APPLE CIDER VINEGAR BENEFITS
Apple cider vinegar is made by crushing apples and squeezing out the liquid to obtain unfiltered apple juice (cider). Yeast is then added to the liquid to start the fermentation process, and the sugars are turned into alcohol. In a second fermentation process, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria. Acetic acid gives vinegar its sour taste.
Apple cider vinegar retains all the nutritional goodness of the apples from which it was made plus it is fortified with the extra acids and enzymes produced during the two fermentation steps. Most of the benefits of apple cider vinegar can be attributed to the presence of acetic acid which is antibacterial and anti fungal in nature along with the presence of of a good amount of minerals and enzymes like potassium, sodium, chloride, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper and pectin along with some vitamins.
Cooking with apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an amazingly versatile cooking ingredient. It adds a tangy taste to many drinks and deepens the flavors of many foods.You can replace the regular cooking vinegar with apple cider vinegar in salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrette, food preservatives, and chutneys, etc. Apple cider vinegar’s anti-hypoglycemic effect is very well documented and can help pre-diabetics. Also, it is said to aid in weight loss and management.
Apple cider vinegar to treat dandruff and make hair shiny
Apple cider vinegar can be used to make your hair shine, and to treat dandruff. The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for dandruff yeast to grow. Mix 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water in a spray bottle, and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel, wait for about 30 min and then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a week for best results. Apart from treating dandruff, it can also make your hair shine. Mix apple cider vinegar with water and pour the solution through your hair after shampooing to get shinier hair.
Apple cider vinegar for treating stomach troubles
Sip some apple cider vinegar mixed with water. If a bacterial infection is at the root of your diarrhea, apple cider vinegar could help contain the problem, thanks to its antibiotic properties as it contains acetic acid which can kill bacteria. What's more is that apple cider vinegar contains pectin, which can help soothe intestinal spasms. Try mixing one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into water and then drinking the mix.
Apple cider vinegar to soothe sore throat
As soon as you feel the prickle of a sore throat, use germ killing acetic acid containing apple cider vinegar to help fight the infection at the start itself. Turns out, most germs can't survive in the acidic environment vinegar creates. Gargle 2-3 times a day with a mix of apple cider vinegar and water .
Apple cider vinegar for fresh breath and whiter teeth
Apple cider vinegar can remove stains from teeth. Rub the stains directly with apple cider vinegar, and rinse off with water. Freshen your mouth by using a mix of apple cider vinegar and water and swish about the mouth and gargle to reduce bad breath.
Apple cider vinegar to clear acne and brighten the skin
Apple cider vinegar's antibacterial properties help keep acne under control, and lactic acid found in apple cider vinegar exfoliate the skin and keep it healthy and give the skin a radiant, bright natural glow. Use it mixed with rose water and dab with cotton balls, wait for 10 min and then rinse.
Apple cider vinegar for clearing cold
Apple cider vinegar is said to be very useful for clearing blocked nose during a cold. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink as it will help drain sinuses and clear your nose.
Apple cider vinegar for weight loss
Another major apple cider vinegar benefits is it can be an aid to weight loss. Dilute 1-3 tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar in a big glass of water, and sip it along with your meals one or two times a day.This concoction can also be sipped throughout the day. Always dilute apple cider vinegar with sufficient water before using it as it is acidic in nature.
HONEY HEALTH BENEFITS/ USES
Honey is fat free, cholesterol free, and sodium free, yet sweet and hence a natural substitute for sugar, says the National Honey Board. Its composition is roughly 80 percent carbohydrates, 18 percent water, and the rest is essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Honey is an excellent source of energy as it is a natural unprocessed sugar, composed mainly of fructose and glucose which directly enter the bloodstream and deliver a quick boost of energy. Consumption of honey also promotes an increase in the production of antioxidants, and stimulates antibody production in the body against microbes, thereby protecting the body from infections.
HONEY BENEFITS FOR HEALTHY HAIR
Honey combats skin and scalp infections. There are many health benefits of honey for the skin and scalp well being as well. Applying honey diluted with a little water to the scalp for around 3 hours and then washing it off with warm water provides relief from itching and scaling in a week, while lesions disappear in around two weeks. Hair loss also becomes considerably less.
HONEY BENEFITS FOR GLOWING SKIN FREE FROM ACNE AND SCARS
If you have a burn scar, apply some raw honey on it. It has healing and antiseptic properties and if you apply it over the burn regularly, it will considerably lighten the scar.
Honey is naturally antibacterial, so it's great for acne treatment and prevention. Honey is said to lighten skin, and its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds help increase healing and tissue regeneration. The hydrating properties of honey will also help revive skin cells and provide a complexion boost to the skin because of honey's moisturizing and soothing properties, thereby creating a glow.
HONEY BENEFITS FOR FACE / FACIAL SKIN
Honey acts as a great anti-aging agent and moisturizer. Honey also has the ability to absorb and retain moisture and this helps in keeping the skin well hydrated, fresh and supple, hence regular use makes the face radiant and glowing. Applying equal parts of honey and fresh lemon juice on the face topically every day and then washing off after 20-30 min can remove dark spots. Washing your face with honey once a week will keep your skin soft and blemish free.
HONEY USES/ BENEFITS FOR THE BODY
Honey is safer than sugar at 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon, honey makes an excellent source of all-natural energy that is superior to other conventional sources since it comes with added nutrients. The National Honey Board recommends adding honey to your bottle of water for an energy boost during workouts. Snacks with honey can be eaten before and after. Honey is a good substitute for sugar. It can be used in different beverages such as tea, and fruit juices. Honey can be used instead of sugar for making desserts, pancakes, etc.
HONEY AND LEMON USES FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Drinking honey and lemon juice mixed with warm water every morning on an empty stomach is often pointed out as the best way to lose weight. Apart from cleansing your stomach, the lemon juice goes a long way in helping you lose weight as it is packed with a type of fiber called pectin, thereby it can make you feel full and keep cravings at bay. The lemon juice in this mixture also is loaded with Vitamin C, which increases liver function and fat metabolism. 1-3 teaspoons of honey mixed in a glass of lukewarm water boosts metabolism and helps in weight management.
Normally, fat remains as an unused resource in the body, adding bulk and weight, but it is believed that honey has the ability to mobilize this stored fat. When this fat is burnt to provide energy for your daily activities, you can see a gradual decrease in weight. By regulating the body's metabolism, food is utilized properly, fat is converted into usable energy, and overall health is improved. Honey has also been shown to positively increase the levels of good cholesterol in the body, and also reduces cardiovascular strain, which means you can lead a more active, healthy life, which will further aid you in getting to your desired weight quickly.
HONEY AND LEMON FOR THE FACE
Honey and lemon juice face pack is very effective in lightening the skin tone. Mix equal quantities of honey and lemon juice and apply it all over the face. Leave it for 20 minutes and wash it off with cold water. This will also help in obtaining supple and glowing skin.
HONEY AND CINNAMON POWDER USES
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to mankind. Cinnamon's essential oils and honey's enzymes that produces hydrogen peroxide qualify as anti-microbial foods with their ability to help stop the growth of bacteria.
HONEY AND CINNAMON FOR TOOTHACHE RELIEF
Applying a paste of cinnamon powder and honey and on the aching tooth provides relief from the incessant toothache.
HONEY, LEMON JUICE AND CINNAMON
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of lemon juice in a glass of lukewarm water along with a pinch of cinnamon powder and drink to help boost your immune system during the cold season. It is also helpful in clearing the sinuses.
HONEY AND CINNAMON FOR WEIGHT LOSS
To reduce weight, daily drink a mixture of a teaspoon of honey with half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder boiled in water on an empty stomach in the morning about half an hour before breakfast. This process is said to rapidly boost the body's metabolism and hence can aid in loosing weight effectively.
