Apple Cider Vinegar is something you can find in most people’s kitchens. It is commonly used for salads, but it is much more than a salad dressing! The benefits of apple cider vinegar are numerous. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, apple cider vinegar can help with weight loss, diabetes prevention, heart health, and so much more. Here’s a list of ways this natural, inexpensive ingredient can help improve your health!
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Weight Loss
Apple Cider Vinegar has been shown to aid in weight loss by suppressing appetite and helping you feel full longer! One study divided participants into two groups. The first group was given two tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar before each meal for twelve weeks, while the second group wasn’t given anything. The group who took the ACV lost an average of 5 pounds over the course of three months, while those not taking ACV gained about 3 pounds on average per person.
Diabetes Prevention
Type II diabetes is commonly associated with obesity and a high-fat diet. ACV has been shown to aid in glucose regulation, decreasing the potential of developing Type II Diabetes. In a study, rats with a genetic predisposition to diabetes were given water containing apple cider vinegar for five weeks. At the end of this period, they had lower blood sugar levels than those who consumed only water. Those on a high fructose corn syrup-laden diet also saw their insulin resistance decrease after taking ACV regularly over time.
Heart Health
Apple Cider Vinegar can help reduce triglycerides which are linked to heart disease. High triglyceride levels are often seen in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. In one study, participants who took two tablespoons of ACV before bedtime had a significant decrease in their total cholesterol, LDL or “bad” cholesterol, triglycerides, and an increase in HDL or “good” cholesterol. Another study revealed that taking one tablespoon of ACV with 8 ounces of water before each meal for 30 days helped decrease lipid levels while increasing antioxidant levels in the body.
Infection Prevention
Apple Cider Vinegar also contains antimicrobial flavonoids and antioxidant substances. One study found that using ACV for disinfecting wounds can kill germs that cause the infection. It also helped speed up the time it takes a wound to heal! These substances in ACV also make apple cider vinegar effective in helping with common skin concerns like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. On top of that, it can also help relieve cold and flu symptoms by thinning mucus and helping the body expel toxins.
Eye Health
Apple Cider Vinegar can help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by using it as a natural eye rinse! Just add a little ACV to a bowl of water and place it in the refrigerator overnight. After refrigerating, use this solution with a cotton ball on your closed eye for a few minutes to help naturally protect your eyes!
In addition, some studies suggest ACV may help prevent cataracts. Combine two parts apple cider vinegar with 1 part fresh lemon juice, then store in the fridge. Each morning, wash your face with warm water before applying this mixture to your face (avoiding contact with the eyes). Let stand for 5 minutes before rinsing off. Do this daily until you see an improvement in your vision.
Skin Care
Apple Cider Vinegar is a common ingredient in homemade skincare products because of its antimicrobial properties. ACV helps get rid of excess oil and bacteria that can lead to acne breakouts. It also promotes collagen production, which helps with the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging!
Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a clean cotton pad to use ACV for skin issues. Then, swipe all over the skin after cleansing at night before going to sleep. This should be done daily until you see an improvement in your skin health. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try diluting one tablespoon ACV in a bowl full of water before using it as an astringent.
Can Help Improve Digestion
When ACV is combined with honey, it becomes an excellent stimulant for the digestive system. In addition, it helps to cleanse and detoxify the liver, which can help improve your metabolism. Apple cider vinegar can also help relieve constipation, heartburn, acid reflux, and diarrhea by making you feel more full after eating, increasing stomach acid that helps break down food, and soothing your intestinal lining! Try taking one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water 20 minutes before each meal. Over time this will increase healthy gut bacteria for more effective digestion.
Energy Boost
If you’re feeling sluggish, apple cider vinegar can help! After exercise or a long night, try taking one tablespoon of ACV in about 8 ounces of water. The boost in energy will keep you awake and alert for hours! Apple cider vinegar also helps to combat fatigue by stimulating the adrenal glands.
In addition, symptoms like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), chronic fatigue syndrome, lymphatic congestion, postural hypotension, and bronchial asthma can all be improved with ACV because it speeds up the body’s metabolic function. It has also been known to improve memory loss by increasing acetylcholine formation. This boosts mental activity, which may also help prevent dementia in older adults.
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar can be used as a home remedy for many different health concerns. It is packed with antioxidants and nutrients! The list of apple cider vinegar benefits is long. It can be helpful from hair care to skin issues, either topically or in an ingested form! It is easily found in most grocery stores and is usually pretty affordable. So If you don’t have any around the house, be sure to pick some up next time you go shopping!
