Les bienfaits du vinaigre de cidre pour la santé et les cheveux

Apple cider vinegar, precious benefits for your health and your hair!

July 26, 2024Santé naturelle avec Pleine Forme

benefits of apple cider vinegar

Introduction:

Apple cider vinegar is a product obtained from the alcoholic fermentation of apple juice; it is a condiment that has been 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 ticks all the boxes for a product to incorporate into your overall health routine.

What is apple cider vinegar?

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

Step one: The magic of alcoholic fermentation

Everything starts with apple juice, pressed from carefully selected fruits. Yeasts, those 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 enjoyed for centuries in Europe and 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 acid bacteria. These little wonders of nature tackle the alcohol produced during the first step, transforming it into acetic acid, the main ingredient of apple cider vinegar.

That is how this elixir with multiple virtues is born 😁

A well-kept secret: The label reveals everything

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

Before going further, we have a question that often comes up in the store:

"Are apple cider vinegar and apple vinegar the same product?"

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

Health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Here are the main reasons that lead us to recommend apple cider vinegar in-store, and where we know the feedback is numerous enough to be judged as a remedy to help you naturally.

Improved digestion: Apple cider vinegar stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, thereby promoting nutrient absorption and food digestion. It can also relieve occasional digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion.
Strengthening the immune system: Rich in antioxidants, apple cider vinegar helps fight free radicals and strengthens the immune system, thus reducing the risk of infections and diseases.
Blood sugar regulation: Apple cider vinegar can help regulate blood sugar by slowing the absorption of sugar into the blood, which can be particularly beneficial for diabetics or pre-diabetics.
Weight loss: Apple cider vinegar can promote weight loss by increasing the feeling of fullness and stimulating metabolism. In our opinion, this is a minor aid.
Body detoxification: Apple cider vinegar helps eliminate toxins from the body by stimulating blood circulation and supporting liver function.
Improved skin and hair health: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a toner for skin and hair, helping to fight acne, dandruff, and itchy scalp. We will elaborate on specific hair uses below.
Antibacterial and antifungal properties: Apple cider vinegar possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help fight infections and fungi.
Veinotonic properties: Helps to reduce or eliminate the swelling of internal rectal and anal veins.

How to use apple cider vinegar for health?

Diluted in water: The simplest 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 lukewarm water and drink it before or after meals. You can adjust the amount of vinegar according to your taste and tolerance.

As a treatment: For a deeper action, you can opt for an apple cider vinegar treatment. 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 up to 2 tablespoons per day, depending on your needs and how you feel.

Uses of apple cider vinegar: Beyond a simple 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 ecological and economical cleaning. However, it does not cover all bacteria that need to be eliminated.
To relieve sore throats: Dilute apple cider vinegar in lukewarm water and gargle to relieve sore throats and mouth pain.
To whiten teeth: Apple cider vinegar can help whiten teeth naturally by removing stains and plaque. Mix apple cider vinegar with baking soda and rub your teeth with this paste.
To soothe sunburns: Apply diluted apple cider vinegar to a cotton pad and compress areas burned by the sun to soothe inflammation and pain. Quite counter-intuitive at first, this application nonetheless works very well.
To relieve itchy insect bites: Apply diluted apple cider vinegar to insect bites to soothe 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 for hair?

Stimulates hair growth: A true source of essential nutrients, apple 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 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 and radiant hair.
Eliminates impurities: It deep-cleanses residue from hair products 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 adapts to all hair types, but its acidic pH can have different effects:

Normal to oily hair: It regulates sebum, eliminates residue, and provides shine.
Very dry hair: Its use should be moderate because it can make it more fragile.
Coily/Kinky hair: It repairs it but use it sparingly (about once a month) to avoid drying it out.

How to use apple cider vinegar for hair?

Rinsing 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 let sit 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 apple cider vinegar.
For curly hair and frizz: Dilute apple cider vinegar and spray it on unruly areas, let sit for a few minutes and rinse.
For colored hair: Use it 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 usual shampoo.

To rinse or not to rinse apple cider vinegar?

Rinsing is recommended for frequent use, but for deep and 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 it.
Apple cider vinegar can interact with certain medications. It is important to consult your doctor before using it if you are taking medication.
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 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 health problems.

How to choose your apple cider vinegar!

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

Prioritize organic quality

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

Look for the "unfiltered" mention

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

You can see the mother floating, it looks like a disk or a plug; it's a sign of good quality!

Check for the absence of pasteurization

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

Choose artisanal production

Supporting local and artisanal producers by opting for apple cider vinegar from small-scale production ensures the authenticity of the product and its craftsmanship.

Trust your senses

The smell and taste are valuable indicators of the quality of apple cider vinegar. A good vinegar releases a slightly pungent apple-caramel fragrance and offers a tangy and balanced flavor.

Consider the use

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

Read the label carefully

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

Trust trusted brands

Do not hesitate to ask specialists in natural products or consult online reviews to identify apple cider vinegar brands recognized for their quality and seriousness.

See our selection.

9.The price

For a good apple cider vinegar, count between 5 and 8 euros per liter. No more, beyond that you are mostly paying for marketing.