Apple cider vinegar for weight loss and 5 other benefits

6 Important Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

There appears to be some truth in the statement “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Apples, like most fruits, are popular and have been known to provide useful health benefits for long. The health benefits of apple cider vinegar are pretty much without a doubt and can be used in many ways like in salads, supplements, meals, smoothies, etc

Apple cider vinegar has been used to help improve the general health of skin, nails and hair and also to improve the quality of overall health.

What is vinegar?

Vinegar is a liquid substance that is mainly made up of acetic acid and water. It is mostly made from fruits or grains, or from alcoholic drinks, such as cider. Some types of vinegar are; fruit vinegar, cane vinegar, malt vinegar and balsamic vinegar.

Traditionally, vinegar is produced in a two-stage fermentation process to produce ethanol first followed by acetic acid. The fermentation process can last up to one month before the vinegar can be produced.

Nutritional facts on Apple Cider Vinegar

Just like apples, apple cider vinegar contains small amounts of

1. Potassium – Contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure
2. Calcium – Contribute to (the maintenance of) normal muscle function
3. Iron – Contribute to the normal function of the immune system
4. Magnesium – Contribute to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth
5. Zinc – Contribute to the maintenance of normal bones

In addition to the minerals, it also contains

1. Vitamin C – Contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system
2. Vitamin B1
3. Vitamin B2
4. Vitamin B3
5. Vitamin B5
6. Vitamin B7

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Weight Loss

There are hundreds and hundreds of products on the market that claim to help you lose weight. A lot of these products and claims end up being false and most often only end up harming your body. The ideal way of losing weight should involve one that combines a healthy diet plan, workout plan, and apple cider vinegar. Including raw undiluted and unadulterated apple cider vinegar (including apple cider vinegar capsules or supplements) in your weight loss plan should be easy and a sure way of guaranteeing results. In a study involving 144 overweight people, it was concluded that obese people who took 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider daily for 12 weeks ended up losing some weight and body fat. ACV also plays an important role in helping suppress appetite and this may be another benefit of using apple cider vinegar for weight loss. What makes apple cider vinegar special is that it’s a natural remedy and not a drug, medicine or magic fat burner that will come with possible side effects.

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2. Apple Cider Vinegar supports healthy skin

One benefit of using apple cider vinegar on the skin is how it leaves the skin soft and provides the right pH balance to the skin. A warm mixture of water and some ACV (1/2 cup of ACV) can be used to rub and massage the body. By using a mixture of ACV on the skin, it will help keep the skin in an acid reaction which will leave you with healthier skin. The right acidity level on the skin will help prevent unwanted bacteria from living and thriving on the skin.

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3. Helps support healthy blood pressure levels

Our body requires blood to flow all over through the blood vessels, arteries, and capillaries. Blood flows and circulates freely in the body when it is thin. The free flow of blood throughout the bloodstream becomes impeded when thickened with many heavy substances like fat, oils, proteins, etc. When it becomes thicker than normal, it puts extra pressure on the heart and it ends up straining it. This then leads to higher blood pressure which results in other heart or cardiovascular problems. Together with a healthy diet and a lifestyle, apple cider vinegar can be used to help reduce high blood pressure. It does this in several ways. Firstly, apple cider vinegar helps to lower bad cholesterol, and this has a positive effect on lowering high blood pressure.  In addition to the above, apple cider vinegar helps detoxify the system which also plays an important role in reducing or lowering blood pressure.

4. Helps improve digestion and stomach related conditions

One common benefit of apple cider vinegar is how it is used to improve digestion. Apple cider vinegar contains enzymes that help break down protein and it also helps increase the acidity levels in the stomach. Inadequate stomach acid for digestion leads to indigestion. By using apple cider vinegar supplements, you can help the inadequate stomach acid with acetic acid. Acetic acid can safely, easily and naturally help soothe the issues around indigestion.

5. Lower blood sugar levels

Consuming food with carbohydrate content affects your blood sugar levels. They tend to cause the blood sugar level to rise which may sometimes make you feel overfull and experience sluggishness. Apple cider vinegar slows down the rate at which the stomach gets empty and it also helps stop large blood sugar spikes. This is achieved through the natural vitamins and enzymes that are present in apple cider vinegar.

6. Cleanses the Gallbladder

Toxins and waste that is produced in the body are flushed out with the help of the gallbladder. It is an organ that is responsible for storing and releasing bile into the digestive tract. The gallbladder also helps digestion by breaking down fat from food that is passed into our intestines. Apple cider vinegar helps flush the gallbladder which enables it to function properly. Also, with its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce gallbladder pains.

There is also inconclusive evidence on the positive effects apple cider vinegar has on the following medical conditions;

1. Allergies
2. Aging
3. Acne
4. Cholesterol
5. Corns
6. Diabetes
7. Flatulence
8. Foot care
9. Morning sickness

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar has a lot of benefits that include supporting weight loss, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood sugar levels and also supporting overall health. Apple cider vinegar should not be used as a primary treatment option for diseases. It is worth speaking with an expert first and diluting raw apple cider vinegar before using it because of its high acidity.

DISCLAIMER: THIS SHOULD BE USED FOR INFORMATION AND EDUCATION PURPOSES. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO TREAT, DIAGNOSE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTH CARE DECISIONS BASED ON RESEARCH AND ADVICE FROM A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL     

References

https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/issues/12_11/ask-experts/Q-Will-apple-cider-vinegar-really-improve-blood-pressure_2037-1.html

https://www.resperate.com/

Bragg, P. and Bragg, P. (2003). Bragg apple cider vinegar. Santa Barbara, CA: Health Science.

Brandon, B. (n.d.). Apple cider vinegar for health – 100 amazing and unexpected uses for apple.

McGrath, S. (2015). Apple cider vinegar for health and beauty. New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing.