Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been a kitchen staple for centuries. Known for its tangy flavour, it’s commonly used in cooking and salad dressings. But ACV is not just a culinary delight; it’s a health elixir too. Apple cider vinegar benefits offer natural remedies for various health concerns. However, like any other health supplement, it must be used wisely. Let’s explore apple cider vinegar benefits, nutritional values, uses, and potential side effects of apple cider vinegar.
Nutritional Values
ACV is made through a two-step fermentation process that transforms the sugar in apples into alcohol, and then into acetic acid, the active component. One tablespoon of ACV (about 15 ml) contains about three calories and virtually no carbs. It consists of a small amount of potassium and some amino acids and antioxidants.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
Let’s discuss how apple cider vinegar benefits to improve your overall health:
1. Reduces Inflammation
For the treatment of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), some recommend consuming apple cider vinegar. One possibility is that the vinegar might alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. Studies that specifically examine ACV as a treatment for RA, MS, or AS are few, nevertheless. If you have any of these illnesses, see your physician before doing ACV.
2. Helps with weight loss
Apple cider vinegar benefits in weight loss as it has virtually no calories. With just about 3 calories per tablespoon according to Nutritionix. This makes it a low-calorie addition to a meal or drink, which can be beneficial for weight management. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may also help promote feelings of fullness, reducing calorie intake.
3. Improve Heart Health
The sum of your blood’s triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is known as total cholesterol. Triglycerides are a form of fat, and LDL and HDL cholesterol are regarded as the “bad” and “good” cholesterol, respectively.
Your risk of heart disease can be increased by having low amounts of HDL cholesterol and high levels of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or total cholesterol.
One ounce of apple cider vinegar used daily has been shown to lower total cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol, according to research. Additionally, taking even half an ounce of apple cider vinegar daily can lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in those who have type 2 diabetes or obesity.
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4. Relieves Sunburns and Skin Infections
One of the apple cider vinegar benefits also includes its use as a natural remedy for relieving sunburns and treating minor skin injuries. Its ability to restore the skin’s pH levels can aid in healing sunburns.
When the skin is sunburned, its pH level can become unbalanced, leading to inflammation and pain. ACV, when added to cold bathwater or diluted with cold water and sprayed onto the affected areas, may help rebalance this pH, promoting recovery and providing relief.
ACV is also recognized for its antimicrobial properties, which come from its acetic acid content. This acid can disrupt the cell structures of harmful bacteria, potentially preventing infections in minor skin injuries. However, it’s crucial to remember that ACV should not be applied to severe burns or open wounds without medical supervision.
While these uses of ACV have been found helpful by many, scientific research supporting them is limited. Furthermore, undiluted ACV can cause skin irritation or burns, so it should always be diluted before being applied to the skin. As always, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before trying new home remedies.
5. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
While apple cider vinegar does not contain carbohydrates, it may influence how your body processes them. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar has been shown to improve the ability of the liver and muscles to take up sugar from the blood and decrease the ratio of insulin to glucagon, which might favour fat burning.
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6. Boost skin health
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes used as a treatment for skin ailments like eczema and dry skin. The skin has a slight acidity by nature. However, among those who have eczema, it might be less acidic. Applying topical diluted apple cider vinegar topically may aid in restoring the natural pH balance of the skin, strengthening the barrier that protects it.
Conversely, alkaline cleansers and soaps may aggravate eczema and cause a flare-up. Dilution of apple cider vinegar, with its antibacterial qualities, may help shield against skin infections associated with eczema and other skin disorders.
Uses
The best way to incorporate apple cider vinegar benefits into your diet is to use it in cooking. It’s a simple addition to foods like salad dressings and homemade mayonnaise.
Some people also like to dilute it in water and drink it as a beverage. Standard dosages range from 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) to 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) per day mixed in a large glass of water.
It’s best to start with small doses and avoid taking large amounts. Too much vinegar can cause harmful side effects, including tooth enamel erosion and potential drug interactions. Some dietitians recommend using organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains “mother.”
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Side Effects
Preparing food is one of the most popular and traditional uses of apple cider vinegar (ACV). Because distilled apple cider vinegar has a 5% acid level, it works well in marinades and salad dressings as well as canning and pickling. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be used in meals, salads, marinades, and drinks to provide a little zing (one tsp). When it comes to cooking, the tang of ACV goes well with a wide range of foods, including sorbets, casseroles, and coleslaw.
ACV is a common and harmless ingredient included in many cosmetic products, such as toner and shampoo. When used as a cleaning agent, ACV is rated an A (or lowest concern) by the Environmental Working Group, while it is rated a low overall hazard in beauty products.
Because of its antibacterial qualities, ACV is a true multitasker when it comes to cleaning your house. Use a 1:1 dilution of ACV with water to remove mildew in your bathroom or degrease your kitchen. ACV can also be used to clean sticky scissors, get rid of sticker residue on surfaces, freshen garments, unclog drains, deodorise coffee makers, polish some metals, and deodorise coffee pots.
A word of caution: Combining baking soda and apple cider vinegar can neutralise the substances and reduce their antibacterial properties.
The Bottom Line
Apple cider vinegar is a versatile product with numerous potential health benefits. However, it’s not a cure-all and should be used as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen.
Remember, the key to reaping the benefits of ACV is moderation and proper usage. Whether you’re using it to enhance your salad dressing, improve your skin’s health, or boost your digestion, apple cider vinegar can be a beneficial addition to your routine.
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information.
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