For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been used as a home remedy to treat many health ailments and as a disinfectant and natural preservative. Many claim it has health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar levels, relief from indigestion and a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is the fermented juice of crushed apples. It contains acetic acid and nutrients such as B vitamins and vitamin C.
Here are some benefits of apple cider vinegar that will inspire you to incorporate it into your daily routine.
1. Aid Weight Loss
Two tablespoons each day have also been found to help dieters lose nearly twice as much weight in three months than people who didn’t consume apple cider vinegar. You can stir it into a glass of water and drink it before meals or mix it with oil to make a salad dressing.
Apple cider vinegar may have a modest effect on weight loss, but don’t get rid of your gym membership. As it is more likely to aid weight loss when combined with other diet and lifestyle changes.
2. Lower Blood Sugar
Apple cider vinegar is claimed to help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. Some studies have shown that consuming vinegar after a high-carb meal can improve insulin sensitivity by as much as 34% and reduce blood sugar levels. However, if you’re on medication for diabetes, you should check with your doctor before taking apple cider vinegar.
3. Dandruff
Massaging diluted apple cider vinegar into your scalp may help get rid of dandruff. It’s unclear how effective this is, but the theory is that the acid in the vinegar could help stop the fungus Malassezia’s growth, contributing to dandruff.
4. Soothe a Sore Throat
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for sore throats. It’s thought that its antibacterial properties could help kill off the bacteria that could be causing the problem. However, there is no evidence to support its use in this way. If you try this at home, make sure you mix the vinegar with water before gargling.
This is because apple cider vinegar is very acidic and has been known to cause throat burns when consumed undiluted.
5. Body Odour
Apple cider vinegar’s antibacterial properties will prevent bacteria from growing on your skin and neutralize any odour-causing bacteria, keeping you smelling clean and fresh. If you’re doing an armpit detox or are naturally a smellier person, try using apple cider vinegar to get rid of body odour in your shower routine.
6. Boost Skin Health
Apple cider vinegar is a common remedy for skin conditions like dry skin and eczema. It helps to kill the bacteria and prevents infection on the skin, thus enhancing skin health.
Talk to your healthcare provider before trying new remedies, especially on damaged skin. Avoid applying undiluted vinegar to the skin, as it can cause burns.
The Bottom Line
Apple cider vinegar can provide several health benefits. However, to stay safe and prevent side effects, it’s essential to monitor the amount you consume and be careful with how you take it as it can cause side effects in some people. Here are a few negative possibilities.
- The acid in apple cider vinegar may erode your teeth enamel. You may want to guzzle some water after drinking it.
- Anecdotally, acidic foods or liquids like vinegar may exacerbate acid reflux.
- If you have chronic kidney disease, your kidneys may not be able to process the excess acid that comes along with drinking apple cider vinegar.
If you experience uncomfortable side effects after taking apple cider vinegar, such as nausea, burping or reflux, stop taking it and discuss these symptoms with your doctor.
