Have we found the magic health cure-it-all potion for all our wellness woes?
It’s been out in the market for a while, we all know someone who has recommended it through whatsapp video or as desi totkas for various things – and we have taken some time to explore its benefits. Essentially apple cider vinegar is a liquid produced during the fermentation of apple cider (a drink made when apples are crushed and fermented like a malt – much like the process of making wine with grapes without alcohol content though). A further process to make the vinegar, is during the process, the sugar in apples is fermented by yeast and/or bacteria added to the cider, then into alcohol and into vinegar. Similar to other types of vinegar, the key component in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid, it also contains other substances such as lactic, citric, malic acids and very forms of healthy bacteria.
However, a lot of supermarket synthetic forms exist, in its natural form, apple cider vinegar has multifold benefits, for physical health, for hair growth, for reproductive organ infections, skin and other wellness advantages. A caveat – only in its original form it can bring these benefits.
It would be helpful to know some brands which are available throughout Pakistan, some of which include the American brand ‘Bragg – the organic, unfiltered and raw apple cider vinegar (available in bigger supermarkets and on www.daraz.pk), moreover, the GNC health and wellness brand has a great organic apple cider vinegar.
Helps control blood sugar and prevent diabetes
It has been reported in some clinical trials that the effects of apple cider vinegar intake with meals found that it helped decrease to some extent fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin after a meal. Adding a dash of organic cider vinegar to your salads with other oils and in marinades can be one way in which this can be done. It is also noted that although it can help with stabilising blood sugar fluctuation, those with a disease called gastroparesis should not be using apple cider vinegar in their diet.
Get rid of that dreaded dandruff
Often, enticing adverts with cricketers with shiny hair are often referred to as cures for dandruff in hair, but it is also helpful to treat the problem with a more natural use of organic apple cider vinegar by diluting it in water in a spray bottle and praying little amounts on the scalp. The acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar may normalise the scalp’s PH levels, making it harder for yeast to grow. The spray can be left in the scalp for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it out with best results observed if repeated a few times a week. Please note to keep the spray solution diluted, test it out on a patch for a while and if it burns do not use it – make sure any contact with eyes and ears is prevented. Although if you have colour treated hair, it is best you consult your colourist first as this could alter the colour.
Can be used to calm stingy mosquito and insect bites
If you have mosquito bites, poison ivy, or other insect stings, do try soaking a cotton ball in a higher proportion of water and a lesser proportion of apple cider vinegar solution and dab this onto bites and stings may help itching and irritation. However, this is a cure that does not substitute going to seek medical advice if the bite is serious.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural dry shampoo
Sometimes it is a pain to wash your hair event after event, especially when you are on the go and in the heat where the scalp can be a bit oily / greasy. Sometimes we don’t get dry shampoos and some cause damage to the hair, making it very dry. As a natural alternative, try spritzing apple cider vinegar solution mixed with water on your roots to control the oil. It is recommended to add five drops of apple cider vinegar to five ounces of water in a spray bottle and spritzing your roots several times, once or twice a week.
Again, careful not to get the solution on your face, eyes, or ears. If your hair is color-treated, it’s a good idea to consult your colorist before using it.
Itchy throat? Apple cider vinegar can help
I don’t know about our readers, but cold drinks are my vice and I am never too watchful about my throat and hence it is sensitive to infection and inflammation. This is where the age old remedy of apple cider vinegar diluted gargles help sooth the pain. Although there are many different remedies, a basic one is to mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of honey, and a small pinch of cayenne pepper stirred in a cup of warm water.
While most sore throats are minor, if the symptoms are more serious, please contact or visit a medical center.
Yeast infections – nothing to be ashamed about anymore!
Sometimes, due to the hot climate, women can end up with annoying yeast infections, however, many of those symptoms mimic other vaginal infections so it is best to rule out others, you can get vaginal infection testing kits in most pharmacies. When you prepare a bath, you add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak for 20 minutes.
It should be noted that Apple Cider Vinegar must be diluted in water before applying to skin.
However, like all things, these remedies are to be tried in the correct manner and in a small quantity as a first test. If you’re considering using apple cider vinegar for any health reasons, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider to see if it is suitable for you, that is always better than self diagnosing or delaying adequate treatment. People with certain conditions (such as ulcers, hiatal hernia, Barrett’s esophagus, or low potassium) may need to avoid this natural remedy altogether.
