Apple Cider Vinegar: What Are Its Health Benefits?

Apple cider vinegar is widely known for its cooking and medicinal benefits. It has been around for centuries now and aids a variety of health conditions. It possesses various health properties, and it is backed by scientific research.

Apple Cider Health Benefits

So, what are the health benefits of apple cider vinegar? Here are some of them.

High in healthy substances

Producing apple cider vinegar is easy and straightforward. The first step is fermenting sugars from apples and turning them into alcohol. Second is adding bacteria to this alcohol to turn it into acetic acid, the main component of vinegar. It is believed that acetic acid is the one responsible for its medical benefits. It is also packed with amino acids and antioxidants.

Helps kill harmful bacteria

Traditionally, vinegar is used for cleaning and disinfecting. The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, applied vinegar in cleaning wounds. Vinegar is also used to preserve food. It can restrain the growth of E. coli bacteria and can prevent food from spoiling.

Helps lower blood sugar levels

Unknown to many people, apple cider vinegar can help treat type 2 diabetes. It is the norm to avoid carbs and sugar to maintain blood sugar levels. But apple cider vinegar offers beneficial effects on blood sugar and insulin levels. Several studies conducted have the following results:

• During a high carb meal, apple cider vinegar improves insulin sensitivity by 19 to 34%.
• Blood sugar lowered by 31.4% after consuming 50g of white bread and apple cider vinegar.
• Fasting blood sugar lowered by 4% in the morning after consuming 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar before sleeping at night.

Note: Consult with a doctor first before taking any vinegar.

Aids in weight loss

Several studies show that vinegar promotes satiety (feelings of fullness). It can lead to eating less and may eventually make you lose weight. A study showed that consuming a high carb meal with apple cider vinegar caused participants to consume 200-275 fewer calories throughout the day.

There was also a study done on obese people which claimed that taking apple cider vinegar daily over a course of three months leads to reduced stomach fat. It may also help people reduce weight. The results showed that:

• 1 tbsp daily led to a weight loss of 1.2kg
• 2 tbsps daily led to a weight loss of 1.7kg

Improves heart health

Several studies suggest that vinegar could help with several factors linked to heart disease. However, most were made on animals. These studies indicate that apple cider vinegar lowers cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and blood pressure. Further research is needed to prove that it is beneficial for the human heart.

May improve skin health

Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and is a common treatment for dry skin and eczema. It can also balance out the pH of the skin. There are apple cider vinegar topical’s available, and some use apple cider vinegar as a facial wash or toner. However, it is still best to consult a doctor before trying remedies for skin conditions as they may become worse.

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar has many proven health benefits. However, it is not good to take it in excessive amounts as it can cause harmful effects. Consult with your doctor first before trying it as a remedy for various health conditions.