Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been lately very much in the diets of obese and diabetic people, and the reason is the multiple health benefits proposes to the body. While looking at it, apple cider vinegar may not seem different from apple juice or lime vinegar, but when we look into its health benefits, the difference becomes clear.

When yeast is added to apple juice, fermentation occurs, and apple cider vinegar is formed. This fermented food has been used for centuries in the management of different health complications, including diabetes, sore throat, and wound healing. The traditional way to use apple cider vinegar is by adding one or two tablespoons of it, to water or tea.

In recent times, the use of apple cider vinegar has turned to aid in weight loss, digestion and to reduce cholesterol levels. While some claiming that it may provide anti-bacterial and antioxidant effects, as well. Here are some health benefits for which people can add apple cider vinegar to their diet.

1.    Helps to manage blood sugar levels

When taken before a meal high in sugar, apple cider vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity and can increase the uptake of glucose molecules into the cells, ultimately lowering glucose levels in the blood. This way it can be a helpful remedy to use in diabetes.

2.    May help in weight loss

The weight loss effect of apple cider vinegar is associated with its property of creating a feeling of fullness in the stomach when taken before a meal. This way, a person can easily manage the intake of calories during a weight loss program. In weight loss, it is all about managing the calories, and that’s what apple cider vinegar helps in.

3.    Can support digestive health

Due to its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar can increase the acidic environment in the stomach and makes the environment favorable for pepsin secretion. Pepsin is an enzyme, helpful in protein digestion, hence when taken before a high-protein meal, apple cider vinegar can help in better digestion of the food.

4.    Provides antibacterial support

Again, the acidic nature of this vinegar comes into play, as some of the disease-causing bacteria are highly pH sensitive, and when the pH in the environment changes, their development stops. In this way, the use of apple cider vinegar can help in disinfecting wounds and killing bacteria within the body.

5.    May help in heart health

By lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, apple cider vinegar can help to manage blood pressure which is not only a good sign in improving heart health but also in supporting healthy kidney functions.

6.    Can be a healthy inclusion in an antioxidant-rich diet

Apart from its acidic nature, one more thing that apple cider vinegar is famous for is, the polyphenol content it has. Polyphenols are the naturally present chemicals that help to prevent the damage from free radicals which can lead to different metabolic diseases like diabetes, cancer, or damage to blood vessels.

Despite the health benefits it may provide, it is suggested to not take it in excess amount as it possesses an acidic pH, therefore may lead to stomach burns and other digestion issues.

References:

•    https://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar-and-your-health#1

•    https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/apple-cider-vinegar-dosage

•    https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar