Apple Cider Vinegar has been described as a “super curing agent” for a variety of different diseases. While this may not be strictly the case, apple cider vinegar actually has some little known health benefits.
In this article, we’ll be discussing 5 of the little-known health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
Research has shown that apple cider vinegar, and generally vinegar itself, possesses antimicrobial effects against E.coli and norovirus.
According to research, apple cider vinegar contains a substance called “the mother” which is really a combination of yeast and bacteria formed during fermentation.
This substance is full of probiotics. Probiotics are a collection of helpful bacteria that help body functions.
So what functions do they help?
Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss
There is a belief in a few circles that drinking apple cider vinegar before eating meals could help to induce weight loss. Now this has been touted by a few and some have found the idea laughable. But, in fact, there is some scientific evidence to give credence to this idea.
In a Japanese study, the weight loss of people who drank 30 milliliters of vinegar and no vinegar at all over a period of 12 weeks were closely studied. The study showed that the groups that consumed vinegar on a daily basis lost more weight than the others.
The group lost visceral fat, showed a reduced body mass index, a smaller waist circumference, and lower triglycerides. This discovery shows significant potential benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar.
Beyond just associated weight loss, the reduction of visceral fat also reduces the risk of heart disease.
In a separate but smaller study, it was also discovered that consuming apple cider vinegar alongside a strict low-calorie diet reduces body weight, body mass index, and hip circumference.
The study was conducted with 39 participants, many of whom also noted a reduction in appetite as a side benefit of consuming apple cider vinegar.
It’s no surprise that the hype around the potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar has spurred what is called the apple cider diet. It involves consuming 1 to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar before your meals.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Digestion
Vinegar is potent in killing pathogens, and that includes bacteria. The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid. This acid can kill harmful bacteria or in the very least, can prevent bacteria from multiplying.
Already, people have used vinegar as a cleaning or disinfecting agent. Medically, vinegar is also used to treat lice, warts, nail fungus, and ear infections.
The disinfecting power of vinegar has been in use even as far back as 2000 years ago when Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine used vinegar to clean wounds.
Vinegar has also been used as a food preservative as it is capable of preventing E. coli from growing in food or spoiling it. So, if you are looking for a way to preserve your food and kill bacteria from growing in it, apple cider vinegar could be a solution for you.
There are also some suggestions that diluted apple cider could help to cure skin infections like acne.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Type 2 diabetes is associated with high blood sugar levels and this is caused by insulin resistance or the inability to produce insulin. The best way to combat high blood sugar levels is to avoid taking refined carbs and sugars.
But besides that, apple cider vinegar could also be a viable option. In fact, it has been said that one of the most convincing applications of vinegar is in treating type 2 diabetes.
Although apple cider vinegar can be beneficial to people with diabetes, people who do not have diabetes can also benefit from taking vinegar to reduce blood sugar levels. Many chronic diseases that occur in old age are caused by high blood sugar levels. So, it definitely helps to keep your blood sugar levels on the low side.
There are numerous studies that support the application of apple cider vinegar to help in treating diabetes. One study suggested that apple cider vinegar could improve insulin sensitivity by about 19% to 34%. It also suggested that vinegar could significantly lower blood sugar and insulin response.
In another study, researches discovered that blood sugar in 5 healthy people was reduced by about 31% even after eating 50 grams of white bread. And in yet another study with people who had diabetes, research showed that taking 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before going to bed reduced fasting blood sugar by 4%.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Healthy Skin
Apple cider vinegar has been used as a cure for skin irritations like eczema and dry skin. It helps to balance the pH of the skin which is normally acidic. It also helps to improve the protective barrier of the skin.
Another reason why apple cider vinegar could be helpful to promote healthy skin is due to its antibacterial properties. In theory, apple cider vinegar could be capable of preventing infections that could lead to unsavory skin conditions.
Although this seems promising, there isn’t sufficient scientific support to confirm the curative properties of vinegar on skin conditions. Therefore, if you intend to use vinegar to treat any skin conditions, ensure you speak with your doctor first.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair Health
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most common ingredients in shampoo products, so it is no surprise that apple cider vinegar contains some hair benefits. The main reason for this because vinegar contains acetic acid which could help to reduce the pH level of the hair.
Apart from its ability to balance pH levels in the hair, the antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar also help to fight off bacteria which could adversely affect the condition of your hair.
Conclusion
For all these benefits, you cannot overemphasize the importance of keeping apple cider vinegar around. Whether for its application benefits or consumption benefits.
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