7 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from ripe, freshly crushed, apples. The apples are fermented and passed through a rigorous process to develop the final vinegar product. In the first step, the crushed apples are exposed to yeast to start the alcoholic fermentation process, and the sugars are then turned into alcohol. In the second step, bacteria are added to the alcohol solution which further ferments the alcohol and turns into acetic acid.

# Prevents Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD or acid reflux, is a condition that occurs when there’s a backflow of the food consumed, from the stomach into the esophagus, causing symptoms like nausea and heartburn.

Dr. Zoe Yeh of Arizona State University published a study in which, it was noted that subjects who consumed apple cider vinegar showed more than 75% reduction of acid reflux episode and an hour delayed reflux as compared to those who were given antacid. These are positive findings that indicate the potential efficacy of ACV in those with GERD issues.

# ACV for Weight Loss

Apple cider vinegar is considered an excellent therapy for losing excess weight. It works by making the body burn unwanted calories and boost the body’s metabolism to optimal levels. It supports appetite control and fat burning in the body.

# Blood Sugar Management

According to a research report published in the American Diabetes Association Journal, two tablespoons of diluted apple cider vinegar can reduce fasting blood sugar levels. It may also significantly improve insulin sensitivity in those with either insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. According to one animal study, diabetic rats fed with apple cider vinegar for four weeks significantly reduced their blood sugar levels.

# Reduces Cholesterol & Improves Heart Health

The vinegar contains acetic acid, along with chlorogenic acid, which is thought to effectively help in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels, thereby protecting the cardiovascular system.

# Skin Care

Balancing your body’s pH levels is imperative to maintain healthy skin, and apple cider vinegar can do wonders for your skin because of its moderate alkaline levels. The pH level of this vinegar is similar to the pH level of the protective acid mantle of the skin. An apple cider vinegar rinse can help restore the glow of the skin and restricts the dilation of the skin’s pores. This keeps your skin from becoming overly oily or dry and balances the production of sebum and improves the circulation of nutrients.

# Diarrhea

The pectin content in the vinegar helps treat diarrhea symptoms by forming bulk fibrous matter. The pectin also forms a protective coat that acts to soothe the lining of the colon. Some say this miracle tonic can give relief as early as 20 minutes.

So, two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar diluted in eight ounces of warm water, three times a day, is a suggested remedy.

# PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major causes of irregular menstruation in women and is linked with insulin resistance. Insulin resistance affects almost 65-70% of the women with PCOS, according to research. Results of a clinical trial that studied 7 women with PCOS who were given 1 tablespoon of ACV diluted in a beverage for a little over three months found that it alleviated their symptoms. Four women of the seven experienced regular menstruation and this was mainly due to increased insulin sensitivity after the ACV intake.