Word has gotten around that Apple Cider Vinegar is a health elixir, boasting numerous health benefits as well as being incredibly affordable. But what exactly are these health benefits?

As foul as apple cider vinegar smells and tastes, we have here some health benefits that will make you consider having this “miracle liquid” a part of your health regime.

DIGESTION

You would think that something acidic like apple cider vinegar may cause acid reflux and other gastric problems, but surprisingly, it does the complete opposite. Apple cider vinegar turns alkaline when it enters the digestive system, which in turn helps to balance stomach acids, prevent bloating as well as aids in digestion.

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HELPS ACNE AND ACNE SCARS

Our skin is naturally acidic, but this acidity is disrupted by the use of face products, which leads to acne problems. Apple cider vinegar solves this but returning the acidity to our skin, which helps to kill bacteria and dead skin cells, leaving your pores smaller, your scars faded and your skin tone more even.

HELPS YOU TO LOSE WEIGHT

If you’re feeling a bit flabby and are looking into ways to lose some of not so loved love handles, you can try taking at least 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar a day to help you in your weight loss journey. Its been proven that consistent consumption of apple cider vinegar over a long period of time can with aid in overall weight loss, especially in the belly area.

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GOODBYE DANDRUFF

Would you believe us if we told you that apple cider vinegar can help you get rid of your pesky dandruff problems? The enzymes in the apple cider vinegar fight the bacteria and fungus that causes dandruff, helping to open up your clogged pores while acting as a conditioner. Just spritz some apple cider vinegar mixed with water on your scalp and let it do its magic.

LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS AND HELPS WITH DIABETES

If you or a loved one are struggling with diabetes, apple cider can help you make it all a little easier. Its been proven that apple cider vinegar helps to reduce blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Even if you don’t have diabetes, consuming apple cider vinegar can help in the prevention of future blood sugar problems. Prevention is always better than cure!

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS AGAINST CANCER

If you’re scared of cancer and are looking for preventive measures to take to protect yourself from the possibility of it, you can turn to apple cider vinegar for help. It has been found to have anti-tumor effects, which in turn can reduce your risk of getting cancer.

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REMOVE STAINS FROM YOUR TEETH 

If you’re embarrassed of smiling because your teeth aren’t as pearly white as you want them to be, don’t worry, apple cider vinegar can you with that problem. Just rub your teeth directly with apple cider vinegar and rinse it off later with water. Give it a few months and your pearly whites will be ready to face the world.

Photo Credit: Tuscaloosaent

SOOTHES A SORE THROAT

Run out of Strepsils or cough syrup? Don’t panic, all you need to do is gargle a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water, and it can help you to ease and alleviate the pain in your throat.

Superfoods are easy peasy ways to up your nutrition levels without putting in too much effort. If you haven’t hopped on the bandwagon yet, it’s never too late to start. Check out the Top 7 superfoods to add to your diet now.

1. B U C K W H E A T

You can think of buckwheat as a little “problem inhibitor”. It has high fibre and a low glycaemic index, which means it is digested and released slowly into your body, stabilising blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes and obesity.

Being chockfull of proteins and containing all the essential amino acids, this humble seed (not a grain!) is a top-ranking cholesterol-lowering food too. It also helps reduce hypertension by lowering the enzyme activity that contributes to the condition. Get your fix of manganese, magnesium, copper and zinc with a serving of buckwheat – these are minerals important to the immune system.

Cooking this seed is easy, just boil or microwave one cup to two cups of liquid (water or stock) – the result is a great rice-like alternative to our current meal-time staple. You can also sprinkle some in your muesli or cereal. Those who are gluten-sensitive will be able to enjoy products made from buckwheat flour.

2. F L A X  S E E D

This tiny seed is said to reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. Flaxseeds have extremely high levels of lignans (phytonutrients that give us antioxidant benefits and have plant estrogen qualities), containing 75 to 800 times more than other plant foods.

One tablespoon of these little babies contains about 1.8g of plant omega-3 fats, which help to keep your heart in tiptop shape. The super high amount of soluble and insoluble fibre it provides will also help maintain healthy bowel movements and keep you satiated for longer. Plus, it’s got zinc, iron, vitamin E, calcium and a ton of others – so much bang for your buck.

The catch? It’s a little troublesome to consume. They’re difficult to digest when taken whole – you’ll have to grind it fresh to get the maximum benefits (pre-ground flaxseeds may have already lost the nutrients). Then you can sprinkle that onto your cereal, salads, oatmeal, or even have them baked into muffins and cakes. Alternatively, try flaxseed oil.

3. C H I A  S E E D S

This is one of my favourites because a packet goes a long way and it’s so easy to consume – it can be simply added to anything: juices, salads, toast, cereal, brown rice or even baked into muffins and cookies. This tiny, tasteless seed is a fantastic source of heart and brain-loving omega-3 fats, dietary fibre and protein – the latter two keeping you fuller for a longer time. It’s got high calcium, manganese and phosphorus levels – these are minerals important for building up your bones and keeping them healthy.

Chia seeds also have a stabilising effect on blood sugar (prevents sugar spikes) so it can help control diabetes and fight belly fat (linked with insulin resistance). Oh, and don’t fuss over whether black or white chia seeds are better – there is a negligible difference between them.

4. M A C A  P O W D E R

Maca is a root that grows in the mountains of Peru, and is in the same plant family as radish, watercress and broccoli. It is most commonly eaten in powder form. Add it to your smoothies, cereals, juices and even cooked food – its taste has been likened to that of malt, or similar to toasted oats.

Maca is packed with important fatty acids and amino acids, protein, vitamin C, vitamin B, magnesium, iron, fibre and calcium. As such, you can expect it to help with bone building, increased energy (athletes have been known to take this for peak performance) and maintaining regular bowel movements. Some reports say it helps with improving your libido as well. If you have skin problems, give maca powder a go – for some, it helped to clear up acne and blemishes.

5. Q U I N O A

It’s a great source of complete proteins (containing all essential amino acids) for vegans and an alternative to wheat for those who are gluten-intolerant. Those trying to cut out carbohydrates will find that quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) makes an excellent stand-in for rice. The calcium, magnesium and manganese count in these little seeds are right up there, helping you to maintain strong bones. It also has good levels of several B vitamins, vitamin E and dietary fibre.

Cooking quinoa is easy; like buckwheat, just boil one cup with two cups of water or stock. They are fluffy with a subtle nutty profile when cooked. Remember to wash them first though, as they have a naturally bitter coating. There are three types of quinoa commonly available (red, black and white) – they are similar in nutrition, with differences only in cooking times and appearance.

6. C A C A O  N I B S

You already know that eating dark chocolate is beneficial to your body. But it often comes with other undesirable ingredients like butter and sugar. Start snacking on cacao nibs instead. They’re cacao beans that have been roasted, separated from their husks and chipped into smaller pieces.

If you’re wondering, yes, they do keep their chocolatey taste but they’re not as sweet, sometimes having a subtle nutty or fruity flavour too. Like chocolate, cacao nibs can put you in a better mood (hooray!). It is one of the best dietary sources of magnesium, which is important for muscle and nerve function, and heart health.

You’ll also be getting some iron, a whole load of antioxidants and fibre. Snack on them right out of the bag or add them to your muesli, trail mixes or smoothies. You can also grind it and use the powder in cooking or baking. This is probably the healthiest way to enjoy chocolate.

7. G O J I  B E R R I E S

Asians are familiar with this one because we see it in herbal dishes often. You may also know it as the wolfberry. This little fruit, often sold in dehydrated form, is loaded with beta-carotene to help you maintain healthy skin and eyes.

Getting a serving of these can also boost your immune system, since it has high levels of Vitamin C. Oh, and the antioxidant count is off the hook too. You can add these to your trail mix or muesli, or incorporate them into your cooking. The berry has a pleasant, mild sweet-sour taste.

Sources:

• http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/06/03/chia-seed-benefits-_n_3379831.html
• http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/flaxseed
• http://www.oprah.com/health/Buckwheat-Dr-Perricones-No-5-Superfood
• http://www.washingtonian.com/blogs/wellbeing/nutrition/the-powerful-health-benefits-of-buckwheat.php
• http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/what-to-eat/diet-qa-maca
• http://www.vegkitchen.com/nutrition/7-top-health-benefits-of-maca/
• http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-quinoa
• http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/08/02/cacao-nibs_n_3695571.html
• http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/psyllium

About the writer:
Ruby Tan used to write for Her World, and is now a freelance writer with a dream to travel the world. She believes that the some of best things in life don’t have to be bought. If you want to make a friend, share travel tips and advice, or even to discuss deeply about life, write to her at rubytan.work@gmail.com