The benefits of apple cider are endless! Apple cider improves digestion, lowers blood sugar levels, improved hair health, and improves insulin sensitivity. It also reduces bloating, lowers blood, sugar, and decreases the risk of cancer.
We’ll discuss the ten most notable benefits in detail shortly. However, let’s begin by understanding the origins of apple cider. What exactly is apple cider vinegar?
Definition and History
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is vinegar made from apples. It’s essentially apple juice, but with yeast. Adding yeast to the juice turns it into alcohol. This process is known as fermentation. The juice is left for some time, allowing bacteria to turn the alcohol into acetic acid, which gives the drink a sour taste and strong smell.
Apple cider vinegar has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional remedy for health issues such as varicose veins and sore throat. More recently, the “syrup” has been primarily used for detoxification and to improve cardiovascular health. Many people also use it to treat acne.
The dosage depends on the user’s age, health, and other conditions. Dilution is a must, though. For use by adults, you’re required to add 1-2 tablespoons of ACV to 240ml of drinking water and use before meals. Direct application to the skin is strongly prohibited as ACV can damage the skin. If you must apply it to the skin, speak to your doctor first.
Also, you’re advised to discuss with your physician before taking ACV. Above all, if you decide to use the syrup, follow the directions strictly to avoid any risks.
Scientifically Proven Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Let’s now look at some of the benefits of apple cider vinegar. We’ll only stick to scientifically proven uses.
1. ACV is highly nutritious
You don’t have to be sick or unwell to enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar. ACV is a highly nutritious syrup that can benefit your overall health by giving your body valuable nutrients, including magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, and amino acids.
2. Improved digestion
Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic. Therefore, for people with low stomach acidity, drinking ACV can help raise stomach acidity levels to aid digestion. This can help reduce bloating and gas which are typically caused by poor or slow digestion. All you need is to drink two to three tablespoons before meals.
3. Lower your cholesterol levels
Preliminary research shows that apple cider vinegar is beneficial in reducing cholesterol. For example, a recent animal study concluded that obese rats that took apple cider vinegar daily for a week exhibited a reduced level of cholesterol, especially bad cholesterol and triglyceride. This effect is related to the anti-oxidant qualities of ACV.
4. It’s effective against type 2 Diabetes
Vinegar can also help people with Type-2 diabetes. One study published in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism shows that people who take two tablespoons of vinegar complex carbohydrate meals experience a 20% reduction in postprandial glycemia (spike in blood sugar). Other studies show that taking vinegar before meals also improves insulin response.
5. It has antibacterial properties
Research shows that apple cider vinegar can kill pathogens. Indeed, historical information shows that ACV has been used in food preservation for ages. The acetic acid found in ACV destroys harmful bacteria and can also stop bacteria multiplication. ACV is especially effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia Coli – the bacteria responsible for inflammation and swelling of the intestines.
6. It has anti-fungus properties
In addition to being an antibacterial, apple cider vinegar is also an anti-fungal. Laboratory research shows that it’s especially effective against candida. Candida is a group of yeasts that can cause fungal infections in different parts of the body. An overgrowth of candida in the vagina can cause yeast infection while in the mouth it causes thrush. AVC can help fight both infections.
7. May aid weight loss
A handful of human studies show that vinegar may increase feelings of fullness, therefore causing people to consume fewer calories. For example, one study at the Arizona State University found that people who consume vinegar consume up to 275 fewer calories per day, leading to weight loss.
8. AVC for skin health
A few studies show that apple cider vinegar is also effective in treating skin conditions, including eczema, acne, and psoriasis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, applying apple cider vinegar to the affected area can help reduce itching. Diluted ACV can also help balance the skin pH and improve the skin barrier.
9. It’s good for heart health
You can boost the health of your heart by drinking a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar every day. As we’ve seen, it lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both related to heart disease. It also improves other risk factors such as high blood sugar and pressure.
Summary
If you’re not using apple cider vinegar already, you’re missing out big time. This magic drink holds incredible potential and could boost your health while keeping several diseases at bay. If you know other benefits of apple cider, please comment below.