10 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has gained prominence in the natural health community for fixing health problems and helping in weight loss. Look and feel better with ACV!
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
ACV is made with a two-step fermentation process. In the first step, cut apples are crushed and combined with yeast to convert sugar to alcohol. The second step involves adding bacteria to ferment the alcohol to ascetic acid. What used to take a month to produce has been compressed to a day in modern times.
The main active component of ACV is acetic acid which gives a host of benefits. About 5-6% of apple cider vinegar comprises acetic acid. ACV also has water and trace amounts of acids like malic acid. One tablespoon of ACV (15 ml) contains about three calories and no carbs.
Boost your health with ACV
- ACV helps fix stomach problems and soothes intestinal spasms. Two tablespoons of ACV in water helps fight bacterial infection as it has antibiotic properties.
- For a sore throat, mix one-fourth cup of ACV with equal quantity of warm water and gargle several times.
- ACV is believed to lower cholesterol as it has the antioxidant chlorogenic acid, known to prevent LDL cholesterol from being oxidized, the main reason for cardiac diseases. It is also believed to reduce blood triglycerides and blood pressure.
- Mix one-fourth cup of ACV with equal quantity of water, adding pepper, honey and half a lemon and take a teaspoon of this three times a day for relief from sinus.
- Vitamins E, A and B and micronutrients like iron, calcium and magnesium in ACV boost your energy when ACV is consumed with water. Drink this in moderation.
- ACV has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in Type 2 diabetes and helps lower blood glucose levels, especially after a high-carb meal. Two tablespoons of ACV and water at bedtime can reduce fasting blood sugar.
- ACV is known to be beneficial in weight loss by suppressing your appetite, making you feel full so that you eat fewer calories. It is known to improve metabolism, increase fat burning and reducing fat storage – leading to reduced belly fat, slimmer waist circumference and lower blood triglyceride levels.
- ACV has been shown to alleviate polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, in women.
- ACV is also known for its non-health benefits like skin and dental care, as a hair conditioner, as a cleaning agent and in pet care.
- Dab underarms with a cotton ball dipped in ACV and use as a deodorizer.
How to include ACV
- Drink ACV mixed with water as a beverage. The dosage can be from one teaspoon to two tablespoons per day mixed with water and spread out into 2-3 doses throughout the day, especially before meals.
- Start with smaller doses and do not take more than one tablespoon at a time.
- Use ACV for salad dressing with olive oil.
- It can be used for pickling vegetables.
Higher doses are not recommended due to potential harmful effects.
For greater benefits, use organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with mother vinegar.
