HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR 

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from fermented apple juice. It is mostly used in salad dressings, food preservatives, soups, drinks and sauces. It is prepared by crushing apples, then squeezing out the juice

Apple cider vinegar is also one of the most popular types of vinegar across the world and this is majorly because of the numerous benefits it is claimed to be embedded with. In fact, several scientific studies show that it is very effective in reducing the risk of certain diseases and health conditions. In this detailed article, you will find out the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, as well as many important health information about it.

7 HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Consuming apple cider vinegar has been medically proven to provide so many health benefits to the body. Some interesting health benefits of apple cider vinegar are discussed below.

1. Control Blood Sugar and Prevent Diabetes

Vinegar contains Acetic acid, which is very effective in blocking the enzymes that aid digestion of starch, and thus causing a smaller blood sugar response after taking starchy meals like bread, rice, potatoes, oats, etc.

Multiple studies also reveal that moderate vinegar intake is capable of lowering fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin after the meal.

On the plus side, apple cider vinegar can easily be incorporated into your meals; you can you can add it to your salads, marinades, vinaigrettes, as well as sauces.

More importantly, if you are diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, it is imperative you speak with your doctor if you intend taking excessive amount of Vinegar because it may interfere with certain diabetes medication.

2. Lower Cholesterol and Improve your Heart Health

Heart disease is undoubtedly one of the leading causes of premature death across the world and it is often caused by certain genetic or environmentally-induced factors.

However, the good news is that multiple studies [although they were done mostly on lab rats] claim that consuming vinegar regularly can help lower the risk of this life-threatening disease.

With the potent properties in apple cider vinegar, it can help lower certain heart disease risk factors, including cholesterol, triglyceride levels, blood sugar levels, etc. while improving insulin sensitivity in the body.

Additionally, apple cider vinegar can also help reduce blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart disease and kidney problems.

3. Promote Weight loss

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which inhibits the enzymes responsible for digesting starch in your body. When this is done it may stop you from absorbing the calories from the carbs, which will in turn enhance your weight loss process.

That said, vinegar is also capable of increasing your satiety and keeping hunger at bay; when you ingest vinegar, especially before meal it will make you feel full for a longer period of time and you may not be able to consume higher amount of calories like before. In fact, studies show that vinegar can help decrease your caloric intake by up to 275 calories. Remember, a drop in your caloric intake will certainly go a long way in helping you lose more weight.

One of the best ways to use vinegar for weight loss is by adding a dose of it to your favorite green smoothie recipes and you are good to go!

Overall, the fact that vinegar enhances weight loss cannot be denied but it is imperative to know that you cannot achieve your desired weight loss goals by just consuming apple cider vinegar; you need to combine it with healthy eating and regular exercises to get the best results.

4. Boost your Energy

Vinegar contains potassium, one of the basic minerals your body needs for optimal functioning and it goes a long way in boosting your energy, fine tuning your muscle control and sense of touch. It also eliminates muscle twitches and cramps, which could be somewhat excruciating at times.

In addition to the above, some studies also reveal that the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps in boosting glycogen repletion in skeletal muscles i.e. it helps your muscle in turning carbs into energy which will in turn provide you with increased energy.

5. Improves Skin Health

Are you struggling with acne and scars on your skin?

Vinegar contains some potent antibacterial properties which are very effective in combatting many strains of harmful bacteria so as to rejuvenate your skin and give it a more radiant look.

Again, apple cider vinegar comes with specific components like acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid and citric acid, all of which works greatly to block the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, the major strain of bacteria which causes acne.

Some studies also show that the aforementioned components are capable of reducing scarring and can as well improve the skin’s texture, brightness, pigmentation and appearance.

6. Combats Candida

Candida is a chronic yeast disorder accompanied by numerous symptoms like bad breath, exhaustion, joint pain and digestive problems. One thing about this disorder is that it can sap your energy by a significant margin if not handled seriously.

On the plus side, Apple cider vinegar contains certain enzymes, antibacterial and antifungal properties for regulating candida levels, which makes it a superb natural remedy for this chronic yeast disorder.

7. Reduce Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Ever gotten acid backflow from your stomach into the esophagus followed by heartburn, belching or nausea?

That could be Acid reflux!

Also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Acid reflux may occur as a result of insufficient or low levels of stomach acid. However, apple cider vinegar contains certain properties that can help improve the levels of your stomach acid and thus preventing you from this condition.

Fortunately, treating Acid reflux with vinegar is quite easy; all you need do is to dilute a tablespoon or 2 of ACV in one 8-ounce cup of water and drink up [preferably before meals] and you will begin to feel the effect after a while.

QUICK SAFETY TIPS

Apple cider vinegar is acidic and may pose certain risks on your health if taken raw. Rather than drinking it directly, you should dilute it with a little water.

Additionally, there are certain foods that can interfere with the effects of vinegar in your body, so it is best you drink it on an empty stomach to avoid complications.

Of course, you can take vinegar any time of the day but it’s not ideal for bedtime.

Bottom Line

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar that is widely consumed and has various uses. The health benefits of apple cider vinegar are numerous, which include its ability to aid weight loss, lower blood sugar level, among others. You should add apple cider vinegar to your diet. Apple cider vinegar price in Nigeria ranges from 1200 to 5000 naira.

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Collins Nwokolo

Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.