Apple cider vinegar is a most popular type of vinegar made from cider or apple must. Apple cider vinegar benefits include weight loss, prevention of hair loss, reduced cholesterol, lower blood sugar levels, improved symptoms of diabetes and handling digestion problems. Due to its remedial properties, Apple Cider Vinegar has been used as a folk medicine over centuries.
Apple cider vinegar is mostly apple juice, made by fermenting the fruit sugars of apples into alcohol. Bacteria turn this alcohol into acetic acid. Acetic acid gives vinegar its sour taste and strong smell. Mostly ACV is available in two forms – ‘filtered’ (a clear liquid) and unfiltered.
Here are some of the apple cider vinegar benefits;
#1. Weight Loss
Is apple cider vinegar good for weight loss? Surprisingly, several human studies show that vinegar can help you lose weight.
Use of apple cider vinegar in combination with a healthy diet and active lifestyle will help you drop unwanted pounds quickly. Apple cider vinegar won’t replace eating well and exercise but it may help you feel full longer, and eat fewer calories.
Some natural-health experts say its enzymes and soluble fibre can aid in fat metabolism. In fact, one study showed that drinking apple cider vinegar actually decreased total caloric intake by up to 275 calories over the course of the day. Overall, apple cider vinegar is useful as a weight loss remedy, mainly by promoting satiety and regulating metabolism.
#2. Lowers Cholesterol
Apple cider vinegar can promote heart health by helping to keep cholesterol levels low. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that can build up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. High blood cholesterol puts a strain on your heart, forcing it to work harder to push blood throughout the body. Heart disease is currently the world’s most common cause of premature death.
Regarding this benefits of apple cider vinegar, many of the studies were done on animals. These animal studies suggest that apple cider vinegar can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with several other heart disease risk factors.
#3. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
One of the most well-studied apple cider vinegar benefits is its ability to help regulate Blood Sugar Levels. It is very beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, either because of insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the blood to the tissues where it can be used as fuel. Apple cider vinegar has shown a great result in improving insulin sensitivity(that is, how much insulin someone needs to lower blood sugar levels after eating).
According to a research published by the American Diabetes Association found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bedtime can reduce fasting blood sugars in the morning.
So, people with Diabetes or those who want to keep their blood sugar levels low for other reasons can use apple cider vinegar in recommended quantity.
#4. Relieves Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a condition occurs when acid backflows from the stomach up into the oesophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and nausea. Acid reflux is often a result of having low levels of stomach acid. High-fat foods, fried foods, tomato-based products, onions, garlic, caffeine and carbonated beverages could be triggers to acid reflux. Eating heavy meals increase the risk of acid reflux by delaying digestion and causing the stomach to secrete more acid. Drinking apple cider vinegar may help provide relief from acid reflux symptoms by introducing more acid into the digestive tract to prevent acid backflow.
For best results, dilute one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in an 8-ounce glass of water and drink just before eating.
#5. Reduces Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. The excess strain and resulting damage from high blood pressure cause the coronary arteries serving the heart to slowly become narrowed from a build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances that together are called plaque. This slow process is known as atherosclerosis.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can lower blood pressure (BP) by suppressing the activity of renin, an enzyme that raises blood pressure. An animal study in Japan showed that when rats were given acetic acid, the main component in vinegar, resulted in reduced levels of blood pressure.
ALSO READ: 3 Reasons To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Face Wash
#6. Improves Skin Health
Apple cider vinegar is also effective on the skin when applied externally. Apple cider vinegar is well-known for its antibacterial and healing properties. It contains specific components like Acetic acid, Lactic acid, Succinic acid and Citric acid, all of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, the specific strain of bacteria responsible for causing acne. Mix together one tablespoon apple cider vinegar and two cups water. Moisten a cotton ball, and swipe the mixture over a clean, dry face to tighten skin.
Regular use of an apple cider vinegar wash will help draw toxins out of your skin leaving a youthful and clean glow. Some people may be sensitive to this solution so check sensitivity before use.
Finally, there are a number of apple cider vinegar uses. Remember to dilute apple cider vinegar in water, use it in moderation and pair it with a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle to maximize your results.
