Apple cider vinegar: from health benefits to household hacks

A product loved by the elderly has a long history

In the time of our ancestors, there was no modern medical equipment, the variety of medicines available today, or the widespread access to doctors, yet people lived long, healthy, and happy lives. Today, despite having all the necessary health tools at our fingertips, only a few people can boast of being very healthy. Most people have something to complain about persistent headaches, serious illnesses, or even life-threatening conditions. Why have we become so sick now? Is it the result of increasingly polluted air, a fast-paced, stressful lifestyle, or a complete departure from nature and our true origins?

Folk medicine holds many truths that can help us preserve our health and maintain a positive mood. One such remedy is apple cider vinegar, well-known and often used for its health benefits. Although this product has been a staple in our kitchens since ancient times, its positive health effects have only recently been remembered and discussed more widely. It's a pity because our grandparents and great-grandparents, following folk medicine, treated many ailments with apple cider vinegar and considered it suitable for both internal and external use.

The benefits of vinegar have been recognized for thousands of years. Various sources claim that vinegar was first used by the inhabitants of Babylon 5,000 years before Christ. Later, vinegar was found in Egyptian urns, and Hippocrates acknowledged its positive effects on human health. In ancient times, vinegar was called the wine of the poor, as it was believed to have originated from failed wine production^[1]. Today, this product is no longer associated with alcoholic beverages, and its production, even at home, is much simpler.

After a few weeks of waiting you will be able to enjoy a homemade, health-improving product

Today, apple cider vinegar is widely available and can be purchased at any ordinary supermarket. However, those who want the highest quality, fresh, and safe product can try making vinegar at home. It's not a difficult process, but it does require patience.

Of course, it comes as no surprise that the first thing you need to make apple cider vinegar is... apples. Not only freshly picked apples but also their juices, which have already started to ferment. For the best results, it is advised to choose apples that are as sweet, ripe, and juicy as possible. The juice of sweet apples contains the most alcohol, which stimulates the production of vinegar. Ideally, the apples should be picked from trees that have not been sprayed with chemicals^[2].

The collected apples should be finely chopped, placed in a pot with their peel and seeds, covered with hot water, and mixed with sugar. It is recommended to use about 100 grams of sugar per kilogram of apples. This mixture should be kept for about two weeks in a warm but ventilated room, stirring constantly and observing the changes.

After two weeks, strain the mixture, press it, and transfer it to another container, such as a jar, for further fermentation. In another two weeks, you will be able to enjoy homemade apple cider vinegar. Since the production process takes time, it is advisable to prepare in advance and make a larger quantity. After bottling, this liquid should be stored in a dark, cool place, but not in the refrigerator.

Apple cider vinegar: for flavoring food, improving health, and keeping the house clean

Apple cider vinegar can be a truly useful tool in our lives. This product can be used to flavor food, such as salads and various vegetables, bringing great health benefits. Apple cider vinegar can speed up metabolism and help break down fat, making it easier to maintain a constant weight. Drinking a glass of water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar before meals can make you feel full faster, reducing the urge to snack or indulge in sweets.

Apple cider vinegar is also known to lower blood sugar, regulate the body's pH balance, and strengthen immunity. Some even claim it can prevent cancer, and those with digestive tract disorders appreciate that it stimulates the digestive system to work more efficiently^[3].

However, those who struggle with high stomach acidity, erosions, or reflux should avoid apple cider vinegar, as it can cause harm in these cases. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional before using it. Remember, vinegar is still an acid, so moderation is key. Do not start drinking vinegar daily or flavoring all your meals with it.

Apple cider vinegar has been used in households since ancient times for its antibacterial properties that help eliminate unpleasant odors. It can clean various surfaces, such as limescaled bathroom faucets. Simply rub a cloth moistened with vinegar over the surfaces, leave for a few hours, and then rinse with water. Vinegar can also clean mirrors, leaving them streak-free and clear^[4].

If ants invade your house, try a home remedy using vinegar. Mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and spray the areas where you notice the most insects. This solution can be used both indoors and outdoors, is safe for humans and animals, and lacks an unpleasant chemical smell.

Apple cider vinegar is an almost universal remedy that should be in every household. While it should not be overused in the diet, moderate use can lead to fewer illnesses, a feeling of fullness, and more energy. In the household, it is invaluable in fighting pests and in cleaning and maintenance tasks.