Unique Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits
You’ve probably heard the claims. But
even if you are aware of all that apple cider vinegar has to offer, you
might find it hard to believe that just one food can offer so many
benefits. Surprisingly (or maybe not) it’s true! Drinking apple cider
vinegar daily is a sure fire way to improve many aspects of your health
and your life.
Raw,
organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar (or ‘ACV’ for
short) is one of the oldest and most useful remedies on Earth. It
contains a wealth of raw enzymes and beneficial bacteria which are
responsible for the majority of it’s health benefits (and there are
many!) The following are 11 reasons that you should start drinking a
modest amount of ACV every day.
1. High in Acetic Acid
2. Kills Harmful Bacteria and Fungus
3. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels (Diabetes)
4. Enhances Lose Weight and Reduces Belly Fat
5. Lowers Cholesterol and boosts energy
6. Improve Heart Health and Reduce Blood Pressure
7. Protective aganist Cancer effect
8. Improves Skin Health
9. Relieves Cold Symptoms
10. Aids in Detoxification and improve the liver
11. Banishes bad breath and whitens teeth
1. High in Acetic Acid
Apple cider vinegar is made in a two-step process, related to how alcohol is made.
The first step exposes crushed apples (or apple cider) to yeast, which ferment the sugars and turn them into alcohol. In the second step, bacteria are added to the alcohol solution, which further ferment the alcohol and turn it into acetic acid — the main active compound in vinegar.
In French, the word "vinegar" actually means "sour wine." Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (like Bragg's) also contains "mother," strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky appearance. Some people believe that the "mother" is responsible for most of the health benefits, although there are currently no studies to support this. Apple cider vinegar only contains about three calories per tablespoon, which is very low. There are not many vitamins or minerals in it, but it does contain a small amount of potassium. Quality apple cider vinegar also contains some amino acids and antioxidants.
2. Kills Harmful Bacteria and Fungus
Vinegar can help kill pathogens, including bacteria. It has traditionally been used for cleaning and disinfecting, treating nail fungus, lice, warts and ear infections. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used vinegar for wound cleaning over two thousand years ago. Vinegar has also been used as a food preservative, and studies show that it inhibits bacteria (like E. coli) from growing in food and spoiling it. If you're looking for a natural way to preserve your food, then apple cider vinegar could be highly useful. There have also been anecdotal reports of diluted apple cider vinegar helping with acne when applied to the skin, but I didn't find any strong research to confirm this.It also used in fungal infections like athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, jock itch or yeast infections can be easily treated with the help of apple cider vinegar. Creating an antifungal spray is one of the most effective apple cider vinegar uses. Combined with other fungus-fighting ingredients, it can reduce symptoms and provide relief fast.
3. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels (Diabetes)
By far, the most successful application of vinegar to date is in 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. However, high blood sugar can also be a problem in people who don't have diabetes. It is believed to be a major cause of aging and various chronic diseases. Pretty much everyone should benefit from keeping their blood sugar levels in the normal range. The most effective (and healthiest) way to do that is to avoid refined carbs and sugar, but apple cider vinegar can also have a powerful effect. Vinegar has been shown to have numerous benefits for blood sugar and insulin levels:- Improves insulin sensitivity during a high-carb meal by 19–34% and significantly lowers blood sugar and insulin responses.
- Reduces blood sugar by 34% after eating 50 grams of white bread.
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bedtime can reduce fasting blood sugar in the morning by 4%.
- Numerous other studies in humans show that vinegar can improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels after meals.
4. Enhances Lose Weight and Reduces Belly Fat
Surprisingly, studies also show that vinegar can help you lose weight. Several human studies show that vinegar can increase satiety, help you eat fewer calories and lead to actual pounds lost on the scale. For example, if people take vinegar along with a high-carb meal, they get increased feelings of fullness and end up eating 200–275 fewer calories for the rest of the day.
A study in 175 people with obesity showed that daily apple cider vinegar consumption led to reduced belly fat and weight loss:
- 15 mL (1 tablespoon): Lost 2.6 pounds, or 1.2 kilograms.
- 30 mL (2 tablespoons): Lost 3.7 pounds, or 1.7 kilograms.
5. Lowers Cholesterol, Improve Heart Health, Reduce Blood Pressure and Boosts Energy
Heart disease is currently the world's most common cause of premature death. It is known that several biological factors are linked to either a decreased or increased risk of heart disease. Several of these "risk factors" can be improved by vinegar consumption, but many of the studies were done in animals. These animal studies suggest that apple cider vinegar can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with several other heart disease risk factors. There are also some studies showing that vinegar reduces blood pressure in rats, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and kidney problems. The only human evidence so far is an observational study from Harvard showing that women who ate salad dressings with vinegar had a reduced risk of heart disease. But this type of study can only show an association, it cannot prove that the vinegar caused anything. As mentioned above, human studies also show that apple cider vinegar can lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and help fight diabetes. These factors should also lead to reduced risk of heart disease.
Acetic acid, the main component in apple cider vinegar, has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels and help improve heart health. For best results, dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in an 8-ounce cup of water and consume three times daily to help drop blood pressure. Exercise and sometimes extreme stress cause lactic acid to build up in the body, causing fatigue. Interestingly, the amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar act as an antidote. What's more, apple cider vinegar contains potassium and enzymes that may relieve that tired feeling. Next time you're beat, add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of chilled vegetable drink or to a glass of water to boost your energy.
7. Protective against Cancer effect
Cancer is a terrible disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells. There is a lot of hype online about the anti-cancer effects of apple cider vinegar. In fact, numerous studies have shown that various types of vinegar can kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. However, all of the studies on this were done in isolated cells in test tubes, or rats, which proves nothing about what happens in a living, breathing human. That said, some observational studies in humans have shown that vinegar consumption is linked to decreased esophageal cancer in China, but increased bladder cancer in Serbia. It is possible that consuming apple cider vinegar may help prevent cancer, but this needs to be researched more before any recommendations can be made.
8. Improves Skin Health
Apple cider vinegar doesn’t just affect your internal health; it has also been shown to treat acne and reduce scarring. Certain strains of bacteria often contribute to the development of acne. Vinegar is well-known for its antibacterial properties and has been shown to be effective against many strains of harmful bacteria. Apple cider vinegar also 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.
These beneficial components may also reduce scarring. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that treating acne scars with lactic acid for three months led to improvements in the texture, pigmentation and appearance of treated skin as well as a lightening of scars.
Adding some probiotic foods into your diet, using healing masks and toners and keeping your skin well-moisturized are some other effective home remedies for acne as well. Apple cider vinegar benefits for skin include treating acne and reducing scarring. Known for its antibacterial and healing properties, apple cider vinegar benefits skin health by killing off strains of acne-causing bacteria.
9. Relieves Cold Symptoms
If you feel a case of the sniffles coming on, a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar may be a useful natural cold remedy to relieve symptoms fast. This is because apple cider vinegar contains beneficial bacteria that can help give your immune system a quick boost, especially when you’re feeling under the weather.
10. Aids in Detoxification and improve the liver
Apple cider vinegar can help balance your pH, encourage lymphatic drainage and enhance circulation, making it a great tool when it comes to detoxification. The typical apple cider vinegar dosage is one to two tablespoons mixed with water a few times per day, but you can also try out the Secret Detox Drink to get a concentrated megadose of health-promoting ingredients that can aid in detoxification. ACV (apple cider vinegar) also seems to work best for most patients with fatty liver problems, without any side effects. There is evidence that apple cider vinegar helps people lose weight and also reduce fat content in the liver (Read Here)
11. Banishes bad breath and whitens teeth
If proper brushing and mouthwash doesn't do the trick, try the home remedy of using apple cider vinegar to control bad breath. Gargle with it, or drink a teaspoon (diluted with water if you prefer) to kill odor-causing bacteria. Gargle with apple cider vinegar in the morning. The vinegar helps remove stains, whiten teeth, and kill bacteria in your mouth and gums. Brush as usual after you gargle. You can also brush your teeth with baking soda once a week to help remove stains and whiten your teeth; use it just as you would toothpaste. You can also use salt as an alternative toothpaste. If your gums start to feel raw, switch to brushing with salt every other day.
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