Apple cider vinegar or ACV is a hot favorite among health freaks, beauty gurus, and wellness junkies. Popular in ancient folk remedies and alternative medicine, Apple cider vinegar has a range of science-approved benefits. It contains about three calories per tablespoon and thereby a boon for losing weight. Apple cider vinegar is also a storehouse of potassium, amino acids, and antioxidants.
Widely hailed as a “miracle cure”, a large number of people swear by a shot (or a few tablespoons) of this healthy fluid first thing in the morning.
Firstly, crushed apples are exposed to yeast, which ferments the sugars and turns them into alcohol.
Secondly, bacteria are added to the alcohol solution, further fermenting the alcohol and turning it into acetic acid, which is the main active compound in vinegar.
Here are 5 health benefits of apple cider vinegar:
Antimicrobial Properties
Apple cider vinegar is effective against many different kinds of pathogens due to its highly acidic nature. It has been traditionally used to clean and disinfect wounds, treat nail fungus, lice, warts, and ear infections.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
ACV is widely used against Type 2 diabetes where blood sugar levels rise due to either insulin resistance or because the body is not producing enough insulin. According to scientific research, apple cider vinegar improves insulin sensitivity during a high-carb meal by 19–34 percent and it can also reduce blood sugar levels by 31 percent after eating white bread.
Controls Weight Gain
Combined with a healthy diet and daily exercise, apple cider vinegar is a miracle worker. Drinking apple cider vinegar before a high-carb meal makes one feel fuller and more sated which eventually prevents from eating an extra 200–275 calories during the rest of the day. Studies have shown that drinking apple cider vinegar regularly can help in losing belly fat. Apple cider vinegar also boosts metabolism.
Keeps Heart Healthy
Research has proved that drinking diluted apple cider vinegar regularly can reduce heart disease risk by lowering cholesterol, triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Intake of diluted ACV or in the form of salad dressing can help lower heart problems and promote heart health.
Improved Digestion
Traditional home remedy for an upset stomach includes a drink made with apple cider vinegar and water. It is a well-known fact that apple cider vinegar improves digestion by promoting gut health. It introduces good bacteria into the digestive system and helps in absorbing nutrients. The antimicrobial nature of apple cider vinegar makes short work of bacterial infection. The enzyme, Pectin in apple cider vinegar assists in controlling loose motions and gives relief to stomach cramps.
A Word of Caution:
Although Apple Cider Vinegar has received widespread popularity, few measures must be taken for its healthy use and reducing any side-effects:
Drink in moderate quantity. Add a tablespoon of ACV with a glass of water to dilute its acidity.
ACV can harm tooth enamel. One can drink through a straw to minimize these effects.