Apple cider vinegar has been regarded as a natural remedy for everything from improving digestion to detoxifying the body, lowering blood sugar, pickling, and more.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been touted as a miracle cure-all for everything from weight loss to acne. But what are the real benefits of this fermented apple juice? Let's separate the hype from the science and explore the potential health advantages of apple cider vinegar. And truthfully, I wouldn't be writing this post if apple cider vinegar hadn't been part of my life for many years.
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What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or ACV, is essentially just apple juice that has been fermented twice. During the fermentation process, acetic acid is created along with natural probiotics, which gives apple cider vinegar its benefits.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For You?
The pressing question, which of course, ends up being, is apple cider vinegar good for you?
The short answer is yes. So let's get into the benefits of apple cider vinegar and explore some of the biggest ones.
Weight Management
One of the most talked about benefits of apple cider vinegar is its ability to aid weight loss. Studies suggest that ACV may help you feel fuller for longer, leading to reduced calorie intake and potential weight loss. But remember, that apple cider vinegar is not a magic bullet. It does have to be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. Here is my favorite cinnamon-infused apple cider vinegar recipe I use before meals.
Blood Sugar Balancing
One of the most popular benefits of apple cider vinegar is related to blood sugar control. At the core of obesity and weight gain, is always insulin. Therefore managing insulin naturally is one of the most beneficial ways to manage weight and the roller coaster of insulin spikes.
Gut Health And Digestion
If you're someone who regularly experiences acid reflux, you know how unpleasant it is, particularly at night. When it comes to acid reflux, it might surprise you to know that people to have acid reflux often do not have enough acid in their stomachs, not the other way around. A lot of the time when the environment in the stomach is not acidic enough, it causes bacterial overgrowth, slowing digestion, undigested food, and more.
This is where the health benefits of apple cider vinegar kick in. ACV adds good bacteria back into the stomach and also helps to increase acidity, helping you in turn better digest food. Win-win!
When your stomach is acidic enough, all digestion functions improve as the body can properly break down the food and absorb the nutrients needed. If you're looking for a tasty apple cider vinegar drink recipe to prevent acid reflux, try this cinnamon-infused apple cider vinegar recipe.
Heart Health
One of the greatest benefits of apple cider vinegar, as shown by a large meta-analysis study, is that consuming apple cider vinegar significantly improves cholesterol and triglyceride levels and reduces blood pressure.
And if you're wondering what else is apple cider vinegar good for, let's continue.
Anti-bacterial and Anti-Fungal Properties
One of the best-known health benefits of apple cider vinegar is its ability to fight bacterial infections. Many studies show how apple cider vinegar can kill unwanted bacteria as well as unwanted fungi. People with Type 2 Diabetes, in particular, seem to be at a higher risk for fungal infections, such as Candinda. So one effective treatment for candida seems to be to include apple cider vinegar in the diet.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Finally, we've come to the part about how to use apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can be used in a lot of different ways, from taking it internally to applying it externally. Let's cover some ways to use apple cider vinegar.
Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar
You can use apple cider vinegar in this cinnamon-infused apple cider vinegar recipe and combine it with water before meals. You can also add 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to water and drink it.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar In Cooking
Apple cider vinegar is great as part of marinades, fire cider, this delicious Tuscan, kale, and sausage soup, dressings, and more. Just by adding them to your favorite recipes, you'll experience the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar On Hair
ACV can be used in combination with water as a clarifying hair rinse. You can mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 5 parts water in a spray bottle, spray it on hair, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar As Mouthwash
When combined with water, apple cider vinegar makes an excellent mouthwash, helping to neutralize the pH in your mouth.
Tips And Safety When Using Apple Cider Vinegar
- Always dilute apple cider vinegar as it can be corrosive to tooth enamel when taken straight.
- Don't take apple cider vinegar with water pills or diuretic drugs, as it can reduce your potassium level making it drop too low.
- Apple cider vinegar can potentially interact with diabetes medication so use it with caution. It's okay if it's used in dressings and recipes but not ideal to be taken regularly.
FAQs
It is generally safe to take 1-2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per day, so you can split that up however you'd like.
While there is no specific time when it's best to take apple cider vinegar, morning and midday when your digestion is strongest, is ideal. Though it's perfectly safe to take whenever you'd like.
Always dilute apple cider vinegar to prevent tooth and esophageal corrosion.
Without a doubt. When you're feeling low on energy, mix 2 teaspoon in water and watch yourself get a little boost.
In conclusion, apple cider vinegar is a fantastic live food to add to your diet as it provides a whole host of benefits.
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