Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a type of vinegar made with crushed fermented apples, yeast, and sugar. People have also used it as a home remedy for everything from fighting germs to preventing heartburn. Most ACV you find in the grocery store is the clear and filtered type. However, you can also buy raw, unfiltered ACV that contains a cloudy sediment called "the mother," which is made up of settled bacteria and yeast. It contains small amounts of probiotics that are good for gut health. The darker the vinegar, the more antioxidants remain in the liquid. Vinegar is an excellent source of Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Phosphorus. It may help with weight loss by increasing your metabolism. It may lower blood sugar. Taking a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar could lower your blood sugar after meals. Vinegar can't replace diabetes medications and a healthy lifestyle, but it should be safe to add to your treatment plan. Check with your Doctor. It may lower cholesterol thought to come from the weight loss benefit. Lower blood pressure. Ease acid reflux. Many people swear by ACV as a remedy for heartburn and acid reflux. Start with small amounts, diluted in water. Provide eczema relief. Kill germs. Though there's some evidence that ACV (along with lemon juice) can kill bacteria. Improve hair health. Some people use it as a hair rinse to ease dandruff or remove product buildup. If you have hard water, apple cider vinegar may ease some of its effects. Hard water is high in minerals like calcium, magnesium bicarbonate, and sulfates. ACV is thought to help get rid of buildup and leave your hair shinier when you use it after a shampoo. A bath: Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a tubful of lukewarm water. Soak for 15-20 minutes. Rinse your body well with cool water. To use ACV as a hair rinse, put it on your hair after you shampoo. Leave it in for 5 minutes and then rinse. Don't use it more than once a week, as daily use can dry out your hair. Diluting ACV makes it less irritating to your scalp and skin. Some recommend adding 2-4 tablespoons to 2 cups of water. Weight control: Drink about 2 tablespoons a day – one before lunch and the other before dinner. You can drink it, diluted in hot or cold water. Blood sugar and cholesterol control: Take 1 to 1/12 teaspoons after your meal. You can drink it, diluted in hot or cold water

Acid reflux: A teaspoon or two diluted in a mug of warm water after a meal may help with your acid reflux. Risks Because it’s high in acid, it could irritate the lining of your throat and stomach if you drink it straight or drink too much of it. Undiluted ACV can also break down tooth enamel. To avoid these issues, always water down apple cider vinegar and drink it through a straw to protect your teeth. ACV may give some people indigestion or make them feel nauseated. Don't drink it on an empty stomach, and if you feel sick or throw up after you take it, stop using it. The vinegar can also interact with some drugs, such as diuretics, laxatives, and insulin. Always ask your doctor if it’s safe to use ACV with your current medications. If you have low potassium levels, too much apple cider vinegar could make the condition worse. That's because large amounts can reduce potassium levels. Avoid overusing ACV if you have kidney disease, since your kidneys might not be able to handle high levels of acid. Apple Cider Vinegar Shelf Life It's best to use it within 2-3 years after you buy it. You don't have to refrigerate apple cider vinegar once you open it. Instead, store it in a pantry or cabinet. It's best to store it in a glass or plastic container. Keep the lid on when you're not using it. And avoid letting moisture get into the container.