Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple cider, where bacteria and yeast convert sugar into alcohol and, finally, acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals, such as potassium, sodium, chloride, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, and minerals, such as copper, fluorine, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, and E, bioflavonoids, and pectin. .
Health benefits of apple cider vinegar
The saying goes, "One apple a day keeps you away from the doctor." This is actually exemplified by using apple cider vinegar.
Evidence from its use and scientific research proves that there are many health benefits to apple vinegar, as follows:
- Relieves sore throat, cold, and sinus infections
- Can reduce high cholesterol levels to be lower
- Beneficial for the skin, apple cider vinegar can help treat various skin problems, such as acne and freckles.
- Detoxification helps remove toxins.
- Prevent allergies
- Increase strength and stamina.
- Strengthens the immune system
- Increase your metabolism so that it helps you lose weight.
- Smooth digestion and help make bowel movements easier
- Reduces joint pain and stiffness
- Relieve Bladder Infection
How to use apple cider vinegar according to its benefits
To be able to feel the tremendous benefits of apple cider vinegar, you must use it appropriately. Here's how:
1. Lose weight.
A study conducted in 2006 in Japan reported that consumption of 30 ml of apple cider vinegar can help reduce body weight and appetite. This leads to the conclusion that apple cider vinegar can reduce obesity.
2. Lowering blood sugar in people with diabetes
Studies have reported that apple cider vinegar can lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. One study even found that apple cider vinegar has the same activity as metformin or acarbose, both of which are antidiabetic drugs.
3. Overcoming bad breath
Apple cider vinegar can be used to relieve bad breath. Mix 15 ml of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water, and then gargle for 10 seconds.
4. Eliminate body odor.
To use as a deodorant, clean your underarms with a cotton ball dipped in apple cider vinegar every morning. For foot odor, use ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, mix it in a container of warm water, and soak your feet for about 15 minutes once a week.
Benefits of apple cider vinegar for skin problems and infections
Apart from being healthy, it turns out that apple vinegar is also beneficial for the skin, including facial skin, as follows:
5. Overcoming acne
Apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria, help maintain the pH balance of the skin, and absorb excess oil on the skin. Use one part apple cider vinegar to 3–4 parts water, then apply it to the skin using a cotton ball.
Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For maximum results, use it three times a day. For severe cases of acne, leave it on overnight.
6. Fade black spots on the face
Mash the onions and drain in a bowl, then stir with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar. Apply with a cotton swab dipped in the mixture. You can also drink a few drops of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and add honey to sweeten it.
7. Eliminate cellulite.
- Topical use (topical): Mix 3 parts apple cider vinegar with one part of your favorite massage oil and gently massage it on the skin affected by cellulite twice daily.
- Oral use (drink): Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Add honey to sweeten it. Drink it every morning.
8. Overcoming fungal infections (vaginal discharge)
Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic properties that help in the treatment of fungal infections, such as Candidiasis, which causes vaginal discharge. How to use it is as follows:
- Add 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar to a tub filled with warm water and then soak in it for about 20 minutes. This is done once a day for 3 days.
- After 3 days of soaking, make a mixture consisting of 1 ½ cups of water and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This time it is used as a vaginal douche twice a day for 5 days.
- After a few days of douching, start drinking a glass of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar once a day. This can help prevent yeast infections.
Benefits of apple cider vinegar for digestion
9. Overcoming constipation
Apple cider vinegar helps the body promote bowel movements. This action is due to pectin, a water-soluble fiber that adds bulk to the stool and therefore promotes bowel movements.
To treat constipation, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider to a glass of water and drink this mixture three times a day. You can also mix it with apple juice or grape juice to make it tastier.
To treat constipation, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider to a glass of water and drink this mixture three times a day. You can also mix it with apple juice or grape juice to make it tastier.
10. Treating diarrhea
The pectin content in apples can be used as medicine to treat diarrhea because this substance acts to coat the inflamed intestinal lining. It can be used by simply adding 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water, which can be drunk three times a day.
Despite the many benefits of apple cider vinegar, it is still important to consult a doctor. Especially when used in conjunction with certain drugs, check with your doctor first to prevent the risk of drug interactions.