I've been doing a little research on apple cider vinegar lately, and I must say I am really impressed with the number of uses for this liquid. I used to always think it was just something that you use as an ingredient in your salad dressings, but apparently there is a whole culture of people out there who are praising the properties of apple cider vinegar, saying that it's helping all sorts of ailments and problems. Apparently I have been behind the eight ball on this one, as people have been using apple cider vinegar for literally centuries, and with so many people singing it's praises, I have no doubt that it's not a passing fad or an old wives tale.

Apple cider vinegar is created by fermenting regular apple cider. During the fermentation process, the bacteria that develops breaks down the sugars and converts them into alcohol, and finally vinegar. Unlike the normal white vinegar you find in your shops however, apple cider vinegar is usually a muddy brown colour and quite often will have sediments in it. This is quite normal and you should not be concerned about it, the sediments are basically the bacteria doing it's work in the vinegar. If you are wanting to purchase apple cider vinegar, the sediment is actually a good thing. A lot of companies are selling filtered and processed apple cider vinegar. Unfortunately, the processes that this vinegar has to go through remove all the beneficial bacterias otherwise found in the cider. Try an aim for unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to get the best effect.

So what can this so called wonder liquid be used for? Well, like I said, it has been in use for a long time. During World War 2, American soldiers swore by it, saying that apple cider vinegar cured a wide range of ailments, including indigestion and scurvy. In this day and age, many of us are not eating as healthy as we should be, and as a result, our bodies natural pH levels are all out of wack. Any doctor will tell you that the average American has a way too high level of acid in their bodies. You may wonder how on earth apple cider vinegar would help with that, because it is, by nature, very acidic. This is true, but when taken internally, the cider actually has an alkalising effect on our bodies, and helps to balance out this acidity. All you need is a few tablespoons a day and your body well be much more balanced in it's pH levels. If you can't stand the taste f it, and it can be fairly potent to the tastebuds, simply dilute it in a cup of water. If that's still too yuck for you, you can mix some honey with it to sweeten it up. Honey also has antibacterial properties in it, so you'll be killing one bird with two stones. As well as balancing our pH levels, here are some other claimed benefits of apple cider vinegar...

Apple Cider Vinegar Remedies

Losing Weight - It is claimed by fans that apple cider vinegar can be used a an appetite suppressant. Many people find that if they have a teaspoon or two before a meal, they will not feel as hungry during the meal, and as a result not eat as much. It is also claimed that the vinegar helps to burn off excess fat in your body. No scientific studies have been done to prove or disprove this, but it remains a popular theory and certainly has a cult following in the weight loss circles.

Hair Treatment - Some people actually wash their hair with a diluted amount of apple cider vinegar. I know that your first thought probably has something to do with the smell, and although it is potent, the smell doesn't seem to stick around long after you've washed, but the benefits remain. One of the main uses of the cider in your hair is to combat dandruff. The cider will help suppress fungus being cultivated in the roots of your hair, which is a major cause of dandruff. Another benefit to washing your hair in apple cider vinegar is that it will get rid of lice. This is great to remember if you have children. It seems like every couple of months a note comes home from school saying that lice are on the rampage again. Washing your kids hair in this vinegar is really easy to do, much easier than searching with a fine toothed comb.

Skin Treatment - People also use apple cider vinegar as a face wash. It will help to fight bacterias and moulds, leaving your skin a lot more shiny and pimple free. Because it cleanses your skin, it is also great for acne and warts. Just apply a little bit to the trouble areas with a little bit of cotton wool, and after a week or so it should be all cleared up. Also, if you have suffered from sunburn, you can use apple cider vinegar to not only relieve the pain associated with this condition, but stop your skin from peeling as well.

As you can see, every household should have a bottle of apple cider vinegar handy. Just don't forget that you need to get the unprocessed variety, otherwise you are missing out on all that good bacteria. Other ailments that people claim can be remedied using apple cider vinegar include heartburn, high blood pressure, fleas for pets, chronic fatigue, athritis, gout and many many more. It's a natural remedy, so well worth a try. As with anything, make sure you don't go overboard with it, as too much of anything is not good for you.