Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

For centuries, Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for various household and cooking purposes. It has been an ancient folk remedy, claimed to help with all sorts of health problems some of which are also supported by the human studies.

ACV is a type of vinegar prepared from cider (fermented alcoholic beverage made from unfiltered apple juice) or apple must. This tonic can do wonders to your skin, hair and body as a whole! Some studies have found ACV to be helpful in fighting diabetes, cancer, heart problems, high cholesterol and weight loss. 

In this post, let’s learn about the plentiful benefits of miraculous Apple Cider Vinegar that can keep us fit and healthy-

• ACV Strengthens the Immune System- ACV improves the conditions for the growth of intestinal friendly bacteria that can help improve the overall immunity. Those who take ACV regularly, experience fewer colds, sinus congestion and allergies.
• ACV Cleanses the Lymphatic System- Apple cider vinegar helps to break up mucous and cleanses the lymph nodes. Research suggests that this vinegar can treat allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink to help sinus drainage.
• ACV Soothes Sore Throat- To treat sore throat, take a teaspoon of ACV and a 3 tsp of honey in a glass of warm water to help you heal.
  
• ACV Improves Digestion- ACV contains minerals and trace elements, pectin, acetic acid, malic acid, enzymes, amino acids and many other beneficial nutrients that aid digestion. Taking a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water around 15 min before meals to helps stimulate digestive juices for the breakdown of food. ACV can also be useful as a mild laxative to stimulate peristalsis in cases of occasional constipation.
• ACV lowers High Blood Pressure- Some studies propose that apple cider vinegar may lower hypertension. It’s possible that ACV increases nitric oxide production that helps relax blood vessels, and results in the lowering of high blood pressure.
• ACV Helps to Detox the Body- Research shows that drinking diluted apple cider vinegar can help to detoxify and cleanse your liver. A tablespoon of ACV in a large glass of water before each meal is recommended as an effective dosage for detoxification. It can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver.
• ACV Balances pH of the Body- Apple cider vinegar helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level. Research shows that higher acid levels/ lower pH level leads to a lack of energy and higher incidences of infection. Drinking a tablespoon of AVC diluted with a glass of water will certainly help boost up your energy levels and maintain pH levels.
• ACV Cures Heartburn- Research studies suggest that regular ACV in water is believed to work by correcting low acid conditions in the stomach, hence reducing heartburn. Note that ACV will not give relief if you have an ulcer.
• ACV Helps Prevent Diabetes- Studies suggest that ingesting ACV with water helps improve insulin sensitivity (particularly in those who are insulin-resistant), which, in turn, may delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. ACV is full of acetic acid which appears to slow down the digestion of simple carbohydrates, thus regulating blood sugar levels.
• ACV Cures Hiccups- A teaspoonful of apple cider vinegar can also be taken as a remedy as its sour taste could stop a hiccup in its tracks! Isn’t this a better way to over stimulate the nerves in the throat responsible for the spasms and cancel out the message to hiccups?
• ACV Helps Prevent Candida- ACV is rich in acetic acid and malic acid that can help rid your body of candida- yeasts (fungus) present in the intestine! Candida is blamed for creating symptoms of poor memory, fatigue, sugar cravings and yeast infections. These natural acids present in ACV are believed to have antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties and can help control the spread of this fungus in the intestine and thus keep a check on the symptoms.
  
• ACV for Weight Loss- Having a glass of apple cider vinegar drink (1 tablespoon in a glass of water) 15 min before meal not only improves digestion, it helps you eat fewer calories. Acetic acid found in ACV has been known to suppress the accumulation of body fat and liver lipids. A study in obese individuals has shown a reduction in the belly fat and waist circumference on regular vinegar consumption.
• ACV Relieves Leg Cramps- Having a glass of apple cider vinegar drink can increase low potassium levels in the body, a suspect in night-time leg cramps.
• ACV and Skin Benefits- Apple cider vinegar has long been recommended as a skin tonic. Apple cider vinegar works well as an astringent too. Dab diluted apple cider vinegar to your face. This application also helps treat age spots, blemishes, fine lines, pimples and acne scars. Holistic experts also suggest taking it orally as well as adding it to salt bath to draw impurities out of your skin. 
• ACV Heals Sunburns- Add a cupful of apple cider vinegar to your bath to neutralize the burn. Soaking for 10 minutes will soothe the skin and help restore skin’s pH levels. This treatment would also help get rid of body odour.
• ACV as a Natural Aftershave- Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, and apply to the face after shave. This solution can help soothe your skin and make it soft. The smell of this aftershave will dissipate with a little time.
• ACV Cures Dandruff- Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water ad store in a spray bottle. Shake and spray onto your hair after shampoo, let sit for 15 minutes and rinse with water. Try this remedy twice a week. Studies suggest that the acids present in ACV woul not allow the fungus to survive that contributes to dandruff.
• ACV can Whiten Teeth- Rub apple cider vinegar directly on the teeth then rinse with water to remove stubborn stains. For a less abrasive whitening mouthwash, mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water, then swish around in your mouth.
• ACV Removes Bad Breath- Acids present in apple cider vinegar can reduce bacteria present in mouth that cause bad breath. Add a tablespoon to 1/3^rd cup of water and gargle it to minimize bad breath.