Top 10 Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV, is a type of vinegar that uses apples as its source of carbohydrates for the fermentative microorganism. The most common benefits of apple cider vinegar are mainly from the perspective of health and well-being. However, this fermentation product has far more benefits than just these two domains.
The formation of this vinegar is through the process of fermentation that involves yeast and bacteria. Fermentation is the anaerobic metabolic process of converting organic substances to products that have undergone chemical changes. The extraction of energy from the ‘source’ is for the microorganisms.
Anaerobic implies that the process occurs without oxygen, and the microorganisms involved thrive without its presence. In apple cider vinegar production, the fermentative process involves apple or apple juice as the ‘source.’ It acts as the source for the bacteria and yeast to derive energy.
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Types Of Acv And Which One To Use:
There are mainly two types of ACV available in the market- the filtered, store-available ACV, and the unfiltered kind. The one available in the grocery store is the primarily available variant of the chemical, whereas the other type is the one less popular.
However, due to the ease of access to information, the probiotic-rich variant is also gaining traction. The availability and affordability of the filtered variant make it desirable to the general populace, leading to misinformation on the latter’s benefit.
The benefits of the unfiltered variant are numerous due to the fermentative microorganism in the liquid. This is known as the ‘mother,’ a cloudy substance within the fluid that provides enhanced benefits.
Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar:
The following points illustrate the top 15 benefits of this fermentative product for use in human lives.
- Healthy Nutrients
The fermentation product has a lot of nutrients whose availability to the consumer depends on the kind used by them. The apple cider vinegar probiotic has benefits that facilitate gut health. Moreover, apple cider vinegar’s calories in 100 grams are around 22 calories.
Thus, this low-calorie product can be used as a substitute in salads or other culinary dishes.
The other nutrients in the product are enzymes (from the fermentative microorganisms), magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. The benefits of apple cider vinegar are obtained when the unfiltered variant is incorporated into one’s diet.
The nutritional value of the chemical was noted by two researchers, who found its use as a medicine for various conditions.
- Antibacterial
A recent study found that store-bought apple cider vinegar had an antibacterial activity that inhibited (or stopped) the growth of bacteria through the well diffusion method of analysis. The antibacterial activity was tested against potent pathogenic organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella bacteria.
The presence of acetic acid- nearly 5% has a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria. One such research studying this inhibitory effect found the inhibition of biofilm formation by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant E.coli.
The inhibition of bacteria in the food industry is crucial, not just in the health sector. The use of ACV has been witnessed in the natural preservation of food.
- Management Of Diabetes
The benefits of ACV have been recounted several times through various scientific research in the health and food industry. The result of such research has contributed to this product’s active use as a remedy and hack for several conditions.
One such use in the health industry is in the management of diabetes. The use of ACV in diabetic patients changed their blood glucose levels. Despite significant research to address this, the use of ACV alone cannot aid in controlling any medical condition.
The reduction in HbA1c levels (an indicator of diabetes) was witnessed after using apple cider vinegar water which showed positive effects in controlling diabetes.
- Regulation Of Blood Sugar Levels
The effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for controlling spikes in blood sugar levels has been seen in research. A study in 2019, showed that there was a 20% decrease in blood glucose levels after the use of apple cider vinegar
The research was on diabetic patients who observed a decrease in blood sugar levels after its consumption. The regulation of blood sugar levels is observed through the ACV’s effect on storing excess glucose in the liver.
This regulation in storage aids in reducing the body’s rate of producing and absorbing glucose.
- Improves Cardiac Health
This fermentation product’s improved cardiac health is seen through the reduction in blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and overall blood pressure.
The reduction in blood pressure reduces the damage caused to the walls of blood vessels due to hypertension.
The reduction in triglycerides and cholesterol reduces the chances of plaque build-up, which may block the arteries- causing thickening and stiffening of the vessels, leading to heart blockage, stroke, and heart attack, among other issues.
Thus, one can rescue heart risks by using at least two tablespoons of ACV diluted in water or as a flavorful addition to dishes.
- Enhances Skin Health
Skin health is one of the significant areas of concern with the increase in fatty food in most diets. The consumption of apple cider vinegar either as a diluted concoction or as health supplements such as gummies has been shown to affect skin health positively. For example, people with skin conditions such as psoriasis (scalp), and dandruff, have reaped the benefits of apple cider vinegar baths.
The itchiness experienced by people with either of the conditions is relieved by bathing with this vinegar.
- Facilitates Reduction Of Cellulite
Cellulite is the collected fat that pushes against the connective tissues under one’s skin. The use of apple cider vinegar to reduce this accumulation can be applied to the affected area. The application process will include a mixture of oils and apple cider vinegar.
Add one tablespoon of ACV in two tablespoons of oil of your choice- coconut, olive, etc., and massage the affected area in a circular motion.
- Antioxidants
The presence of antioxidants in the ACV can be determined through the color of the liquid; a darker liquid represents vinegar with a better quantity of antioxidants as it is less filtered than the lighter products. Moreover, this implies that more polyphenols in the liquid confer an antioxidant property to the vinegar.
Thus, adding this to your diet can aid in the reduction of cell damage due to the free radicals in the body. The exposure to a polluted environment also plays a role in increasing vulnerability to free radicals.
- Prevents Aging
Related to the antioxidant effects and the pH balance, the process of aging, specifically premature aging, can be controlled through ACV. The restoration of the skin’s natural pH by the use of ACV helps in maintaining balance.
The antioxidant property of vinegar contributes to reducing the signs of premature aging by eliminating the oils from the skin and preventing cell death.
- Relieves Sore Throat
The role of ACV has been active in relieving sore throat due to its antibacterial properties. Bacteria in unfiltered ACV contribute to the antibacterial effect on the bacterial infection of the throat. The acidic pH does not allow the germs to survive.
Gurgling with ACV mixed in warm water can provide relief from sore throat.
Precautions While Using Apple Cider Vinegar:
As ACV has high acidic content, direct use on the skin or through oral consumption can lead to indigestion and unpleasant feeling. Along with these, enamel erosion is risky when undiluted ACV is consumed.
Discontinue its use if you feel uncomfortable and uneasy after its use.
The use of ACV as the sole ‘medicine’ is discouraged as there is not enough strong scientific evidence to support the replacement of therapeutic medicines.
Conclusion:
If you were looking up the top 10 benefits of apple cider vinegar, I hope this article satisfied your search. If you have any inputs or remedies you have tried, please share them with me in the comment section below!
Watch for the following list of benefits of another everyday item.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Apple cider vinegar is a great addition to your diet, especially depending on your body’s needs. You can consume the vinegar or use it in your daily life such as while taking a bath or cleaning your scalp. From being used as a treatment for skin conditions such as eczema, improving health of the hair and killing germs. In addition, you can also use the vinegar as a salad dressing, helping prevent common food-borne illnesses.
Drinking apple cider vinegar can vary from person to person. Taking 1-2 tablespoons of the vinegar with water is enough to improve the benefits of the meal you are consuming. You may start with consuming 1 tablespoon of the vinegar mixed with water before a meal then eventually increase the amount to 2 tablespoons.
You can stop consuming apple cider vinegar if you face issues after its consumption. Any abnormal reaction in your body after the consumption of apple cider vinegar is an indication to stop consuming it. You may experience burns on your skin if the vinegar does not suit you.
The apple cider vinegar is made from apples and yeast. The formation of apple cider vinegar leads to the formation of acetic acid. Thus, it can be said that apple cider vinegar is acetic acid.
Despite the benefits that apple cider vinegar offers, there are chances that you will experience ill effects of the vinegar. You may experience stomach burning or digestive issues which can be unsafe for your health. If you experience severe side effects, you must consult your physician and get professional advice on your health.
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