Apple cider vinegar is a vinegar made from apple, sugar, and yeast. Also called ACV, apple cider vinegar cures a lot of things that can affect the body as well as prevent them. Uncommonly used in this part of the world, due to its effects, some people tend to call it apple cider vinegar weight loss drink. The apple cider vinegar benefits for skin are unpredictable but true. ACV is available in supermarkets, in different brands at affordable and not so affordable prices. Apple cider vinegar side effects are barely in the negative but there are side effects. Apple cider vinegar is beneficial to health, beauty and more.

Apple cider vinegar is made by crushing apples and squeezing out the liquid. Bacteria and yeast are then added to it to induce fermentation, the sugars are turned into alcohol. In the second fermentation process, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria (acetobacter). Acetic acid and malic acid give vinegar its sour taste. Whereas people are more familiar with white vinegar, ACV has numerous used too. Rather than letting it waste away on your shelf, apple cider vinegar can be used for other things.

Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Cures Hiccups

As surprising as it sounds, apple cider vinegar is effective for curing hiccups. The vinegar overstimulates the nerves in the throat responsible for spams, thus cancelling out hiccups.

2. Soothes sore throat

A sore throat is caused by germs and other bacteria. These bacteria cannot survive the acidity of the vinegar hence, gargling with diluted apple cider vinegar from time to time through the day can help get rid of sore throats. The vinegar must be diluted because it is very acidic and can cause throat burns if consumed undiluted.

3. Aids weight loss

Apple cider vinegar aids weight loss. The vinegar contains acetic acid and this acid suppresses appetite, increases metabolism and, reduces water retention. Scientists also argue that ACV plays an active part in the body’s starch digestion, this means fewer calories are absorbed into the bloodstream. Apple cider vinegar also helps you feel full, this makes you eat less than you normally would.

4. Deodorizer

Apple cider vinegar is known to have antibacterial properties. These properties can help eliminate bad odours. Apple cider vinegar can be diluted with water and placed in a spray bottle to make a spray deodorant or feet can be soaked in apple cider vinegar and water solution to rid bad smells.

5. Preserve food

Apple cider vinegar is an active preservative and is often used as a pickling agent. This is so because the acidity of the vinegar deactivates enzymes and kills bacteria responsible for spoilage. The food can stay preserved for a long time.

6. Make salad vinaigrette

As the name implies, vinaigrettes need vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a common vinegar ingredient used in making salad vinaigrette which is a form of food dressing. It gives the vinaigrette an acidic yet sweet taste.

7. All-purpose cleaner

Apple cider vinegar is a one-person army. Its antibacterial properties make it a preferred choice over commercial multi-purpose cleaner. Apple cider vinegar and water solution can work wonders.

8. Use as a marinade

Apple cider vinegar is a popular marinade ingredient. ACV can be used to marinade foods especially steak. This gives it a sweet and sour taste. Combined with soy sauce, garlic, ginger and other spices, you can create heavenly flavours in your food.

9. Facial Toner

Apple cider vinegar is also used as a skin remedy. It is often diluted in one-part vinegar to 2 parts water. If you have sensitive skin, you’d want a more diluted solution. This helps to get rid of dark spots and even out the skin tone.

10. Trap fruit flies

Apple cider vinegar is an easy fruit fly trap. Fruit flies can be pest however, you can trap them by placing a cup of apple cider vinegar and adding drops of dish soap, so the trapped flies sink to the bottom.

11. Wash fruits and vegetables

It is possible to have pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables you buy from the market. Apple cider vinegar is often used to wash these food items because it is believed it will wash off more of the chemicals on the fruits than water would.

12. Whiten teeth

Apple cider vinegar is acidic therefore people like to use it to remove stains and whiten their teeth. Continuous application of apple cider vinegar to the teeth will produce gradual whitening however, you must rinse your teeth very well after application because the acidity can damage the enamel on your teeth.

13. Boil better eggs

Adding apple cider vinegar to water used in boiling eggs will have your eggs boil at a better consistency. This is because eggs boil better and faster in more acidic liquid. When poaching eggs, it is more desirable when the egg whites form up quickly so as to maintain the shape of the egg, the presence of apple cider vinegar speeds up the coagulation of egg whites.

14. Clear stuffy nose

It can be annoying having a stuffy nose when you have a cold. Apple cider vinegar is a quick remedy for that. The vinegar contains potassium and potassium thins mucus. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar prevents germ growth which can cause nasal congestion. Mix apple cider vinegar with a glass of water to aid sinus drainage.

15. Get rid of dandruff

Dandruff develops as a result of yeast growth on the scalp. Applying apple cider vinegar and water solution to your scalp during your hair wash routine. Apple cider vinegar changed the pH of the scalp, making it harder for the yeast to grow. Regular application of this solution will yield better results.