Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is “magical liquid.” It offers so many benefits, from killing bacteria to helping you lose weight. It may not be the best tasting beverage — yes, people drink it for kicks — but it is undoubtedly one of the most beneficial to our bodies.
Not convinced? We’ve compiled a list of the proven benefits of ACV.
It can do wonderful things for your skin
The next time you shop for a toner, take a look at the labels of the products on display. You’ll find that many of them boast having ACV as one the main ingredients. That’s because apple cider has anti-bacterial properties. It contains acetic acid, which kills germs and bacteria. Applying diluted ACV (2 parts water, 1 part vinegar) to your face after cleansing can reduce your chances of getting pimples and acne breakout.
What if you already have pimples? You can still use it but dilute the vinegar further with three parts water. It’s going to sting, and it may even cause “ripe” pimples to bleed a little. Just don’t press too hard or apply too much to avoid irritating your skin.
It relieves upset stomach and stops diarrhea
Gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea are sometimes due to bacteria buildup in the digestive tract. Drinking a glass of water or apple juice with one or two tablespoons of ACV can help. It can kill pathogenic bacteria in the intestines, like E.coli.
It soothes a sore throat and clears common cold
ACV’s anti-bacterial quality is also helpful when you have a sore throat. You can gargle with warm water with a bit of the vinegar. If you’re feeling pain or itchiness, you may drink it warm (not hot) and diluted. You can do the same when you have a cold as the acid content thins the mucus in the throat. Plus, ACV contains probiotics, which boost the immune system.
Not convinced? We’ve compiled a list of the proven benefits of ACV.dup in the digestive tract. Drinking a glass of water or apple juice with one or two tablespoons of ACV can help. It can kill pathogenic bacteria in the intestines, like E.coli.
It can help you lose weight
If you’re on a weight-loss diet, consider adding a tablespoon or two of ACV into your salad dressing. It slows down gastric emptying from 27 to 17 percent. In other words, it takes longer for your stomach to digest your food, which means you don’t feel hungry too soon after meals.
It improves digestion and prevents hyperacidity
Some ACV brands contain pH level of 3.075. It’s highly acidic, especially if you compare it to the stomach’s pH level 1. What makes it remarkable is despite its acidity, ACV has an alkalizing effect because once digested, the stomach doesn’t have to produce more acid to digest it. Conversely, carbohydrate- or protein-rich food with low acidity requires more gastric acid to digest.
It can lower blood sugar levels for people with Type 2 Diabetes
Several studies have proven that ACV significantly reduces blood sugar levels when taken after a meal. You can take even less than an ounce of diluted ACV to quickly regulate the glucose high your body goes through right after a meal. You can also dilute two tablespoons of the vinegar in water and drink it before bedtime as it reduces fasting glucose (blood glucose level upon waking) by up to 6 percent.
It is considered a remedy for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a condition that causes irregular menstrual cycle and infertility in women. In 2013, researchers from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shiga University of Medical Science in Otsu, Japan found that drinking 15g of ACV daily for at least 90 days can restore regular ovulation and improve insulin sensitivity among PCOS patients.
What NOT to Do with Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV can be beneficial, but you need to regulate your consumption. Here are some guidelines:
- Don’t drink pure, undiluted ACV in shot glasses every time, all the time. The acid can damage your esophagus and digestive lining in the long run.
- Don’t gargle ACV or apply ACV directly to your teeth. Some websites recommend this as a teeth whitening technique, but remember: acids destroy the enamel in your teeth, making it weaker and very sensitive to sugar and hot and cold food or drinks.
- Don’t take apple cider vinegar alongside meals if you have Type 1 Diabetes. This condition causes food to stay longer than normal in the stomach. ACV will only exacerbate the situation, further messing up your blood sugar levels.
The next time you’re in the grocery store, grab a bottle of apple cider vinegar. Apart from making your salads taste good, it can work its “magic” on your body and health.
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