Apple cider vinegar has a great flavor and is affordable. It can be found in almost every supermarket across the country and adds a subtle, delicious tartness to sauces, dressings, and marinades. Is apple cider vinegar (ACV) a natural elixir with good-for-you benefits, as many alternative medicine enthusiasts and articles on the Internet claim?
Maybe. There are few studies on humans, so more research is needed. However, experts do believe that there are some benefits to it.
“Apple cider vinegar can be used for many health and skin benefits,” Michael Shapiro MD, medical director of Vanguard Dermatology and clinical instructor at Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
This versatile remedy can help improve your health. You should consult a professional for any medical condition to get the proper diagnosis and management guidance.
Apple Cider Vinegar May Help Clear Up Your Skin
Dr. Shapiro explains that vinegar’s acidity can clear skin and prevent acne. It does this by drying out the skin and making it more transparent. Apple cider vinegar can regulate your skin’s pH, keeping it oily and dry.
The correct PH is essential to ensure that your skin’s acid mantle (the outer layer) is healthy.
After washing your face, apply diluted ACV to a washcloth and gently rub it onto your skin. It is essential first to cut the vinegar, as it contains natural acid that can cause severe irritation and even burns to the skin. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying the diluted ACV to a small area like behind your ears. After 24 hours, check for any reddening, irritation, or tenderness.
Apple Cider Vinegar May Boost Weight Loss
Harvard Health has shown ACV’s Acetic Acid can reduce starch absorption and slow digestion. This could mean that ACV may help with weight reduction.
A randomized clinical trial published in the April 2018 Journal of Functional Foods found that participants who consumed two tablespoons (tbsps) of ACV mixed in water with lunch or dinner experienced a decrease in appetite and a loss of 8.8 pounds in 12 weeks. The ACV-free group lost 5 pounds. (Vinegar drinkers had smaller hips and lower triglycerides.
A small study was also done in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition and found that plain white bread breakfast participants felt fuller for extended periods than those who ate a placebo.
Apple Cider Vinegar May Help Control Blood Sugar
A study of type 2 diabetic adults published in Diabetes care showed that those who consumed 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar diluted in water and a bedtime protein snack (one ounce of cheese) had lower blood glucose levels than those who drank 2 tbsp plain water after the same meal.
Apple Cider Vinegar could cure bad breath.
Marc Lowenberg, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist who cofounded Lowenberg Lituchy & Kantor in New York City. He says, “Mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda to create a paste for brushing your teeth.” He says the mixture is strong enough to kill bacteria and keep tooth enamel intact. Lowenberg says that the medicine can also be used to remove surface stains.
Apple Cider Vinegar May Help With Psoriasis Symptoms
ACV can be used to relieve itching caused by psoriasis-related scaly spots. Shapiro states that sufferers with psoriasis should use apple cider vinegar to tone their skin and apply it to any dry patches using a cotton pad or sponge. He recommends that you soak your feet and hands in diluted apple cider vinegar if they are sensitive.
Apple Cider Vinegar May Help Zap Toe Fungus
Although no clinical studies have supported its effectiveness, apple cider vinegar is a well-known home remedy for onychomycosis. This condition, also known as toe fungus, has been around since the 1960s. It’s a common condition that causes discoloration and thickening of the toenails. Shapiro states that apple cider vinegar can be an effective and natural treatment for toe fungus. Shapiro recommends that toenail fungal be treated at home using an apple cider vinegar footbath. He explains that apple cider vinegar is acidic and creates an unfriendly environment for the yeast without causing any damage to the skin or nails. For 15-30 minutes, soak the affected area in a 50/50 mixture of ACV and warm water twice daily. Dry the area well.
Apple Cider Vinegar may get rid of dandruff.
Shapiro states that Apple cider vinegar is beneficial in treating dandruff or itching hair. It contains alpha-hydroxyl acids, which exfoliate the top layers of skin to reveal the smoother, softer skin beneath. Allow sitting for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Apple Cider Vinegar may ease the stinging pain of Shingles.
There is no cure for Shingles, a painful rash caused by the same virus as chickenpox. It is possible to reduce pain with ACV. Shapiro states that apple cider vinegar can be used externally to promote blood circulation, prevent bacteria, and regulate pH levels. These actions make apple cider vinegar an effective remedy for skin irritations such as shingles, insect bites, and hives. Pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into a warm tub and allow to soak for 10 minutes each day.
