Apple cider vinegar is the new superfood and can be used in many areas. We reveal what makes vinegar so healthy and why you can lose weight with apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is now considered a local superfood that can also be easily made at home. Its trace elements and minerals should strengthen the immune system, help against headaches and asthma, strengthen skin, hair and nails, and support the treatment of diabetes. In addition, apple cider vinegar is said to have a positive effect on cholesterol and blood fat levels, protect against high blood pressure and stimulate digestion. We explain what apple cider vinegar can do!
Table of Contents
What exactly is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is produced by fermenting apples that are mixed with sugar and water. Yeast fungi and bacteria ensure that the apple mixture ferments, which creates the typical smell and taste.
1. Valuable nutrients
After fermentation, only a small amount of nutrients remain in the vinegar, but valuable acids that are important for the body remain. Minerals , trace elements, vitamins and other substances such as:
- Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium , Sodium, Phosphorus, Chlorine and Sulfur
- Iron, Fluorine, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Silicon and Boron
- Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9 (folic acid), C, E and A
- Fiber, amino acids, flavonoids, enzymes
- Tannin, organic acids such as citric and acetic acid
2. Apple cider vinegar has an antibacterial effect
The vinegar prevents bacteria from multiplying, which is why it promotes wound healing , for example , or helps against unpleasant odours. Apple cider vinegar soothes irritated skin caused by sunburn or bug bites. Apple cider vinegar is even used to treat ear infections, warts and nail fungus. For relief, dab the areas with apple cider vinegar. Unpleasant smells can be removed from clothing with apple cider vinegar. Either the areas are rubbed with the vinegar beforehand or you regularly add apple cider vinegar to the fabric softener compartment.
3. Apple cider vinegar for beautiful feet
A footbath with apple cider vinegar in a ratio of 1:4 helps against sweaty feet and athlete’s foot. In it, feet should bathe for 15 minutes 1-2 times a week.
Apple cider vinegar also helps against calluses. After the foot bath, rub off the calluses with a pumice stone or dart. Rinse your feet and then rub them with coconut oil.
4. Anti-dandruff conditioner
Apple cider vinegar has a high proportion of acetic acids, which also help against yeast fungi and the dandruff that results from them. If the balance of the microorganisms on the head is disturbed, vinegar can restore this balance . To do this, dilute 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one liter of warm water and distribute it on the scalp and in the hair lengths after washing your hair. Do not rinse out the apple cider vinegar. After drying, the smell also disappears. A positive side effect: the vinegar removes limescale and shampoo residues in the hair, leaving your hair feeling soft and light. A rinse made from apple cider vinegar is also an environmentally friendly alternative!
5. Apple cider vinegar scrub for beautiful skin
Pimples and blackheads form when dirt and sebum clog the skin’s pores. The top layer of skin is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria that cause inflammation there. A peeling made from apple cider vinegar can help, as it gently loosens the calloused skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is also said to speed up the healing of wounds. It is also an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional scrubs from the drugstore, as it does not contain any microplastics.
Apple cider vinegar peeling: how it works
- Lay a damp, warm towel over your face for about two to three minutes to open up your pores.
- Now mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 500 milliliters of warm water, soak the towel and place it on the face.
- Leave the vinegar on for 5 minutes. Then rinse your face with warm water. To close pores, quickly switch to cold water. Antibacterial facial toners also close the pores.
- Then cream your face with your respective cream.
6. Help with digestive problems
Mixing apple cider vinegar with water can prevent indigestion . Drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar dissolved in a glass of water half an hour before each meal . This stimulates the digestive system and prevents constipation. The acetic acid also protects the gastric mucosa and has a regenerating effect . It also helps against bloating by guiding harmful intestinal bacteria out of the body and preventing infections.
7. Vinegar promotes fat burning
Not only apple cider vinegar, but also balsamic vinegar, wine vinegar or other types of vinegar help to lose belly fat. This effect is due to the activation of AMP kinase , which mobilizes fat cells and uses their fatty acids as energy. For example, people who don’t want to or can’t exercise can boost fat burning without exercising at all. Vinegar can therefore be found in every diet and especially in diets every day in salads or as a drink (see below).
Make your own apple cider vinegar drink
The drink can be prepared in many ways. If you mix the apple cider vinegar with water, you can also refine it with a little honey. Alternatively, you can mix apple cider vinegar into smoothies, use it as a salad dressing, or season and preserve meat and fish dishes. Try what you like best.
Buy apple cider vinegar – you should pay attention to this
When buying apple cider vinegar, make sure you are buying a quality product. A good apple cider vinegar is unpasteurized , meaning it hasn’t been heated, and is naturally cloudy . Organic apple cider vinegar is also made from whole fruits. Health food stores and drugstores often offer better quality than supermarkets. The vinegar offered there is often made from leftover apples and provided with artificial additives. It usually contains fewer nutrients.
Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar
The amount consumed is also important for apple cider vinegar. In some cases, apple cider vinegar can cause side effects :
- Do not drink apple cider vinegar straight , as it will irritate your throat and esophagus .
- Rinse your mouth well with apple cider vinegar after a meal , as the acetic acid will attack tooth enamel . Don’t brush your teeth until half an hour later to prevent wear of the enamel.
- People with a sensitive stomach should first discuss with a doctor whether apple cider vinegar is suitable for their daily diet.
- Apple cider vinegar can irritate and dry out sensitive skin.
- Pregnant women and diabetics should consult their doctor before use.
