Apple Cider Vinegar is a basic cure produced using fermented apple juice. It’s effective at killing harmful bacteria, aids in weight loss, boosting skin health, and maintaining blood sugar levels.
Apple cider vinegar, commonly referred to as ACV, is vinegar that’s produced when apple juice undergoes various fermentation processes. It’s a popular home remedy that has been effective for centuries in various spheres of life – cooking and medicine in particular. Today, most people even claim Apple Cider Vinegar can provide relief for many health issues, but how true is that?
Like ginger (Zingiber Officinale), Apple cider Vinegar possesses various healthful properties; even the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects are noted. In addition, other research postulates that ACV is notable for providing other health benefits like reducing cholesterol levels, reducing blood sugar levels, and also fostering weight loss.
In this article, we’ll have a thorough look at the top health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar. But we dive into that yet, let’s have a look at its manufacturing processes.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar, And Its Manufacturing Processes?
ACV is a home remedy made from fermented apple cider. Its production process begins with the addition of yeast to apple juice. This makes the sugar in the juice undergo a transformation process converting it into alcohol. The alcohol is then acted upon by bacteria, making the alcohol undergo another transformation process into acetic acid. Acetic acid is a notable compound in vinegar. It is responsible for the flavor and the smell of vinegar.
At the bottom of every bottle of apple cider vinegar, you’ll always notice a stringy probiotic-rich mixture of yeast and bacteria. This visible substrate is referred to as the “mother”, and it’s believed to be responsible for the health benefits which apple cider vinegar possesses. With all being said, let’s get to know the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar?
Traditionally homemade remedies have a long history of health benefits – aiding in recovering illnesses and treating certain parts of the body. Today, the market is saturated with various medicines and supplements, all boasting of treating illnesses. However, most don’t have scientific evidence to prove that they counter alternative medicines like apple cider vinegar. In addition, apple cider vinegar comes in various forms depending on personal preference or attached health benefits. The top health benefits of apple cider vinegar include;
1. Helps Destroy Harmful Bacteria
From the beginning of time, apple cider vinegar stands as the best remedy to kill bacteria. Remember Hippocrates? The Greek father of modern medicine even used the ACV to clean wounds. That’s over 2,000 years ago. Its ability to kill harmful bacteria or prevent them from reproducing is attributed to its major constituent, acetic acid. Further research shows that acetic acid aids in killing mycobacteria that are responsible for causing tuberculosis. Traditionally, it also serves as a disinfectant and can be used for treating nail fungus and warts, lice, and even ear infections.
Talking about our foods here, vinegar is a known food preservative. It inhibits bacteria like E.coli from engulfing and spoiling foods. So, ACV also stands as a natural remedy for food preservation.
2. Lowers Blood sugar levels
ACV was and still has wide application in treating type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disorder characterized by high blood sugars, which are mainly caused by insulin resistance or the inability of the system to produce insulin. Even if you’re not a sufferer of type 2 diabetes, it is also advisable to keep your blood sugar levels stable because when your blood sugar level is high, you tend to age quickly, and your system becomes susceptible to various chronic diseases. You’re urged to desist from refined carbs and sugar to regulate your blood sugar level.
In addition, AVC helps maintain your sugar levels, keeping them at a balanced range. But if you’re currently on any blood-sugar-lowering medications, consult your doctor before taking any vinegar to avoid complications.
3. Helps In Weight Loss
Amongst all the benefits of ACV, studies show that it is effective at helping people lose some pounds in their bodies. Vinegar as a whole tends to increase the feelings of fullness in the stomach, leading to lesser calorie consumption and loss some weight. It can be taken as either a drink or supplement as both forms contain the same amount of acetic acid. Acetic acid helps increase metabolism while inhibiting fat deposition. These two health benefits aid in losing some weight.
A study on 175 people with obesity was carried out to prove its effectiveness. The results showed that the daily consumption of ACV led to a reduction in belly fat and weight loss. But note that, for a long-term weight loss, you’ll have to adopt a helpful and supportive diet and good lifestyle habits.
4. Boosts Skin Health
As earlier stated in the production processes of Apple Cider Vinegar, the fermentation of alcohol leads to the formation of acetic acid. Acetic acid is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. So, applying it to your skin will certainly help kill any bacteria or fungi that cause blemishes or affect the skin’s health.
Due to its powerful acidic nature, you shouldn’t apply it directly to your skin as it might burn your skin. Instead, mix the apple cider vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:2. This way, it won’t be too harsh on your skin and will still be more effective.
5. Serves as an Antioxidant Boost
Aside from acetic acid, apple cider vinegar also contains polyphenols. Polyphenols are widely known to fight free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the occurrence of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and other disorders. These antioxidant boost properties of apple cider vinegar are of great benefit to those at risk of disease while also helping those who aren’t at risk to prevent it.
In addition, Apple Cider vinegar doesn’t contain vitamins or minerals. However, it still possesses potassium, a notable antioxidant found in apples.
NOTE
- ACV can cause irritations in the throat when ingested in large proportions.
- Due to its high acidity, it causes skin irritations also.
- Always consult your doctor when on medication, as ACV can interact with certain medications and drugs.
- Always dilute your ACV with water or other mixing agents before use.
Wrap Up
Though many studies and user results of apple cider vinegar prove its positive effects on various health concerns, that doesn’t mean it’s more effective than natural healthcare medicine. ACV seems safe, as long as you take it in moderation. You’re advised to always seek professional advice while on medication. It’s proven to kill harmful bacteria, aid in weight loss, boost skin health, and maintain blood sugar levels. Which form do you wish to take your ACV today?