When it comes to health and wellness, sometimes the most unassuming of ingredients can pack a world of benefits. Case in point, the kitchen staple: Apple cider vinegar.
This superstar wellness ingredient can help you fix issues from your health to your space, which is why it’s the hero of DIY home remedies. But is it all what it’s cracked up to be? Let’s take a closer look…
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made using apples, sugar and yeast. The mixture is left to ferment for a few days, resulting in a pungent smelling substance that is used for a number of things around the house. The acetic acid present in the vinegar gives it the characteristic smell and flavour and is repsonsible for its many benefits. You can use it as a base for salad dressings or consume it in its diluted form to avail its many health benefits.
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
1. Help regulates blood sugar levels
Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can help in improving insulin response and lower blood sugar levels after meals. Consuming apple cider vinegar before going to bed has also been shown to reduce fasting blood sugar after waking. It is, however, advised that you consult your physician before including it in your diet if you’re already on blood-sugar regulating medicines.
2. Kills harmful bacteria
Vinegar has been used for centuries as a disinfectant. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, even used the substance to clean wounds some 2,000 years ago. The acetic acid present in apple cider vineagr can help kill pathogens, including some strains of bacteria, and keep them from multiplying. This is also why it’s a great natural way to preserve food as it stops the growth of bacteria like E.coli which spoils food items.
3. Aid in weight loss
According to a new study, people who drank a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar daily, mixed with water, saw a decrease in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference. It’s also recommended that taking it before or during a meal can help with satiety and make you feel fuller for longer. While the research looks promising, experts advise that apple cider vinegar can be an addition to your weight loss journey but cannot completely substitue a healthy and balanced diet and physical acitivity.
4. Help with cholesterol levels
Adding apple cider vinegar to your salad or consuming it in a diluted form along with a low calorie diet can reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides. These are known to increase risk of heart disease. Apple cider vinegar can also help with an increase in the levels of high-density lipoprotein which is known as ‘good’ cholesterol.
5. Maintain skin health
Apple cider vinegar baths have become popular in the beauty space. It is known to be a common remedy for skin conditions like dry skin and eczema. Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your bath water can help in reducing dandruff, decreasing body odour, and alleviating yeast infections. But you should discuss it with your dermatologist before trying it out at home.
Things to Know Before Using Apple Cider Vinegar
It’s very important to note that apple cider vinegar shouldn’t be consumed as it is. It needs to be diluted before being consumed or applied on the skin. It’s advisable to use it in small doses, preferable one to two teaspoons or tablespoons (depending on your usage). Consult a physician if you’re on medications before including it in your daily routine to target a health issue.
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