6 Reasons Apple Cider Vinegar Is Your Secret Weapon for Better Health

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is—not surprisingly—made from apple cider. First, the apples are crushed and their liquid is squeezed out. Bacteria and yeast are added to start the fermentation process. The sugars in the liquid are turned into alcohol, then a second fermentation process turns the alcohol into vinegar.

When looking for ACV, it’s important to buy one that’s raw, organic, unpasteurized and unfiltered and contains the “mother,” a cobweb-like component you’ll see floating in the bottle that’s composed of strands of proteins, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria.

While ACV has demonstrated numerous health benefits, here are five great uses of this awesome elixir.

Digestion

Drinking ACV in a glass of water before your meals can help improve your digestion naturally. It helps to stimulate your digestive juices so you’re better able to break down your food. Over time, your digestion should improve and you’ll assimilate more of your food. Additionally, ACV soothes the entire GI tract and helps prevent gas and bloating. It also stimulates peristalsis, which can help relieve occasional constipation.

Reflux/GERD

Low stomach acid can often lead to issues such as heartburn, reflux, and GERD. While supplementing with betaine hydrochloride (betaine HCl) is usually the go-to for this issue (especially if you have very low levels), drinking ACV in water can also help improve low stomach acid. If you do drink ACV, be sure to dilute it with water, as it’s very strong and can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Simply add between 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon of ACV to 10-12 ounces of water.

Skin Conditions

Apples are high in pectin, a polysaccharide that has been shown to have skin benefits. And the topical application of ACV may be effective in treating acne and other skin conditions, as it is antibacterial and helps balance the skin’s pH levels. Be sure to do a skin-patch test on your neck or arm before applying it to your face. If you have sensitive skin, it may be necessary to dilute the ACV with water.

Hair

The high acidity and powerful enzymes in ACV also support a healthy scalp by balancing scalp pH, removing product build-up, reducing dandruff, and preventing hair loss. Simply apply a small amount of ACV to your scalp after shampooing and rinse out for healthier, shinier hair.

Pathogens

Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal properties, ACV may also help kill certain pathogenic bacteria, fungus, and candida. It has also shown promise in reducing inflammation caused by certain infections. For an extra 1-2-3 punch, you can also try adding some ACV, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and raw honey to 12-16 ounces of water for a nice detox drink!

From: Paleo Magazine