(Organic Slant) There have been many scientific studies on the effects of apple cider vinegar. The benefits include helping with acne, allergies, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, flu, gout, heartburn, high cholesterol, and sore throat.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has so many uses. It ranks as one of the top natural remedies for healing the body – from whatever ails it!

It’s medicinal properties begin with the noble apple, which contains vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants – and no fat or sodium. If the fermentation process used does not alter its nutrients, all of the goodness of the apple can be extracted and retained, while enzymes and organic acids are added. It’s made by turning apple juice into hard cider, then fermenting a second time, to turn it into apple cider vinegar.

1. Diabetes

In 2007 a study, published in Diabetes Care, found that Type II diabetes patients who consumed two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar at bedtime showed favorable changes in blood sugar levels the following morning.

The biologically active constituent of vinegar is acetic acid, also the source of the liquid’s lip-puckering pungency. Nobumasa Ogawa, Ph.D., of Tokyo University in Tokyo, discovered that the acetic acid inhibits the activity of several carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, including amylase, sucrase, maltase, and lactase. As a result, when vinegar is present in the intestines, some sugars and starches temporarily pass through without being digested, so they have less of an impact on blood sugar.

2. Weight Loss

A study published in 2009 found that obese people who consumed acetic acid (found in apple cider vinegar) daily for 12 weeks experienced significant decreases in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference, and triglycerides.

Most apple cider vinegar weight loss home remedies, like the one investigated in Vermont by Dr. D. C. Jarvis, M.D., call for the taking of one or two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before each meal. Patricia Bragg recommends adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of raw honey to this mixture.

Whichever way you take it, don’t expect a rapid weight loss, the weight will be lost gradually, as it should be to allow the body’s fat cells to adjust to their new size.

3. Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

High blood pressure can lead to major health problems including heart attack, stroke, aneurysms, congestive heart failure and kidney damage. A normal blood pressure reading is considered to be 120/80. If yours is higher, consider apple cider vinegar as a normalizing agent.

Studies conducted on rats found that acetic acid may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

4. Alkaline Acid Balance

The theory behind the alkaline diet is that our blood is slightly alkaline (with a normal pH level of between 7.35 and 7.45) and that our diet should reflect this pH level. Proponents of the alkaline-acid theory believe that a diet high in acid-producing foods leads to lack of energy, excessive mucous production, infections, anxiety, irritability, headache, sore throat, nasal and sinus congestion, allergic reactions, and increased risk of conditions such as arthritis and gout.

Despite being an acidic solution, it is believed that apple cider vinegar  has an alkalinizing effect on the body.  One to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in water as a daily is recommended.

5. Acid Reflux

Apple Cider Vinegar for acid reflux is one of the most effective and popular old-timers home remedies. ACV’s pH balancing abilities, as well as its vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients make it a fast and effective natural treatment for GERD and acid reflux. Acid reflux is a common condition that can produce many different symptoms. This condition is also known as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease and an estimated 60 million Americans suffer symptoms once a month or more. Symptoms of acid reflux may include stomach discomfort (dyspepsia), heartburn and regurgitation. The latter produces the feeling of acid backing up in your mouth or throat.

The natural acidity of apple cider vinegar actually helps to reduce stomach acidity and also aids in the breaking down of fats. This helps to relieve conditions such as heartburn and acid reflux. The best way to take apple cider vinegar is to use two or three teaspoons in a glass of water prior to meals.

6. Hair Rinse

Hair is on the mildly acidic side of the pH scale and has an ideal pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which is close to that of an apple cider vinegar rinse (pH 2.9).

On the other hand, many of the hair care products we use, such as soap-based shampoos, bleaches, hair colors, and permanents are strongly alkaline.

Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will help balance the pH of your hair and remove the buildup that can result from the use of these styling products and inexpensive shampoos.

Rinsing will also close the numerous cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft. This imparts a smoother surface which reflects more light and as a result leaves your hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage.

Don’t worry about the slight vinegar smell you will notice after rinsing. It will disappear completely as your hair dries.

Make your own healthy after-shampoo hair rinse by mixing 1/3 of a cup (75 ml) of ACV into a quart (1 liter) of water. You can then store this mixture in a plastic bottle and keep it in the shower for ready use.

If you would like to prepare a smaller batch of this vinegar hair rinse recipe to experiment with, try mixing 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup (250 ml) of warm filtered tap water.

Apply the vinegar rinse after shampooing and then rinse it all out, or for extra conditioning, you can leave the rinse on your hair. This natural hair care product can be used once or twice a week or more often as needed.

WARNINGS

If you take ACV between meals or before going to bed, always rinse your mouth to avoid any prolonged vinegar contact with the enamel on your teeth. Undiluted apple cider vinegar, in liquid or pill form, may damage the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract. If you’re on any medication or have any medical conditions, check with your physician whether apple cider vinegar is right for you.