HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple cider vinegar is, essentially, fermented apples. When apples are exposed to yeast, the sugars from the fruit turn to alcohol. From there, additional bacteria are introduced to further the fermentation process turning the alcohol into acetic acid - the main component in vinegar.

Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains proteins, enzymes, and “good” bacteria that give it a murky appearance and creates most of its health benefits. Here, we’re exploring what those benefits are and how you can use apple cider vinegar in your everyday life.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Antibacterial Benefits

For thousands of years, vinegar has been used for cleaning and disinfection. Apple cider vinegar can help kill pathogens and bacteria while preventing them from multiplying. Therefore, it is sometimes used as a preservative and disinfectant cleaner.

Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes

People with Type 2 diabetes experience insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels. Some research suggests that apple cider vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.

Balanced blood sugar levels are important for everyone, not just diabetics. But, as always, consult with your doctor before making any extreme changes to your diet.

Can Improve Skin Health

For people with skin conditions like eczema, apple cider vinegar is a common remedy. Our skin is naturally acidic, so using apple cider vinegar topically can help to balance the pH of your skin by improving its barrier.

Additionally, due to its antibacterial components, apple cider vinegar can also help skin infections from spreading.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss

Apple cider vinegar has been shown to improve the feeling of fullness. When you feel full more quickly, you’re less likely to overeat. Therefore, people who take apple cider vinegar tend to eat fewer calories and lose weight.

There are some smaller studies that revealed apple cider vinegar might be able to reduce belly fat on its own. But, usually, incorporating a healthy habit, like taking apple cider vinegar, leads to more holistic health changes that often lead to weight loss.

How to Add Apple Cider Vinegar to My Diet

Most people find the easiest way to add apple cider vinegar into their diet is by cooking with it to make salad dressings and homemade sauces. Others dilute no more than two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water to drink as a beverage.

One of the easiest ways, however, to add apple cider vinegar to your diet is by simply taking a supplement. You can reap the benefits of apple cider vinegar by taking a small softgel or capsule every day.

It’s important, however, to start slow. Too much vinegar can be harmful to your teeth and can interact negatively with certain drugs you might be taking.

Other Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

In addition to its health benefits, apple cider vinegar has other popular uses. From homemade household cleaners to hair conditioners to natural skincare products, apple cider vinegar can be used in many facets of your life!