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Coconut is a tropical fruit that is widely used in food and in the manufacture of cosmetics. And of course, with good reason. You've heard about the uses of coconut oil before, but lately it's been coconut vinegar that is gaining in popularity. With its many health and beauty benefits, this product is one of the superfoods. We tell you all about it in the rest of this article. Let's go!
Coconut vinegar - what exactly is it?
Coconut vinegar is a condiment that occurs mainly in the Philippines. It is prepared from coconut water or flower sap. The difference is that the vinegar that is made from the sap (extracted from the tops of coconut palms) also contains nutrients for the plant and the soil. The vinegar produced by the sap begins a fermentation process that lasts between 45 and 60 days. The color of the resulting liquid varies from light brown to deep brown, depending on the ripening process. This vinegar does not go through any filtering or cooking. So, it is normal to see some remains at the bottom of the bottle. This indicates that the vinegar is good.
The benefits of coconut vinegar
The benefits of coconut vinegar are truly numerous. It is rich in vitamins B and C, essential amino acids, probiotics and prebiotics. It also contains minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, potassium, iron, sulfur, boron, copper and manganese. This vinegar is a real boost that strengthens the immune system. Other advantages of this product are the pH which is almost neutral and the very low glycemic index.
Coconut vinegar, especially that produced from the sap of the coconut palm, is a product recommended for diabetics because it controls blood pressure and metabolizes sugar. So, this probiotic liquid is a super food that can protect you against heart disease. Used in cooking, it is ideal for lowering the glycemic index of a meal. Coconut vinegar also reduces appetite. In this case, you can take the opportunity to lose weight. According to several studies, acetic acid helps deactivate fat storage genes and activate those that burn fat. It is an excellent depurative which promotes digestion and the secretion of bile acids. In addition, coconut vinegar prevents the proliferation of bacteria and fights free radicals with its antioxidant properties.
Is Coconut Vinegar Really Safe?
We have already shown you the benefits of this organic vinegar, but it is also important to know when to avoid consuming it. If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome then you should be careful with the use of coconut vinegar as it is a fermented product. It is also not recommended for people with low blood pressure. You should also be aware that consumption in a straight line can damage your esophagus and your tooth enamel. So, you should always mix it with other ingredients, for example with water or adding it to favorite sauces and marinades. The taste is slightly sweeter than apple cider vinegar.
The beauty benefits of coconut vinegar
Coconut vinegar is an ideal cosmetic for the hair and for the skin. Use it directly on the hair before washing it to improve the volume and shine of your hair. On the skin, this tropical vinegar is a perfect tonic that makes blackheads and pimples disappear. It also helps in removing acne marks and wrinkles. Mixed with water, coconut vinegar can be used as a natural makeup remover.
How to prepare coconut vinegar at home?
You can buy coconut vinegar from health food stores or Asian stores, but it's actually easy to make at home. All you need is coconut water. So here are the steps to follow:
1. Filter the coconut water into a saucepan using a cotton cloth or tissue.
2. Heat the water and add the sugar. Stir the mixture until all the sugar has dissolved.
3. Let the liquid cool and pour it into a glass container. Cover it lightly with a cloth and store it in a dark place for about a week. The liquid then becomes alcoholic.
4. Add some mother vinegar (a substance that contains cellulose bacteria and acetic acid).
5. Let the mixture sit for four to twelve weeks, so that it can turn into vinegar.
