Why Apple Cider Vinegar Is A Pantry And Beauty Essential

Vinegar has been used to flavour and preserve foods for centuries. It has been a trusted kitchen cabinet cure to help heal wounds, fight infections and clean surfaces. In the last few years, apple cider vinegar has also gained much popularity due to its many health and beauty benefits. Know all about this pantry essential:

Health Benefits

It’s the fermented juice of crushed apples and contains acetic acid and some nutrients such as B vitamins and antioxidants. It is said that apple cider vinegar helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and aids weight loss, but these claims need further investigation. “However, many recent scientific investigations have documented that vinegar ingestion reduces the glucose response to a carbohydrate load in healthy adults and in individuals with diabetes. There is also some evidence that vinegar ingestion increases short-term satiety,” states a study published on the website of National Center for Biotechnology Information, US.

Beauty Benefits

Apple cider vinegar or ACV contains pectin, an acidic component that may play a role in improving skin. It is rich in antioxidants too, which fight ageing. It is also being studied for anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.

However, avoid applying apple cider vinegar directly on to your skin. Dilute it with water and put a drop on your skin first to check if it suits you. You can also use an apple cider-based skincare product. When it comes to hair care, apple cider vinegar may help restore the pH balance of your scalp and ward off dandruff. For a DIY hair mask, mix 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup of water, leave it on your scalp for 15 minutes and then wash it off. Or, you can also use a quality apple cider-based shampoo and conditioner.

Food Zinger

Apple cider vinegar is a delightful addition to salad dressings and vinaigrette. But that’s not all. This fruity vinegar also goes well with seafood and meats, lending tartness to a bland preparation. You can add it to stews, Asian stir-fries (instead of white vinegar) or make a nice mocktail for a hot day.

Words of caution: Always use apple cider vinegar in a diluted form. Also, never apply it raw on your skin. If you have a kidney problem, avoid ACV as the acidic component may not go down well with your system.