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Apple cider vinegar, which has generated tremendous popularity lately, is a traditional remedy for various health issues. It is among those wellness staples that have the potential to lower blood sugar levels, reduce bad cholesterol, and contribute to fat loss.
People have been using this home remedy for centuries, most commonly for food preservation, pickling, and enhancing flavours. However, only a few people know its miraculous properties, offering various health benefits.
This guide will discuss whether apple cider vinegar benefits are just a myth or if it is truly as magical as many claim. Take a look!
Apple Cider Vinegar- Is it Just Apple Juice or Something Else?
Apple Cider Vinegar is basically a deeply fermented form of apple juice rich in acetic acid, probiotics, and polyphenols. It contains crushed apples with yeast, carbohydrates, and sugar, which undergo the 2 fermentation processes and get converted into acetic acid, packed with various health benefits. Although its label doesn't reveal the amount of vitamins, minerals, and calories it includes, its hidden benefits are countless. The list is given below:
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Check out the long list of apple cider vinegar health benefits, which is the primary reason for its enduring popularity:
Weight Loss Partner
Struggling to lose weight for a long time? Adding apple cider vinegar to your routine diet can make a big difference. Research suggests that apple cider vinegar benefits for weight loss are surely effective. It creates a feeling of fullness that can reduce the craving for snacking, which may result in some pounds.
Pro tip: Taking apple cider vinegar with solid food can help suppress your appetite.
Helps in Lowering Blood Sugar
Apple cider vinegar benefits in lowering blood sugar and is no less than a remedy that helps maintain blood sugar levels. This can also be an effective treatment for persons with type 2 diabetes. Keep in mind that there may be various apple cider vinegar benefits for diabetes which can be added to the treatment plan, but it is not a diabetes medication.
Controls Cholesterol and Risk of Heart Diseases
Increased cholesterol can indicate the risk of heart disease. It has been observed that a certain amount of apple cider vinegar consumption can raise HDL cholesterol levels, which is also called Good Cholesterol and may eliminate the risk of heart issues. These amazing apple cider vinegar benefits for cholesterol can bring a tremendous change in your heart health.
Pro Tip: While natural remedies like Apple cider vinegar can support your wellness journey, having a reliable health insurance plan from Care Health Insurance can ensure quality treatment with sufficient coverage in times of emergency.
Contains Skin Healing Properties
It is one of the hidden miracles of ACV that it can do miracles on some rigid skin conditions such as dry skin and eczema. Apart from this, apple cider vinegar benefits for acne and balancing the skin’s natural pH are miraculous. However, there is no strong evidence showing the effects; hence, it will be wiser to take a doctor’s advice before applying this.
Fights Against Harmful Bacteria
This apple-fermented formula is a great solution to keep the bacteria away from your lifestyle. How? Vinegar is a traditional method for cleaning and disinfection, which is also very effective against nail fungus, lice, ear infections, and warts. Also, it is an effective and cost-friendly natural way for food preservation.
Rich in Acetic Acid
Apple Cider Vinegar contains about 5% of acetic acid, which can help provide various health benefits. The most important substance to consider in ACV is ‘Mother’, which indicates its organic and unfiltered form packed with proteins, enzymes, and good bacteria.
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Hair
There are many benefits for hair offered by ACV. It helps in improving the overall shine, clearing the scalp oil, providing sufficient hydration, and reducing hair fall. Apart from this, it amazingly reduces those untamed frizzes and helps in balancing pH levels.
Boost Your Immune System
Packed with natural probiotics, ACV can do wonders for your immune system. Its antibacterial properties aid in improving gut microbiota which will surely lead to improved immunity and cellular health. Wondering about its nutritional value? Don’t worry, we have got you covered:
Ingredients or Nutritional Value of Apple Cider Vinegar
- Carbohydrate- 0.1g
- Calcium- 1mg
- Magnesium- 1mg
- Potassium-11mg
- 3kcal /13KJ
Apple Cider Vinegar Uses - Dosage Details
That’s a big concern for many, how to take apple cider vinegar and how much? There is no ideal amount for apple cider vinegar to take as it is a natural acid remedy, not a prescribed medicine. However, one must remember that it should be taken in the diluted form. The most common ways to use it are :
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of ACV in a large glass of water.
- Use it as a salad dressing and homemade mayonnaise.
- It can be used as a cooking sauce.
- Its food-preserving properties make it useful for jarring and pickling.
- Use as a flavour spray on the popcorn.
- Combine it with juices, stews, and soups.
Pro Tip: As it contains high levels of Acetic acid, it is suggested to consume it in small quantities to avoid any major side effects. Also, immediately stop its consumption if you experience nausea, heartburn, upset stomach, teeth damage, and throat irritation.
Don’t Overdose it- Side Effects & Risk
Overdosing of anything is harmful and ACV is no exception. Its highly acidic properties may result in negative effects or side effects on the body. Some of the most common risks associated with Apple Cider Vinegar are as follows:
- ACV’s high consumption can erode the protective shield of your teeth, also called tooth enamel, which is unrepairable.
- Consuming it undiluted can burn your oesophagus.
- It can slow down your gastric emptying.
- Some people also experience nausea and vomiting.
- It can adversely affect potassium levels in your body.
Who Should not Take Apple Cider Vinegar?
If you have these specific health conditions, avoid taking ACV:
- Digestive problems like inflammatory bowel diseases
- Diabetes, especially on insulin
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with sensitive teeth
- Low potassium levels
Final Thoughts
Apple cider vinegar is among those popular products that always be in the spotlight, and everyone’s opinion differs according to their experiences. Its magical properties make it enduringly popular while researchers might have more to say about its risk factors that couldn’t be avoided. Whether it be targeting those extra belly fat or reducing bad cholesterol, its antioxidant effects and antimicrobial effects are tremendous. Hence, we can say that if consumed diluted, ACV appears to be safe to a certain extent.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
