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Alternative approaches to getting healthy are very popular these days. One of the most widely used alternative remedies is the apple cider vinegar. So, let us quickly explore apple cider vinegar health benefits. Perhaps one of them is just what you needed.
To give you a quick overview of (ACV) apple cider vinegar health benefits, it is beneficial for many health conditions such as acne, diabetes, high blood pressure, weight loss, diabetes and among many others.
However, if you suffer from any medical conditions and uncertain whether you take ACV or not, always consult your doctor. This is especially vital if you’re taking medications to avoid potential interactions.
How Much ACV You Should Be Taking?
At present, there is no particular dosage set for ACV that is proven effective and safe. However, most people who take in the range of a teaspoon to a tablespoon.
The method of intake also varies. Some people like to take it purely and drink water while others mix it with a glass of water and then drink it. As far as the dosage per day, some people take it once a day while others take up to 3 times a day.
Unfortunately, taking too much of it may not be a good thing. In one study1, researchers mentioned an incident of one woman who suffered from hypokalemia due to ACV consumption.
However, this woman is consuming a high amount of ACV over the course of 6 years. The amount of apple cider she took daily for that period is 250ml, which approximately equates to 16 tablespoons.
Consuming too much ACV may cause levels of potassium in the blood to fall too low. Additionally, drinking that much or even more ACV directly may cause damage to the esophagus.
Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits
Now let us quickly explore the known benefits of ACV(apple cider vinegar). In recent years, ACV has gained quiet of a popularity due to recommendations from many health experts advocating natural approach to health.
61. Reduce Heartburn and Acid Reflux Symptoms
Acid reflux usually happens when there is either too much or too little acid inside the stomach. Fortunately, a simple remedy using apple cider vinegar can be helpful.
In one study2, researchers find that taking unfiltered and raw ACV helps prevent heartburn.
Apple cider vinegar has an antibiotic property. It helps improve and balance the acidity of the stomach with just a tablespoon of ACV into a glass of water.
52. Promotes Healthy Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol, the good and bad. Highly processed foods including hot dogs triggers the body to produce bad cholesterol.
Fortunately, promoting the healthy type of cholesterol is one of apple cider vinegar health benefits. Cholesterol is not bad at all as long as it’s the good type.
Therefore, instead of taking cholesterol-lowering drugs that deplete CoQ10 in the body, ACV is a good alternative.
43. Helpful For Healthy Weight Loss
There are lots of people struggling to lose weight. If you’re trying to lose weight and regardless of what you do still nothing happens, try taking ACV as part of your healthy diet.
One most-cited study3 find that participants who consumed 2 tablespoons of vinegar have lower body weight and smaller BMI than those who did not take ACV during a 12-week period.
Although looking closely the results is not that stellar, the group taking ACV have enjoyed positive benefits over the placebo group. Besides the weight loss benefit, the ACG group also enjoyed other benefits such as less visceral fat, lower triglyceride levels, and a smaller waistline.
Take note that the study only lasted for 3 months. What if it is done consistently over a year or as part of a regular healthy diet?
Vinegar contains acetic acid which is a good appetite suppressant. It also boosts metabolism and reduces water retention.
34. Maintains and Promotes Healthy Blood Sugar
Probably, this is one of apple cider vinegar health benefits that helped many people with blood sugar problems.
In one study4, researchers find that taking apple cider vinegar before bedtime is beneficial for diabetics.
Data suggest that vinegar ingestion at bedtime may favorably impact waking glucose concentrations in type 2 diabetes. The antiglycemic effect of acetic acid, the active ingredient in vinegar, has been attributed to reduced starch digestion and/or delayed gastric emptying.
25. ACV Contains Antioxidants
There are various antioxidants in apple cider vinegar. Antioxidants are helpful in getting rid of free radicals in the body resulting to keeping the body healthy and functioning smoothly.
Among the antioxidants found in ACV include chlorogenic, gallic and caffeic acids, as well as catechins. Due to the antioxidant property of ACV, it is beneficial for heart health and even on individuals with cancer.
16. Boosts The Body’s Ability To Absorb Nutrients
In order to maximize the full potential health benefits of the foods we ate, our bodies should be able to absorb most of the nutrients.
Fortunately, with the help of apple cider vinegar, our bodies are able to increase the absorption rate of essential nutrients including various minerals. You don’t have to consume the ACV on its own to enjoy the benefits.
Instead, use ACV as a salad dressing for your dark green leafy veggies. This simple technique allows the body to increase its ability to absorb nutrients.
Moreover, taking 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar a day (approximately 30ml, or 1 oz.) is beneficial for heart health. This effect is due to ACV’s chlorogenic acid content, which is an antioxidant.
Use Organic, Raw and Unfiltered ACV
While it’s easy and tempting to simply get any apple cider vinegar from the shelves, choosing the right kind is an important step. Make sure you pick organic, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
If you search online for brands of apple cider vinegar, you’ll probably end-up with Bragg. This is a popular ACV brand, which is raw and unfiltered. However, if you have time and enjoy making your own ACV, you can do it, too.
Here’s how to do it!
This is just one of the hundreds of video tutorials you can find on YouTube on making your own ACV at home. Feel free to explore them if you’re interested in making your own ACV at home just like I do.
Finally, due to the many health benefits of apple cider vinegar, it is also a good means for detoxification. ACV is also effective for cleaning and whitening the teeth, beneficial for the skin, hair, and nails, as well as an all-purpose cleaner.