benefits of apple cider vinegar

Introduction:

Apple cider vinegar is a product obtained by alcoholic fermentation of apple juice, it is a condiment used for centuries for its culinary and medicinal virtues. Rich in acetic acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it offers a multitude of benefits for health and well-being. Very affordable, it checks all the boxes of a product to incorporate into your overall health routine.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is the result of a double fermentation which reveals its unique flavors and beneficial properties.

Step One: The Magic of Alcoholic Fermentation

It all starts with apple juice, pressed from carefully selected fruits. Yeasts, these microorganisms with extraordinary powers, then enter the scene. They attack the natural sugars present in the juice, transforming them into alcohol.

This step gives birth to cider, a drink appreciated for centuries in Europe and which is the pride of our French regions: Normandy and Brittany!

Step Two: The Birth of Apple Cider Vinegar

Far from stopping there, the process continues with the intervention of another type of microorganism: acetic bacteria. These little wonders of nature attack the alcohol produced during the first step, transforming it into acetic acid, the main ingredient of cider vinegar.

This is how this elixir with multiple virtues was born 😁

A well-kept secret: The label reveals all

Pay attention to the label on your apple cider vinegar! The percentage listed does not correspond to the alcohol content, but rather to the concentration of acetic acid, the key element that gives vinegar its unique properties. In general, a quality apple cider vinegar has an acidity level of around 5%.

Before we go any further, we have a question that often comes up in stores:

“Are cider vinegar and apple cider vinegar the same product?”

Well, know that yes, they are just two different terms to designate one and the same product!

Health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Here are the main reasons why we recommend cider vinegar in stores, and where we know that the returns are numerous enough to be judged, as a remedy to relieve you naturally.

• Improved Digestion : Apple cider vinegar stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, thus promoting the absorption of nutrients and digestion of food. It can also relieve occasional digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion.
• Immune System Boost : Rich in antioxidants, apple cider vinegar helps fight free radicals and boosts the immune system, reducing the risk of infections and diseases.
• Blood Sugar Regulation : Apple cider vinegar may help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which may be especially beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
• Weight Loss : Apple cider vinegar may aid weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and boosting metabolism. This is a minimal aid in our opinion.
• Body Detoxification : Apple cider vinegar helps eliminate toxins from the body by stimulating blood circulation and promoting liver function.
• Improved Skin and Hair Health : Apple cider vinegar can be used as a skin and hair tonic, helping to combat acne, dandruff, and itchy scalp. We'll expand on the specific uses for hair below.
• Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties : Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help fight infections and fungus.
• Venotonic properties : helps reduce or eliminate swelling of internal rectal and anal veins.

How to use apple cider vinegar for health?

Diluted in water : The easiest and most common way to consume apple cider vinegar is to dilute it in water. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it before or after meals. You can adjust the amount of vinegar according to your taste and tolerance.

As a cure : For a deeper action, you can opt for a cure of cider vinegar. Start by diluting 1 teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water and drink it once a day for a week. Gradually increase the dose to 2 tablespoons per day, depending on your needs and how you feel.

Apple Cider Vinegar Uses: Beyond Just a Condiment

• As a cleaning product : Apple cider vinegar is an excellent natural disinfectant and can be used to clean and deodorize your home. It can replace harmful chemical household products for an eco-friendly and economical cleaning. However, it does not cover all the bacteria that need to be eliminated.
• To relieve sore throat : Dilute apple cider vinegar in warm water and gargle to relieve sore throat and mouth.
• To whiten teeth : Apple cider vinegar can help whiten teeth naturally by removing stains and plaque. Mix apple cider vinegar with baking soda and scrub your teeth with this paste.
• To soothe sunburn : Apply diluted apple cider vinegar to a cotton pad and compress sunburned areas to soothe inflammation and pain. This application may seem counterintuitive at first, but it works very well.
• To relieve itching from insect bites : Apply diluted apple cider vinegar to insect bites to relieve itching and inflammation.
• For hair : Add apple cider vinegar to your conditioner to detangle your hair and restore shine.
• For a relaxing bath : Add apple cider vinegar to your bath to soften the water and relax your muscles.

What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar on hair?

• Stimulates hair growth : A true source of essential nutrients, cider vinegar nourishes hair follicles, strengthens roots and promotes hair growth.
• Adds shine : Its acidic pH tightens the scales and smoothes the cuticle, for shiny, soft-to-the-touch hair.
• Facilitates detangling : Goodbye to knots and frizz! Apple cider vinegar effectively detangles hair, making styling easier.
• Fights dandruff : Its antibacterial and antifungal properties fight the agents responsible for dandruff, cleansing the scalp.
• Repairs colored hair : Damaged by coloring? Apple cider vinegar helps repair it, for healthy, shiny hair.
• Removes impurities : It deeply cleanses hair product residue and pollution, while regulating sebum production for purified hair.
• Cleanses the scalp : Its acidity helps balance the pH of the scalp, eliminating impurities and promoting a healthy environment.

Effect of apple cider vinegar on your hair type?

Apple cider vinegar is suitable for all hair types, but its acidic pH can have different effects:

• Normal to oily hair : It regulates sebum, eliminates residue and adds shine.
• Very dry hair : Its use should be moderate because it can further weaken it.
• Frizzy hair : Repair it but sparingly (about once a month) to avoid drying it out.

How to use apple cider vinegar for hair?

• Rinse water for shine : Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 500 ml of cold water, apply after shampooing and rinse.
• Mask to stimulate growth: Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of honey in 500 ml of water, apply to hair and leave for 30 minutes before rinsing.
• Against dandruff : Rinse your hair with diluted apple cider vinegar or add it to your anti-dandruff shampoo.
• Against itching : Massage your scalp with a solution of diluted cider vinegar.
• For curly and frizzy hair : Dilute the apple cider vinegar and spray it on the rebellious areas, leave it on for a few minutes and rinse.
• For colored hair : Use as a rinse to set the color and prevent it from fading.
• Oily hair : Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your regular shampoo.

To rinse or not to rinse apple cider vinegar?

Rinsing is recommended for frequent use, but for deep, long-lasting results, incorporate apple cider vinegar into your hair routine once or twice a week.

Contraindications and side effects of apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar is generally well tolerated when used in moderate amounts. However, it is important to note that:

• Apple cider vinegar is acidic and can irritate the stomach if used in excessive amounts. It is recommended to dilute it in water before consuming.
• Apple cider vinegar may interact with some medications. It is important to consult your doctor before using it if you are taking any medications.
• Apple cider vinegar can damage tooth enamel if used pure. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after consuming it.
• Start by diluting the apple cider vinegar in water and gradually increase the amount according to your tolerance.
• Do not use pure apple cider vinegar on the skin.
• Consult your doctor before using apple cider vinegar if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.

How to choose the right cider vinegar!

Hundreds of brands offer their customers cider vinegars, but not all are equal, here are some tips to help you in your choice:

1. Prioritize organic quality

Choose a certified organic cider vinegar to guarantee environmentally friendly production, free of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. The AB (Organic Agriculture) label in France or USDA Organic in the United States are guarantees of quality.

2. Look for the word "unfiltered"

Unfiltered apple cider vinegar retains its "mother," those natural deposits rich in health-promoting enzymes and probiotics. These elements give the vinegar a cloudy color and a very slightly viscous texture.

You can see the mother floating, it looks like a disc or a cork, this is a sign of good quality!

3. Check for absence of pasteurization

Pasteurization, a heat treatment aimed at eliminating microorganisms, alters the nutritional and enzymatic properties of cider vinegar. Choose an unpasteurized vinegar to preserve its natural benefits.

4. Choosing a craft production

Supporting local and artisanal producers by opting for cider vinegar from small-scale production assures you of the authenticity of the product and its know-how.

5. Trust your senses

Smell and taste are valuable indicators of the quality of cider vinegar. A good vinegar has a slightly spicy apple-caramel fragrance and offers a tangy, balanced flavor.

6. Take into account usage

Depending on the intended use, some criteria may be more important. For culinary use, a vinegar aged in a wooden barrel can provide complex aromatic notes. For health use, an unfiltered and unpasteurized vinegar will retain its probiotic properties.

7. Read the label carefully

The label provides valuable information about the origin of the vinegar, its production method and its acidity. An acetic acidity level of around 5% is generally considered optimal.

8. Trusting Trusted Brands

Do not hesitate to ask natural product specialists or consult online reviews to identify brands of cider vinegar recognized for their quality and reliability.

See our selection .

9. The price

For a good cider or apple vinegar, expect to pay between 5 and 8 euros per liter. No more, beyond that you will mostly be paying for marketing.

Where to buy quality organic cider vinegar?

You can find all our cider and apple vinegar here, or directly in our physical store in Tours.

Or locally near you in an organic store or directly from the producer.

Thank you for reading the blog, if you have any questions do not hesitate, the comments section is there for that!