The Many Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

apple cider vinegar

Ah, apple cider vinegar. That old standby in the pantry that your grandma swore by. Turns out, she was on to something (sort of). Although this humble little bottle of vinegar is packed with benefits that can help improve your health, there are still more studies to be done.

 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of apple cider vinegar and what science has to say.

 

Improves Gut Health and Digestion

Apple cider vinegar is made naturally with beneficial probiotics, which can help enhance your immune system and improve gut health. The fermentation process also helps with digestion, allowing your body to absorb more nutrients. ACV also helps increase the production of hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the stomach, which is necessary for the proper digestion and metabolism of fats and proteins. Apple cider vinegar can also help relieve symptoms of indigestion like heartburn and bloating. To ease the discomfort of heartburn, some health professionals suggest taking 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water. Additionally, if you’re about to eat something that may cause indigestion afterwards, it’s wise to have some apple cider vinegar before your meal as well.

 

Balance Blood Sugar Levels

Research indicates that consuming apple cider vinegar can positively influence insulin response and decrease blood sugar levels after meals. Bear in mind that apple cider vinegar can never substitute for diabetes medications and a balanced lifestyle. However, it won’t hurt to integrate it into your treatment plan.

 

Might Improve Cholesterol Levels

Not only has research found that apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid content may help lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, but it may also aid with decreasing triglycerides. These effects work together to significantly decrease one’s odds of developing heart disease and suffering a heart attack.

 

When cholesterol is removed from the inner walls of your blood vessels, it can result in improved circulation throughout the body. This has several positive effects since more oxygen-rich and nutrient-filled blood will now be able to reach all areas of your body with greater ease.

 

Ease acid reflux

ACV is a popular home remedy to treat heartburn and acid reflux. But without sufficient research, it’s tough to say how effective ACV really is. Before trying this natural treatment for yourself, consult your doctor first. If they give you the go-ahead, start off with very small amounts of ACV in water so that you can gauge its effectiveness on your symptoms safely.

 

May Help with Weight Loss

Although there’s still a need for more research, one study has confirmed that apple cider vinegar may contribute to modest weight loss. Keep in mind though – this isn’t an excuse to cancel your gym membership. ACV can help increase satiety, meaning you’ll feel fuller after eating and less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks later. As mentioned earlier, ACV can also help regulate blood sugar levels, which can prevent those dreaded sugar crashes that lead to unhealthy snacking.

 

Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Pantry

Apple cider vinegar has earned its reputation as a powerful and versatile pantry staple, with mounting evidence to suggest it could be beneficial for many health issues. While more research is certainly needed to confirm these hypotheses, ACV appears to bring relief from many digestive issues like poor gut health, reflux, and bloating as well as cholesterol levels and even weight management. It’s important to note, however, that ACV should not replace medication prescribed by your doctor. Before you begin an ACV regimen or any alternative medicine regime it’s essential to check with your doctor first in case there are any negative interactions or side effects when combined with the medications you may already be taking.