lowered the participants’ blood glucose levels. Some studies claim that it may aid in weight loss by increasing a feeling of fullness, thereby lowering calorie consumption.
- One of the best ingredients for a Tangy sauce
Apple cider vinegar is a classic pantry item with immense health and wellness benefits and if you are looking for new ways to use it, simply incorporate it into your meals!
Owing to its sour and citrusy essence they complement and bring several flavours to life. It can be a great ingredient if you are looking forward to preparing a tangy sauce. Tomato-based sauces get a fuller flavour when complemented with apple cider vinegar. If your homemade soups taste bland, adding apple cider vinegar can help enhance their flavours. Many also use the cider to marinate their meat in, thus lending it an exciting sweet and sour flavour.
It is also a popular texture enhancer in baking especially when baking vegan treats without using eggs. It can also be added (in careful proportions) to your morning smoothie for an extra kick of energy.
- Fights stubborn acne scars for your skin and dandruff for your hair
Apart from its numerous health benefits, apple cider vinegar can also be used to boost the appearance of your skin and improve the health of your hair. If you are fighting stubborn acne, consider applying 1 part apple cider vinegar mixed with 3 parts water to your skin. Apply gently using some cotton wool, and rinse with water after keeping it for 10 seconds. Its antifungal properties help in keeping the pores of your skin free of dust and oil. In blazing summers, it also cures sunburns by soothing the pain and hastening the healing process.
The alpha hydroxy acid in apple cider vinegar also removes dead skin cells making it a great exfoliator. Additionally, it helps remove age spots, reduces wrinkles, and fine lines. Owing to its astringent properties, it can also be used as a skin toner as it regulates the pH level of your skin. Apart from these skin benefits, using apple cider vinegar also facilitates better hair health by combating hair tangles, reducing frizz, boosting hair shine, retaining moisture, and treating dandruff. However, it is important to note that apple cider vinegar needs to be diluted in water before applying it to your skin or hair.
- Acts as a fertiliser for Plants
Apple cider vinegar can be used in your home garden as a fertiliser especially for plants that thrive in more acidic soils such as azaleas, gardenias, and blueberry bushes. Water down the vinegar so that it is not harsh on your plants.
It can also be used to clean gardening equipment since it helps treat rust easily. Another great use of apple cider vinegar is as a homemade weed killer: mix with some soap and lemon juice to rid your garden of unwanted weeds.
- Acts as a natural all purpose cleaner
Apart from the aforementioned, there are numerous other ways apple cider can be used. For example, just like other types of vinegar, apple cider vinegar is an effective preservative and has been used as a pickling agent for thousands of years. As it has antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar can also be used as a deodoriser as it claims to eliminate bad smells. This makes for a great natural alternative to odour neutralisers. Apple cider vinegar is also a popular choice as a natural all-purpose-cleaner. Moreover, several people are concerned with the chemical, plastic, synthetic residue on fruits and vegetables and wash them with apple cider vinegar in addition to water - to eliminate the presence of harmful substances.
Apple cider vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can make itself useful in tackling various jobs at home. Since it is now easily available (at the click of a button) and affordable too, more and more people are stocking up on the age-old remedy and reaping from its numerous benefits.
Shop Now: https://www.consciousfood.com/collections/wellness/products/apple-cider-vinegar-2
