11 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar You Must Know

We have been using vinegar in many of our cuisines since ages and it is also being known for many of its medicinal properties. One of the most popular and trending one among the diverse varieties of vinegar is the apple cider vinegar that has found fame especially because it is considered as an indispensable requirement of a healthy platter.

Used widely in salad dressings, food preservatives, dips, vinaigrettes and marinades, the apple cider vinegar is basically made by crushing apples and squeezing their juices. To stimulate the alcoholic fermentation process, bacteria and yeast are added.  Sweeteners are then added to the alcohol and it is the acetic acid-forming bacteria that plays a crucial role in turning this alcohol into vinegar.

From petty sickness such as cough, cold, fever, etc., to serious health disorders such as diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, high cholesterol, obesity, etc., apple cider vinegar is extremely beneficial in improving their symptoms and is recommended to alleviate your overall health. Many scientific researches have revealed the versatile benefits of incorporating apple cider vinegar in our diet and here are these 11 health benefits of apple cider vinegar that will give you enough reasons to purchase a bottle today:

1. Your Heart’s Best Friend

Heart diseases have lately emerged as the biggest cause of deaths across the globe and it is basically due to the sedentary lifestyle that has caused a drastic change in our food consumption patterns and we have become less active and more stressful. Many studies have concluded that apple cider vinegar comprise of chlorogenic acid that protects LDL or bad cholesterol particles from getting oxidised and prevents plaque formation in the arteries. A Japanese study found that having half an ounce of apple cider vinegar on daily basis can keep cholesterol level in check.

2. Helps In Healing Infections & Inhibits Growth Of Bacteria

Since ages, vinegar has been used as a cleaning and disinfecting agent to kill bacteria, treat fungal infections, lice, warts and even ear infections. It has also been used for cleaning wounds. Moreover, vinegar is used as preservative as it effectively stops growth of bacteria in foodstuffs. Apple cider vinegar too can be used to keep your food fresh for long and it also works as skin toner, thereby, treating skin conditions like acne. Applying apple cider vinegar diluted in water can even help you get rid of dandruff and lice from hair.

3. Aids In Preventing Cancer

The sedentary lifestyle has brought in many critical illnesses, one among them being cancer. The uncontrolled growth of cells caused by the free radical effect gives rise to cancer and many studies have been conducted that prove positive effects of vinegar in killing cancer cells and shrinking tumour. However, these studies have been carried on in test tubes, on rats and not on any living human yet. However, the antibiotic and antioxidant properties of apple cider vinegar can prevent free radical effect, thus reducing the risk of cancer, if consumed regularly.

4. Has Properties That Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

Lately, it has been witnessed that there has been a stupendous rise in the number of diabetic patients worldwide, most of whom are Asians. Of the two types of diabetes, it is type-2 diabetes that is more prevalent. High levels of blood sugar, either due to insulin resistance or body’s inability to produce insulin can cause type-2 diabetes. It has also been revealed by medical experts that people who don’t have diabetes can also suffer from high sugar levels due to excessive medication or other critical illnesses.

One of the healthiest ways to keep sugar level in control is by avoiding refined carbohydrates and sugar. However, studies have found that apple cider vinegar too works wonders on people suffering from high blood sugar levels. Having apple cider vinegar with meals will help in improving insulin sensitivity, reduces blood sugar levels and if you consume two tablespoons of this vinegar before sleeping, then it can reduce fasting blood sugars by impressive 4 percent.

5. Great For Improving Digestion

If you are suffering from diarrhoea and like most cases, the main reason is bacterial infection, then apple cider vinegar can definitely come to your rescue. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in half glass of water and sip it twice a day. Medical experts have revealed that apple cider vinegar comprises of antibiotic properties and contains pectin that works to soothe the intestinal spasms.

Sometimes before gorging upon delicacies, we have the intuition that our digestion system is going to have a tough time in breaking down these foodstuffs. So before relishing on these food items, have pity on your tummy and drink honey and apple cider vinegar mixed in warm water half an hour before you have your meal.

6. Cure For Hiccups

Hiccups can be very troublesome and even embarrassing when you are not at the comfort of your home. You may try every thing people recommend but the hiccups won’t budge. Without thinking further, get hooked to having a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and see how magically its sour taste will signal hiccups to stop.

7. Can Help In Shedding Some Extra Pounds

Now that you know apple cider vinegar helps in lowering blood sugar and insulin levels, you will be delighted to know that this vinegar works great for losing your love handles too. Many scientific studies have found that having apple cider vinegar can make you feel full for longer, thereby, you will end up consuming fewer calories. So having a tablespoon of vinegar with half a glass of water while having lunch while shoot up your satiety level, increase your metabolism rate and reduce water retention too. Another study conducted among obese volunteers showed that consumption of apple cider vinegar on daily basis helped in reducing the belly fat and waist circumference.

Recommended: Surprising Health Benefits of Pomegranate

8. Helps In Soothing Sore Throat

The prickling sensation of a sore throat may be a sign of impending cough and cold that may even end up causing fever and chills. The moment you sense sore throat, mix a quarter cup apple cider vinegar in a quarter cup of warm water and gargle thrice a day. The bacteria and germs causing infection in your throat won’t be able to sustain the acidic environment created by this vinegar. You will instantly feel relief from itchy throat.

9. Boosts Energy Levels

Sometimes stress, over straining of muscles due to exercising or performing strenuous tasks, can drain your energy levels significantly. Excessive activity can cause a shoot in the level of lactic acid in the body making it impossible for you to showcase more energy. At this juncture, your body needs amino acids to work against production of lactic acid. For this, you can rely on apple cider vinegar that stocks huge amounts of potassium and essential enzymes that help in restoring energy in your body. So the next time you are facing low energy, get a glass of water or vegetable juice and add a tablespoon of this magic potion and see the difference for yourself.

10. Relieves From Midnight Leg Cramps

People who are potassium deficient may often find themselves stuck in midnight leg cramp crisis. To get relieved from the excruciating pain, you can give your body the required dose of potassium by making a mixture of two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey in warm water.

11. Eliminates Bad Breath

Many times, using an expensive toothpaste and mouthwash doesn’t give the desired results in kicking away the bad breath. Since apple cider vinegar works best in removing plaque, stains and other bacteria that causes bad odour, you can try gargling a spoon of this vinegar after diluting it in two tablespoons of water, for having a fresh smelling mouth.