Reinvigorate Your Health with Apple Cider Vinegar

Photo via wikipedia (9)

Photo via wikipedia (9)

As one of the biggest new trends in healthy living, it's no wonder that people are becoming increasingly interested in the health benefits of using apple cider vinegar.  

While everyone probably has a bottle of it stuffed away somewhere in their kitchen, not many people would think to immediately turn to it for its medicinal purposes.  

With that in mind, this article lists some of the many health facts that support regular use of apple cider vinegar as well as detailed instructions on how to make the most of its use.

Some Health benefits and uses that apple cider vinegar provides:

1. Lowers Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that just consuming a glass of apple cider vinegar a day can help shave off a few points from your blood pressure (1).

photo via wisegeek (15)

photo via wisegeek (15)

2. Lowers Cholesterol

Along a similar vein, studies have also shown that a diet which includes apple cider vinegar can substantially lower your cholesterol compared to a diet without it.

3. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Thanks to its anti-glycemic effect, apple cider vinegar is very effective in maintaining blood sugar levels and preventing unnecessary blood sugar spikes or drops if you suffer with insulin sensitivity (3).

4. Detoxes your Liver

When it comes to the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, liver detoxification is a very popular subject.  The acidity of the vinegar can enhance glycogen repletion (4) and help your liver remove toxins more efficiently.

5. Promotes Weight Loss

As multiple studies have suggested, weight loss is one of the most frequently cited benefits from consuming apple cider vinegar regularly(5,6).

6. Clears Sinuses

Due to its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar is especially effective at breaking down mucus and keeping your air passageways clear.

photo via sinusheal+ (10)

photo via sinusheal+ (10)

7. Cures Sore Throats

Have you ever struggled with getting rid of a sore throat? Just gargle a glass of equal parts water and vinegar every few hours and watch apple cider vinegar work its magic.

8. Relieves Heartburn

As long as your heartburn isn't caused by an internal lesion or ulcer, apple cider vinegar can neutralize the acid in your stomach that causes your heartburn.

 

Even better, apple cider vinegar...

9. Settles an Upset Stomach

For the same reason that apple cider vinegar is great against heartburn, it's also effective (7) at dealing with an upset stomach.  Simply ingest a couple of tablespoons of vinegar and wait for it to take full effect.

10. Helps Sunburned Skin

Instead of applying it directly to your skin, pour one cup of apple cider vinegar in the tub before taking a bath.  This will help soothe your skin and relieve any pain or itching that you might be feeling.

11. Removes Warts

By applying vinegar directly to the infected area just before going to bed, the vinegar’s natural acidity will break down the wart over several days.

photo via yeast cure review (14)

photo via yeast cure review (14)

12. Provides a Quick Energy Boost

A diluted mixture of water and vinegar can help your muscles convert carbohydrates into energy more effectively than a diet without any acetic acid.  No need to resort to caffeine or those unhealthy energy drinks when you need a quick jolt of energy!

13. Quickly Heals Bruises

As an anti-inflammatory agent, apple cider vinegar can help to reduce swelling or discoloration in areas of your body that have recently developed bruises.

Photo via healthtap (11)

Photo via healthtap (11)

14. Protects your Hair

When mixed with water, apple cider vinegar is incredibly effective at removing product buildup in your hair, as well as protecting it from dandruff.

15. Whitens Teeth

Simply brush your teeth as normal and then swish around some apple cider vinegar mixed with two parts water.

Regular use of apple cider vinegar serves a two punch combo for oral health, as it also:

16. Sweetens Bad Breath

For the same reason that apple cider vinegar is great for brushing teeth, it's also great as a breath deodorizer.

17. Prevents Acne Breakouts

Use of apple cider vinegar on your face and skin can be very effective for acne treatment, but make sure to dilute your vinegar with water before applying it to your face.  If you don’t take this precaution, the vinegar can further aggravate any breakouts.

18. Deodorizes Stinky Feet

Apple cider vinegar eliminates odors like those coming from your feet by balancing the pH levels and killing the bacteria that live in those stinky areas.  This might also be good tip to pass on to your significant other!

photo via offset (16)

photo via offset (16)

 

Apple cider vinegar is a versatile cleaner because on top of everything else, it:

19. Great Natural Body Odor Deterrent

Simply add undiluted apple cider vinegar to any areas on your body, and its odor-killing properties will take care of the problem quickly!  Works very well for armpit and foot odor.

20. Excels as a Natural Cleaner

Unlike other cleaners that need to be applied directly to problematic areas on your body, all you need with apple cider vinegar is a small dish to put it in.  Its odor-killing properties will take care of the problem on their own!

21. Improves Bone Health

By balancing your pH levels, apple cider vinegar can improve your bone health.  This is great news if you suffer from bone disease such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis.

22. Keeps Produce Clean and Bacteria Free

Multiple studies have found that a diluted mixture of water and vinegar is actually the best way to clean produce (8).

photo via mother earth news (12)

photo via mother earth news (12)

23. Reduces Allergic Reactions

As apple cider vinegar is incredibly effective at dealing with sinus infections and sore throats, it should come as no surprise that it is also effective at reducing the effects of allergic reactions.

24. Relieves Muscle Soreness

Rubbing apple cider vinegar into your skin can give it a soothing and relaxing feeling while also providing relief to your tired muscles.

25. Relieve Arthritis Pain

Finally, a lifestyle that features regular use of apple cider vinegar health can positively impact any arthritis-related issues, such as joint pain.  Given the studies that indicate a solid correlation between apple cider vinegar and stronger bones and softer skin, it's no wonder that vinegar can also help you with arthritis.

photo via everyday health (13)

photo via everyday health (13)

 

Relief for your Health Issue might be in Front of your Nose

When it comes to the health impact of apple cider vinegar, weight loss is just one of the many great uses.  Given its effectiveness in helping with liver detoxification, arthritis pain, and a wide range of beauty applications, there are simply too many apple cider vinegar benefits to cover in just one article.  

With that in mind, be sure to experiment to see what other ways apple cider vinegar can help you!

And PS - find out if Apple Cider Vinegar is something you should drink every day here.


About the Author

PHOTO VIA REBOUNDERZONE.COM

Leonard Parker is a health blogger and owner of the eCommerce store, Rebounder Zone.  Through Rebounder Zone, Leonard’s team specializes in rebounder trampolines, health equipment, and useful health information for mature adults.

Leonard is a graduate of Stanford University and has worked in various roles as a digital marketing specialist and technology consultant.  Rebounder Zone was started because  Leonard saw first hand how health living with regular exercise can change lives, and he wants to help others experience this incredible feeling, too.  For any questions about rebounding or information mentioned in this article, please contact Leonard at leonard@rebounderzone.com.


Sources

(1) Kondo, S, Tayama, K, Tsukamoto, Y, Ikeda, K, & Yamori, Y. (2001). Antihypertensive effects of acetic acid and vinegar on spontaneously hypertensive rats. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 65(12) Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11826965

(2) Ostman, E, Grandfeldt, Y, Persson, L, & Bjorck, I. (2005). Vinegar supplementation lowers glucose and insulin responses and increases satiety after a bread meal in healthy subjects. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 59(9). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16015276

(3) Johnston, CS, Steplewska, I, Long, CA, Harris, LN, & Ryals, RH. (2010). Examination of the antiglycemic properties of vinegar in healthy adults. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, 56(1). doi: 10.1159/000272133

(4) Fushimi, T, Tayama, K, Fukaya, M, Kitakoshi, K, Nakai, N, Tsukamoto, Y, & Sato, Y. (2001). Acetic acid feeding enhances glycogen repletion in liver and skeletal muscle n fatty acids on apof rats. The Journal of Nutrition, 131(7). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11435516

(5) Kohn, Jill. (2015). Is Vinegar an Effective Treatment for Glycemic Control or Weight Loss? Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 115(7). Retrieved from http://www.andjrnl.org/article/S2212-2672%2815%2900547-X/fulltext

(6) Johnston, CS, $ Gaas, CS. (2006). Vinegar: medicinal uses and antiglycemic effect.MedGenMed: Medscape General Medicine, 8(2). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16926800

(7) Darzi, J, Frost, GS, Montaser, R, Yap, J, & Robertson, MD. (2014). Influence of the tolerability of vinegar as an oral source of short-chaipetite control and food intake. International Journal of Obesity, 38(5). doi: 10.1038/ijo.2013.157

(8) Yucel, Sengun I, & Karapinar, M. (2005). Effectiveness of household natural sanitizers in the elimination of Salmonella typhimurium on rocket (Eruca sativa Miller) and spring onion (Allium cepa L.). International Journal of Food Microbiology, 98(3). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15698693/

(9) n.a. (May 16, 2016).  Apple cider vinegar.  Wikipedia.  Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_cider_vinegar

(10) n.a. (March 29, 2016).  Best way to clear a stuffy nose and relieve congestion.  Sinusheal+.  Retrieved from http://sinusheal.com/category/sinus-pain/

(11) Bonuel, V. (2016). I just came back from a game... Is this a tendon injury?.  HealthTap.  Retrieved from https://www.healthtap.com/user_questions/809885

(12) Mattern, V.  (October 30, 2012).  How to wash produce properly.  Mother Earth News.  Retrieved from http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/how-to-wash-produce-zb0z1211zsor.aspx

(13) Roderiguez, D.  (September 18, 2014).  Using hot and cold therapy to relieve joint pain.  Everyday Health.  Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/arthritis/heat-and-cold-therapy.aspx

(14) Admin.  (March 12, 2014).  Plantar wart yeast injection, mar.  Yeast Cure Review.  Retrieved from http://yeastcurereview.com/2015/10/26/treatment-wart-yeast-plantar-injection-mar/

(15) n.a. (2016).  What is the juxtaglomerular apparatus?.  wiseGEEK.  Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-juxtaglomerular-apparatus.htm

(16) n.a. (2016).  Dirty feet.  Offset.  Retrieved from http://www.offset.com/search/dirty+feet