Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a kind of vinegar made with sugar, yeast, and apples. It is commonly used as an ingredient in foods such as marinades, pickles, dressings, and salads. For a long time, people have used it for medicine, cooking, and home remedies (preventing heartburn and killing germs).
Recent studies have shown that ACV may have health benefits like aiding weight loss and reducing blood sugar levels. Though there isn’t much evidence to support the benefits, ACV is safe so long it is used correctly.
Let’s find out below some of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
- Can help control diabetes and reduce blood sugar level
One of vinegar’s common and persuasive benefits is that it can help control type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes have high blood sugar levels.
This is usually due to either inability of insulin production or insulin resistance. But, those not having diabetes can also benefit by keeping their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
This is because some researchers think high blood sugar levels majorly cause aging and several chronic diseases. Avoiding refined sugar and carbs is the healthiest method of regulating blood sugar levels.
However, apple cider vinegar might also be beneficial. Ensure you consult your doctor before taking apple cider vinegar gummies, tablets, or pills.
- Fights harmful bacteria
Vinegar can kill pathogens and even bacteria. People have used vinegar for treating ear infections, disinfecting and cleaning, and treating warts, lice, and nail fungus. It is also a food preservative.
Additionally, research has shown that it can inhibit bacteria such as E. coli from multiplying and spoiling food. So, if you intend to preserve your food naturally, then vinegar can help. Also, anecdotal reports suggest it can cure acne when applied to the skin.
- Has lots of healthful substances
The strong sour flavor and smell of vinegar are due to acetic acid. Research suggests that acetic acid is behind the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has about five to six percent acetic acid.
In unfiltered and organic apple cider vinegar, there is a substance called ‘mother.’ This substance contains friendly bacteria, enzymes, and protein strains, giving it a murky appearance. Some believe this substance is behind most of the vinegar’s health benefits, though no studies can prove this.
Though apple cider vinegar doesn’t have many minerals and vitamins, it provides a small amount of potassium. Some good brands also provide antioxidants and amino acids.
That’s A Wrap
Apple cider vinegar can add flavor to your foods. Though some cases and studies suggest that there are a lot of health benefits to using apple cider vinegar, more large-scale research needs to be conducted to confirm its benefits. You can also use apple cider vinegar on your hair and skin, such as DIY apple cider vinegar hair rinse.
It would be best if you didn’t use vinegar as a replacement for medical treatments recommended by the doctor. Ensure you speak with your doctor before using vinegar to treat any issue.
Apple cider vinegar is safe when used in smaller amounts for dressing or food flavoring. But, since it is acidic, undiluted vinegar might irritate the eyes and throat, damage the teeth and result in skin burns.
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