A dozen organic apples brought home by mom-in-law last week reminded me of this amazing natural product I’ve been meaning to add to my beauty routine lately.

Guesses, anyone? Yes, it’s the good old Apple Cider Vinegar or the better known ACV among health and beauty enthusiasts alike.

But why apple cider vinegar?

Because an apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? Yes. But it’s not that simple. It’s not just the raw apple that is good for health but apple cider vinegar, which is made from the fermentation of compressed and ripened apples that is loaded with many health and beauty benefits.

As a fermented product, ACV is naturally rich in phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, potassium, acetic, citric, and malic acid as well as various essential vitamins, enzymes and amino acids. Having anti bacterial, anti viral, anti inflammatory and anti fungal properties, ACV is ancient remedy for treating cold, cough, muscle pain, arthritis pain, diabetes, high cholesterol and weight issues.

However, not all apple cider vinegars in the market are created equal. The healthiest apple cider vinegar versions come with the ‘mother’, which is a colony of beneficial bacteria brimming with amazing health and anti aging benefits.

So if you are meaning to add apple cider vinegar to your daily health and beauty routine, look for only organic and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to obtain full ACV benefits. Zenith Nutrition is one popular brand that makes unfiltered and unpasteurized cider vinegar from natural Himalayan apples.

Zenith Nutrition apple cider vinegar come with the mother of vinegar and is fermented with scientifically optimized process, which means they leave the beneficial bacteria that develop during the fermentation process in the vinegar.

Here is how raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar can transform your health and beauty routine:

1. Aids in weight loss

Acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar speeds up body’s metabolism to help you shed those extra kilos if taken on a daily basis. Drink apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water every morning or sip it throughout the day to shed excess fat.

2. Reduces cholesterol

ACV helps in improving the body’s lipid profile by decreasing triglycerides level to lower blood cholesterol. It also inhibits enzymes that cause blood vessels to constrict.

3. Reduces symptoms of acidity and heartburn

Digestive problems and acid reflux can often be from too little stomach acid rather than too much. Apple cider vinegar is a simple and really inexpensive remedy for low stomach acid. Personally, I’ve found relief from minor heartburn by adding 1 teaspoon of vinegar to water and drinking.

4. Helps in arthritis pain

ACV is rich in potassium, which prevents calcium build up responsible for joint stiffness. Include apple cider vinegar in your diet to ease arthritis pain. It also contains several essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which help maintain bone health.

5. Boosts immunity

ACV also has long been known to boost immunity and improve overall health. According to legend, thieves during the bubonic plague survived by making herbal vinegar with herbs like rosemary, thyme and lavender.

The “mother,” which provides immune boosting properties on its own, also allows the vinegar to get stronger over time and maintain its beneficial properties.

6. Treats common cold, cough, and sore throat

The acid in ACV breaks the mucous to clear sinuses. It is thus helpful in treating blocked nose, common cold, cough and sore throat.

7. Relieves symptoms of fatigue and weakness

Apple cider vinegar is packed with essential amino acids and enzymes which work to neutralize the lactic acid buildup. It is also rich in electrolytes that help relieve tiredness and weariness. Add 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to a glass of fruit juice or vegetable juice and drink it to beat weakness and fatigue.

8. Reduces blood sugar levels

ACV is packed with anti-glycemic properties that improve insulin sensitivity, which helps in maintaining blood sugar level in the body. Mix 3 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and take it 3 times a day to improve stomach’s rate of digestion. This will help keep the blood sugar level consistent.

9. Reduces bad breath and symptoms of gingivitis

The acids in ACV help in killing bad bacteria in your mouth and gums to give you fresh breathe. Gargle with apple cider vinegar mixed with water for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times. This will also remove yellow stains and will help whiten teeth.

10. Fights body odor

ACV absorbs and neutralizes odor by adjusting the skin’s pH level to eliminate odor causing bacteria. Add a few drops of apple cider vinegar into a bucket of water and take bath with that water. For foot odor, fill a pan with warm water and add 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar. Soak your feet for 15 minutes

11. Helps maintain healthy skin

Unrefined apple cider vinegar is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes and due to this it is often used in various skin remedies and beauty recipes. ACV diluted in water has been proven to help with sunburns, skin rashes and mosquito bites.

12. Useful for clear and bright skin

Unrefined apple cider vinegar is rich in alpha hydroxy acids that greatly help in exfoliating skin. ACV when regularly used as a face toner not only helps control acne but also greatly helps in whitening and brightening skin overtime.

13. Reduces wrinkles and fine lines

Apple cider vinegar contains high amount of sulphur that fights the signs of ageing like age spots and freckles. It tightens the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Apply apple cider vinegar directly on the face every night before going to sleep and leave it overnight. Wash off the next morning. If you have sensitive skin or feel any kind of stinging sensation, dilute with water.

14. Controls dandruff and promotes healthy hair

Both internal and external use of ACV has been shown to strengthen hair and promote hair growth. ACV is replete with nutrients which balance the pH value of the scalp thereby reducing dandruff and remove dead skin cells.

Apple cider vinegar also reduces itchy scalp problems and dandruff by destroying the bacteria and fungi that clog the hair follicles.

15. For shiny hair

Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar to give it more body and luster. Vinegar removes build up from the hair shafts and closes the cuticles. By closing the cuticles, the hair slides more easily and is tangle free.

Where to buy unrefined and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the ‘mother’:

While most grocery stores should carry it, in case you can’t find it near your local grocery store you can also buy it online.

Personally I use Zenith Nutrition apple cider vinegar that comes with the ‘mother’ to reap full benefits of unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. Do you also use apple cider vinegar in your health and beauty regime? Does your vinegar contains ‘mother’?