Have you been reading a lot about ACV benefits (Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits) and wondering what the buzz is all about? Well, with the increasing popularity of this very common kitchen staple, you must have a friend or a family member who would insist on taking the apple cider vinegar every day. Earlier, it was used to add flavor to salads, but now it is being used in (apple cider vinegar) ACV for weight loss diets as well as treating common problems like bad mouth odour.
Let’s find out all about this sour and salty concoction.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
It is a type of vinegar that is made from fermented apples and is 5% acidic in nature. As per scientists, all kinds of vinegar have an indefinite shelf life and can be consumed even after they have been in your pantry forever.
There are generally two varieties that you might have come across in the groceries section – the clear, filtered version and the unclear, raw and unfiltered version. You might have seen the filtered version more.
The unfiltered version consists of a cloudy substance that floats in the bottle which is also known as ‘mother’. Don’t worry about the presence of ‘mother’ as it generally settles at the bottom of the bottle and is completely safe to consume as well. Studies showcase that the consumption of the ‘mother’ is beneficial to your health in several ways.
What are Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) benefits?
The benefits of consuming ACV are endless. From helping you reduce weight to fighting inflammation to giving you glowing skin, ACV can do wonders for your health.
- Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
ACV has proven to be beneficial in regulating type-2 diabetes, which is caused due to the inability of your body to produce insulin or when insulin resistance is developed. Studies have shown that consumption of apple cider vinegar can promote the production of insulin in the body as well as increase your insulin sensitivity. Type-2 diabetes is also characterized by high blood sugar level. Doctors advise that keeping blood sugar levels in control can be beneficial for overall health as well as reducing your risk of heart-related diseases.
Also Read: How Cinnamon Helps in Controlling High Sugar
- Aids Weight Loss
So, the major trend that you must have seen is ACV being used for weight loss or in a weight loss diet. Nutrition-wise speaking, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar consist of zero fat, zero carbohydrates, zero protein and zero fiber, thus adding absolutely no calories to your diet. Due to its sour taste, it can be used to swap salt/sodium from your diet. You can add it to your salads without the worries of adding any extra calories. This is one of the reasons why ACV is added to weight-loss diets.
Another reason for apple cider vinegar benefits for weight loss is that it makes you feel fuller. When you take ACV before a meal, you already have a feeling of fullness due to which you might eat around 200-300 lesser calories throughout the day.
Also Read: Shed Weight with these 5 Fat Loss Ayurvedic Drinks
- Regulates Cholesterol
Due to its high content of antioxidants, regular consumption of ACV can help obese people lower their LDL, also known as the bad cholesterol, and triglycerides in the body.
- Helps You Manage Type-2 Diabetes
Studies have revealed that taking two tablespoons of ACV along with a high carbohydrates meal can reduce a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, thus helping you manage diabetes. The apple cider vinegar benefits don’t end there for type-2 diabetes patients. The study also showed that ACV (acetic acid) can also increase your body’s insulin sensitivity.
- Cures Yeast Infections
A case study mentioned in the Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine journal mentioned a 32-year old woman who was suffering from tropical yeast infection and none of the treatments were successful. She applied apple cider vinegar topically and was able to get rid of the infection completely. That said, doctors advise you from applying anything on or inside your vagina as it can cause a pH imbalance causing inflammation. Please consult your doctor before trying this home remedy.
- Boosts Skin Health
Well, if you are looking to improve your skin, the apple cider vinegar benefits will help! It is known to be beneficial for providing relief from many skin-related diseases.
For people who have Eczema, applying diluted ACV topically on the skin will lead to lesser flares and reduced skin inflammation.
If you are dealing with scalp psoriasis, studies have shown that applying ACV to the affected area can reduce inflammation, help in expedited recovery and cleaning of the scalp. Make sure you apply diluted ACV using cotton balls and not on the areas which might be cracked, cut or bleeding.
Some of the people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis causing pain and inflammation in the joints. Applying diluted ACV to the joints might reduce the inflammation and cause your skin to heal faster.
- Quick Home Remedy for Bad Breath
If you have been dealing with the problem of bad breath, using apple cider vinegar can help! All you have to do is mix 2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and swish it around your mouth for 2 minutes, after every major meal. This would help in removing the food that might be stuck in your mouth and also fight the odour producing bacteria.
How to consume Apple Cider Vinegar?
You can easily buy filtered or unfiltered ACV in a bottle from any grocery stores. These are also available in pills and gummies format which can be swallowed or eaten, respectively, as per the instructions. Consult your doctor before using these pills and gummies as the amount of vinegar present in these can be much higher than the daily limit.
While using the ACV in its liquid form, make sure you stay within the daily limit of 15-30mL and not consume it beyond that as it might have certain side effects. Excessive consumption of ACV can lead to erosion of tooth enamel, burns in the oesophagus or maybe some gastrointestinal distress as well.
Also, while applying it topically to your skin, make sure to dilute it before doing so as applying it directly to the skin can cause skin burns.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the apple cider vinegar benefits are endless but you must consume it within the daily recommended dosage and consult your doctor before including it and its supplements in your diet.