There are numerous apple cider vinegar benefits for your health which we’ll discuss in detail below so keep reading till the end!
Table of Contents
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a staple in many households and is a multi-purpose product that can help you in many ways. It is made by fermenting apples.
It has antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, and people use it for different reasons, including weight loss, disinfectant, salad dressing, etc. As a result of its acidity and sour taste, some people can take it in the form of gummies or tablets.
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can be favorable for your health. Possible benefits of apple cider vinegar need more research, but here are a few you should know about:
1. May help with Type 2 Diabetes
Apple cider vinegar is for diabetic patients as it helps control blood sugar levels. It aids in blocking enzymes that make you digest starchy food and cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Consuming it before meals can also improve insulin sensitivity. A study also claims that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bedtime can reduce fasting blood sugar the following morning. It may aid diabetic patients, but ensure that you consult your doctor before using it and not rely on it to manage diabetes.
2. It may save you from dangerous bacteria.
The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can kill microbes, such as bacteria. It can disinfect surfaces and can treat fungal infections.
Adding it to your first aid kit may be constructive as it can clean wounds. It also prevents the multiplication of harmful bacteria from food, making it a natural preservative.
3. It may help reduce weight.
A few studies suggest that apple cider vinegar gives the feeling of fullness which may lessen appetite. Due to this, you may eat fewer calories and lose weight. Even though research is limited in this regard, consuming one or two tablespoons of this vinegar can effectively reduce belly fat.
If you are trying to lose weight, you can add apple cider vinegar to your diet as it may benefit you. Do not rely wholly on it for weight loss. Long-term weight loss requires a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle is essential. Consult a Nutritionist in Islamabad, and they can give you a diet plan that includes apple cider vinegar.
4. It may benefit heart health
According to Healthline, an animal study shows that it can decrease bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It may be due to the antioxidants in apple cider vinegar. Due to the antioxidants in vinegar, vinegar can combat the risk factors for heart disease, including blood pressure.
5. It may improve skin and hair.
As it is an acid, applying it to your skin can restore the skin’s pH balance if it is alkaline. It can enhance the outer layer of the skin and prevent dryness and irritation.
Similarly, applying it to dry skin can also soothe inflammation or itchiness. It is also a remedy for dandruff and improves the skin on your scalp.
Some people also use it to clean the shampoo residual in the hair and treat dull hair. Do not apply it directly to the face or scalp. Dilute it with water before administering it. It may also be of assistance when there is a sunburn or other chronic skin issues, such as acne.
6. May soothe a sore throat.
As it efficiently eliminates bacteria, apple cider vinegar is also used as a remedy to lessen irritation and inflammation from sore throat. Gargling with a mix of apple cider vinegar and water can provide relief from an itchy throat.
What does apple cider vinegar do?
Apple cider vinegar has multiple uses which are listed below:
1. All-purpose cleaner
Apple cider vinegar can disinfect sinks, counters, or toilets. If it is readily available at your house, you can use it to clean any object as it can make your house germ-free.
2. Catch fruit flies
Sick of fruit flies in the kitchen? Apple cider vinegar may be the most convenient and easy-to-make trap for these pests. Pour apple cider vinegar into a jar or glass and add a few drops of liquid soap.
Heat it a bit to activate the strong smell of the vinegar, as it will bring them closer to the trap. The foam should make them sink. Covering them with plastic wrap and making tiny holes to keep them inside can be of use too.
3. A mouthwash
Apple cider vinegar is a natural mouthwash as it washes away bacteria. It can aid in getting rid of bad breath and clear bacteria. Ensure diluting it before using it.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
No matter how beneficial, apple cider vinegar has its side effects as well, as it is an acid. Therefore, taking it in moderation is recommended.
Diluting the vinegar is also crucial because undiluted vinegar can be too strong for the body. The side effects of apple cider vinegar are as follows:
1. May cause digestive issues
Some people may experience digestive issues such as indigestion. Some research shows that in addition to feeling full, a few participants also experienced nausea after taking apple cider vinegar.
Prolonged usage of pure apple cider vinegar may cause stomach burns or injure your digestive system.
2. May cause teeth erosion
Drinking raw apple cider vinegar can lead to corroding of the teeth. As it is acidic, it can cause damage to tooth enamel.
3. Low potassium level
Apple cider vinegar can lead to dangerously low potassium levels that can cause hypokalemia. It is a disease in which a person may suffer from muscle weakness and paralysis, usually without any symptoms.
4. Burns
Apple cider vinegar is a viable remedy for acne when mixed with water. Using excessive apple cider vinegar without diluting it can cause skin irritation, and in worst-case scenarios, it can cause burns.
How to use apple cider vinegar
It is possible to add apple cider vinegar to your diet without causing damage to your body. Some cautions you should take are:
1. Rinse after using
Prolonged exposure to teeth can have adverse effects on the tooth enamel. Flush your mouth with clean water after you take apple cider vinegar.
2. Limit intake
Taking a low amount every day may not be harmful. Restrict vinegar intake to one to two tablespoons a day and mix it with water before using it.
3. Save your teeth
To prevent your teeth from eroding, try not to expose your teeth to vinegar. Drinking with a straw may be more favorable for your teeth.
4. Be careful of drug interactions
Some medicines can interact with apple cider vinegar and cause serious side effects. Taking drugs that lower potassium or lessen blood sugar can drastically reduce both if taken with vinegar.
Is apple cider vinegar good for you?
Apple cider vinegar has various uses. It is effective in providing some benefits to your health. It has bacteria-killing and antimicrobial properties that make it a natural disinfectant. It has multiple purposes, including multi-purpose cleaning, losing weight, and curing skin and bacterial ailments.
It is essential to be cautious when drinking or applying apple cider vinegar. Always add water to apple cider vinegar before consumption. Do not go above a tablespoon or two in a glass of water.
Ensure you are not allergic to it beforehand and do not use it if you are. Direct exposure to raw apple cider vinegar can lead to burns on the skin and upset your stomach.
Add it to your diet carefully, and do not drink it excessively. It is better to consult a doctor before adding it to the daily diet, especially if you have any other underlying medical condition.
How is apple cider vinegar made?
As the name suggests, the main ingredient in apple cider vinegar is apples. They undergo a fermentation process, in which apples are soaked in water at room temperature until the sugar dissolves completely and forms a type of alcohol known as ethanol. Bacteria turn the alcohol into acetic acid.
The presence of acetic acid gives it a powerful smell and tangy taste. As per claims, the mother (yeast or bacteria) is what makes it healthy because it is a probiotic.
Frequently asked questions
1. How much apple cider vinegar should I drink for weight loss?
Take fifteen to thirty milliliters of vinegar and mix it with water. Break it into doses of two or three times a day and drink it before meals. It is best to consult a dietitian before using apple cider vinegar for weight loss.
2. Who should not take apple cider vinegar?
People with a known allergy to apple cider vinegar should avoid it. Pregnant and lactating mothers should not take apple cider vinegar because enough evidence does not exist to support its use in expecting or breastfeeding females. Check with their doctor before taking apple cider vinegar daily, especially if you are on prescription drugs, to avoid any interaction.
