Physiological Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

• Apple cider vinegar can have a variety of positive health benefits.botella image by federico igea from Fotolia.com
  
  Apple cider vinegar, usually found in the cooking aisles of grocery stores near the oils and baking soda, is made by crushing organic apples and allowing them to ferment in wooden barrels, then bottling the brownish liquid. The liquid can alleviate a variety of physiological symptoms people experience, usually requiring medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter. According to Home Remedies Web, shoppers should look for apple cider vinegar with an acidity level of five to seven.
  
  

Freshen Breath

• Bad breath may be caused by an almost endless array of factors, including dehydration, smoking, zinc deficiency, stomach disorders, consumption of high- protein foods, and illnesses such as cancer. Apple cider vinegar may also help persons suffering from bad breath. Instead of using a store-bought mouthwash or breath spray, mix half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into an eight-ounce glass of water, then gargle (instead of just swishing it around in your mouth) for 10 seconds. Spit out the mixture instead of swallowing it.
  
  

Weight Loss

• Home Remedies Web suggests that persons may experience weight loss when mixing two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 16 ounces of water and sipping the mixture throughout the day. The liquid may contribute to weight loss by speeding up metabolism, which causes the body to burn more calories throughout the day.
  
  

Wart Removal

• People get warts on their hands, feet and other body parts through casual contact, gym equipment or a breakout of the human papilloma virus (HPV) dormant in their systems. Warts can be persistent and difficult to get rid of on their own; often sufferers try over-the-counter remedies or visit dermatologists to have them frozen or burned off. The Apple Cider Benefits web site claims that using the organic liquid can help reduce the appearance of or remove warts entirely within two weeks with just a few quick steps at home. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, then apply the wet puff to the wart, securing it with an adhesive band. Repeat the process each night before bed.
  
  

Hair Strength

• Apple cider vinegar may be used to help strengthen and condition hair and stop dandruff. The liquid works to balance the pH of hair (hair is naturally acidic, whereas most traditional shampoos are alkaline) and gets rid of product buildup. The liquid also closes hair cuticles, giving a smoother look. Shampoo may be made by mixing a third of a cup of the vinegar with a quart of water, then store it in an old plastic bottle (wash out any previous hair-product residue first). For persons suffering from dandruff, apple cider vinegar may be applied directly to the scalp, left on for half an hour, then rinsed off, taking with it the bacteria that clogs hair follicles and causes head itch.
  
  One of apple cider vinegar's side effects is a strong vinegar odor. This may be avoided by adding a few drops of oil, such as lavender or vanilla, into the mix or just waiting a few minutes for the smell to dissipate.