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Wonderful Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin, Hair and Health – Apple cider vinegar is the latest “craze” in the health and wellness world. There are a number of celebrities who are obsessed with this drink! And for all the right reasons! Well, here in this article we are going to talk about the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for our health and beauty, which will help you understand better what all this buzz is about. It comes with a number of health and beauty benefits. Apple cider vinegar can help with digestion, lose extra pounds, regulate blood pressure, lowers cholesterol level etc. In fact, it can give you acne free, clear, radiant skin and healthy gorgeous hair without a trace of dandruff. Keep on reading to know all the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar.
Check – How to use Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Acne – 10 Different Ways
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
In case you are wondering, here is the answer. Apple cider vinegar is prepared by adding yeast to apples. The yeast converts the sugar present in the apples into alcohol and further, bacteria are added to convert the alcohol into acetic acid. Acetic acid is the main component of apple cider vinegar along with malic acid. Apple cider vinegar is pale to light amber in color. It has a sour taste, due to the presence of acetic acid as well as malic acid in it. Acetic acid makes up upto 5-6% of the ACV, along with some other acids, water, vitamins and minerals.
There are many brands of apple cider vinegar is available in the market, however the best ones are those which come with “mother” vinegar. “Mother” here is referred as an enzyme enriched with proteins as well as beneficial bacteria, which is responsible for all the benefits of apple cider vinegar. How to know if the apple cider vinegar has its “mother” intact? Well, check out if your bottle of ACV has a murky appearance or not. If its murky, then it has the “mother” in it.
Types of Apple Cider Vinegar
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Organic apple cider vinegar means your bottle of ACV is free from GMO as well as other synthetic additives which are harmful for our health.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
This is the unprocessed kind of apple cider vinegar. It comes with the “mother vinegar” intact.
Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
As the name suggests, it is unfiltered. When the apple cider vinegar goes through filtration process, it removes the mother vinegar as well as other sediments and turns the murky liquid into clear one.
So, that was a brief discussion about apple cider vinegar. Lets now find out the most important benefits of apple cider vinegar for skin, hair as well as health.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin
Let us first discuss how apple cider vinegar helps in getting clear and healthy skin.
1. Anti Acne Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Why it works?
Apple cider vinegar contains a number of acids, such as acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid as well as succinic acid – all these are effective to kill acne causing bacteria and this benefits of apple cider vinegar has been backed by scientific studies. The anti microbial, antiseptic as well as anti fungal benefits of apple cider vinegar also help in treating acne and giving you clear skin. The astringent nature of apple cider vinegar helps in absorbing excess oil from the skin and also prevent clogged pores. Topical application of apple cider vinegar removes dirt from the face, clears up pores, tightens the pores as well as reduce inflammation.
Furthermore, apple cider vinegar is a good source of AHA, which helps in exfoliating the skin and reducing chances of acne. It works as a great detox agent and removes toxins from our body and results in clear as well as healthy skin. One of the most well known benefits of apple cider vinegar for our skin is that it can balance the pH level of our skin. If you want healthy skin, its important to maintain the ideal pH balance. Apple cider vinegar also comes with anti oxidant properties. High levels of beta carotene in apple cider vinegar help in neutralizing the free radicals and protect our skin cells from oxidative damage, which can otherwise cause acne. Apple cider vinegar contains several vitamins as well as minerals, which work effectively to accelerate the healing process of the skin.
How to use apple cider vinegar for acne treatment?
- Combine equal amount of water and apple cider vinegar. Apply the solution on the affected areas of the face with the help of a small cotton ball. Let it dry naturally and then rinse off with plain water. Repeat daily.
- Take equal amount of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. Also add a few drops of tea tree oil. Mix together and apply the mixture on the acne affected parts with the help of a cotton ball. Let it stay overnight. The next morning rinse it off with fresh water. Repeat daily.
- Add 3 tsp of raw organic honey to a tsp apple cider vinegar to that. Mix both of them together and apply it on the face. Massage in circular motions and let it sit on the skin for some time. Wash off thoroughly and repeat every alternate day.
2. Skin Tightening Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Why it works?
The astringent benefits of Apple cider vinegar help to make the pores tight and thus, tighten saggy skin. When used on the skin, apple cider vinegar helps to reduce the wrinkles, lines and makes the skin tight. Also apple cider vinegar is beneficial to fight off age spots and freckles effectively, due to the high amount of sulfur in it.
How to use apple cider vinegar for skin tightening?
Prepare a solution by mixing together 1/4th cup of apple cider vinegar and half cup of water. Apply this solution on the face and gently massage. Let it dry naturally and wash it off. Alternatively, use this solution to wash your face after taking shower. This will make the face feel tighter and softer. Repeat daily.
3. Helps in Removing Scars
Why it works?
Apple cider vinegar is extremely beneficial in removing various types of facial scars including acne scars as well as moles and freckles. The acidic benefits of apple cider vinegar exfoliate the skin and remove the pigmented skin cells which help in lightening the acne scars gradually. Topical application of apple cider vinegar removes every trace of dirt and impurities trapped inside the pores and boosts new cell growth. The astringent benefits of apple cider vinegar tighten the pores and reduces the appearance of scars and marks. Furthermore the nutrients present in this liquid help to nourish the skin from within, remove the scars and restore its health.
Not only acne scars, but apple cider vinegar can also be used for mole removal. Moles are common skin growth, and not a serious health threat. But sometimes, they affect our looks, and we wish if we could just remove them. Moles can be removed by surgery, but if you are not willing to spend money and go under the knife, do try out apple cider vinegar for mole removal. The natural acidic property of apple cider vinegar dry out the moles and then, they just fall off the skin. This way, apple cider vinegar helps in getting rid of the mole naturally. ACV is also beneficial to get rid of freckles. It contains malic acid, which helps in lightening freckles by exfoliating the skin and bleaching the dark spots. The beta carotene content of apple cider vinegar reverse the damage done to the skin by free radicals.
How to use apple cider vinegar for scar removal?
For acne scars – Prepare a paste by mixing two tbsp baking soda as well as required amount of apple cider vinegar. Apply it on the face, while giving special attention to the acne scars. Massage gently and let it sit on the skin for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with plain water. Repeat 2-3 times in a week.
For mole removal – Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and place it on the mole. Secure it with a band-aid or a piece of cloth. Keep it like that for at least 6 hours. Repeat daily until the mole comes off. Apply petroleum jelly on the surrounding skin to protect them from the acidic effect of ACV.
For lightening freckles – Mix together one tsp honey to one tbsp apple cider vinegar. Apply the resultant mixture to the freckles and leave it on the skin for 15-20 minutes. Use luke warm water to rinse off. Repeat daily.
4. Soothes Sunburn
Why it works?
The acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar acts as an anti inflammatory agent, which provides relief from swelling, redness, as well as pain caused by severe sunburn. Apple cider vinegar also contains malic acid, which belongs to AHA family helps in speeding up the healing process of the sunburned skin by boosting blood circulation. The anti fungal, anti microbial as well as antiseptic benefits of apple cider vinegar help to protect the skin tissues from infections caused by damaged sunburned skin. Apple cider vinegar maintains the natural pH levels of the skin which minimizes the blistering and peeling caused by sunburn. Furthermore, ACV is a good source of vitamins and minerals that help restore the lost nutrients and moisture in the sunburned skin, which in turn leads to faster healing.
How to use apple cider vinegar to treat sunburned skin?
- Mix together a tbsp apple cider vinegar, some aloe vera gel and few drops of lavender oil. Apply the mixture on the affected parts of the skin and keep it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with fresh cool water and repeat daily.
- Combine apple cider vinegar and olive oil in 1:1 ratio. Apply the solution on the sunburned skin and massage gently. Let it stay for 15-20 minutes and then wash off with cool water. Repeat daily.
5. Cures Nail Fungus
Why it works?
The anti fungal and anti bacterial benefits of apple cider vinegar makes it a great natural treatment for nail fungus. Moreover, damp alkaline environments are ideal for fungal growth. Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature and it can balance the pH level of the skin, which contributes to nail fungus treatment.
How to use apple cider vinegar to cure nail fungus?
- Apply few drops of apple cider vinegar on the infected nail and allow it to dry naturally. Repeat 2-3 times in a day.
- Prepare a solution by adding 1/3 cup of Epsom salt to same amount of apple cider vinegar and two cups of water. Stir well and let your toes or fingers soak in the solution for 30 minutes. Repeat 1-2 times daily.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair
6. Anti Dandruff Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Why it works?
Apple cider vinegar has anti fungal and anti bacterial properties, which kill the fungus and bacteria that can cause dandruff and other scalp infections. The anti inflammatory benefits of apple cider vinegar help in reducing the inflammation of the scalp caused by constant scratching. Apple cider vinegar contains natural enzymes that deeply cleanses the scalp, remove the dandruff flakes as well as help in opening the clogged pores of the scalp. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar help in balancing the pH level of the scalp, keeps the scalp healthy and prevent dandruff and other scalp problems. Not only dandruff, but apple cider vinegar helps to get rid of the itchiness and dryness of the scalp as well.
The natural conditioning benefits of apple cider vinegar adds shine and volume to the hair. Sometimes, excess oil production in the scalp can cause dandruff. Apple cider vinegar, due to its astringent properties, can balance the oil production of the scalp and help in preventing the issue.
How to use apple cider vinegar to treat dandruff?
- Mix together half cup of plain yogurt and a tsp apple cider vinegar. Shampoo your hair and then apply this mixture on to the wet scalp. Massage and wait for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Follow this treatment once a week.
- Combine apple cider vinegar and ginger powder in 3:1 ratio. Transfer it in a dark glass bottle, close the lid and keep it in a cool and dark place. Shake the bottle once everyday. After one week, add this ginger infused apple cider vinegar to equal amount of water. Stir and apply it directly on the scalp. Massage and wait for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with shampoo and plain water. Repeat regularly.
7. Treats Dry and Itchy Scalp
Why it works?
Itchy scalp is a problem for many. Sometimes it can be due to sweat and dirt accumulation, or at times, cold, dry weather condition can also lead to itchy scalp. Apple cider vinegar is a great remedy to treat itchy scalp. The anti bacterial and anti fungal benefits of dandruff can get rid of fungal or bacterial infection that can cause itchy scalp. Also, the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar helps in restoring the pH level of the scalp, which gives relief from itching. Furthermore, the anti inflammatory property of apple cider vinegar help in soothing the inflammation on the scalp caused by constant itching.
How to use apple cider vinegar to treat itchy scalp?
Pour 1/3rd cup of apple cider vinegar in a clean, dry spray bottle. Add two tbsp raw honey to it, close the lid and shake the bottle to mix the ingredients together. Spray the mixture on the scalp. Once done, wear a shower cap and leave it on the scalp for 20-30 minutes. Rinse off with a mild shampoo and repeat once in a week.
Also read
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8. Get Smooth Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar
Why this works?
Apple cider vinegar has mild conditioning properties for our hair which help to smoothen rough hair. It also helps in maintaining the ideal pH level of the scalp, thus contributing to healthy hair. Furthermore, the acidic component of apple cider vinegar makes it a great natural cleansing agent. It helps in removing the build up from the scalp that might have damaging effect both on the scalp and hair. Using apple cider vinegar rinse helps in closing the cuticles of our hair and thus make them smoother, softer and more manageable.
How to use apple cider vinegar to get smooth hair?
Mix together a quarter of a cup of apple cider vinegar and a cup of water. After washing your hair with shampoo, use this solution as your final rinse. Pour the diluted apple cider vinegar on the scalp and hair and leave it on. Do not wash off and repeat every time you shampoo your hair.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Heath
After talking about the apple cider benefits for hair and skin, let us find out how it helps with our internal health.
9. Helps to Get White Teeth
Why this works?
Apple cider vinegar is a great natural remedy for teeth whitening. It is acidic in nature, and its acidic components helps in thorough cleansing of the mouth. The acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar along with other compounds, such as potassium, magnesium, probiotics as well as enzymes, help in destroying the germs and bad bacteria and boost our oral health. Furthermore, the acidic components of apple cider vinegar helps to break down plaque or other substances stuck to the teeth and leads to teeth discoloration. When used regularly, it helps in removing stains from the teeth and makes them white.
How to use apple cider vinegar for teeth whitening?
Rub some apple cider vinegar on the teeth for about a minute. Rinse thoroughly with plain water. However, be careful not to use too much of apple cider vinegar as the acidic component of apple cider vinegar can remove the enamel of the teeth and make them sensitive.
10. Help in Treating Constipation
Why it works?
This is one of the major health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Apple Cider Vinegar works as natural laxative and help in regulating bowel movements. Its malic acid component also helps significantly to treat constipation. In fact, apple cider vinegar also contains acetic acid which induces bowel movement and help to get rid of constipation. Not only the acids, but apple cider vinegar comes with a water soluble fiber, known as pectin. Pectin help in normalizing the acid levels and enhance the absorption of fiber which in turn help to improve digestion and gives relief from constipation.
11. Treats Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Apple cider vinegar is considered as a natural and effective treatment for heartburn and acid reflux. The acidic property of apple cider vinegar helps in breaking down the fats and thus preventing acid reflux. Also, it helps in maintaining the ideal pH balance of the stomach, which also helps to treat acid reflux and heartburn effectively. The minerals present in apple cider vinegar such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, etc help with digestion. Regular consumption of apple cider vinegar improves mineral absorption and help in reducing acid reflux.
12. Helps with Weight Loss
This is another wonderful benefits of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar will help you to lose extra pound. Several studies have confirmed that regular consumption of apple cider vinegar helps in burning more calories. The acids present in apple cider vinegar have the power to boost up our metabolism rate, thus helping us lose the extra kilos. A research done on rats has shown that the acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar is a rich source of AMPK enzyme, which is helpful in boosting fat burning and thus reduce belly fat storage and liver fat.
13. Maintains Blood Sugar Levels
If you know someone suffering from high blood sugar or diabetes, do suggest them to consume apple cider vinegar. The anti glycemic benefits of apple cider vinegar prevent the starch from getting digested, thus ensuring your blood glucose level doesn’t spike up after a meal. According to a study, having apple cider vinegar at bedtime has been shown positive effects on type 2 diabetes patients.
These were some of the most amazing benefits of apple cider vinegar for our skin, hair and health. Let us know how you like to use ACV for your overall well-being 🙂
