What are the health benefits of apple cider vinegar?

The benefits of apple cider vinegar have been known since ancient times. Vinegar was prepared from various fruits and grains through the process of fermentation. Apple cider vinegar is made from apples that have been crushed, distilled, and fermented industrially.

It is considered to have healing properties and was used to improve strength, as an antibiotic, and for scurvy. In this article, we analyze the claimed health benefits of apple cider vinegar along with its safety aspects.

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Health benefits of apple cider vinegar

There are several benefits of apple cider vinegar (Image via Unsplash/Towfiqu Barbhuiya)

Apple cider vinegar is widely claimed to have natural health benefits when used in cooking or consumed directly, including:

Promotes Weight Loss

It has been observed that many people who consumed apple cider vinegar for weight loss on a calorie-restricted diet lost weight. However, it is still being studied whether apple cider vinegar directly promotes fat loss or not.

Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar-lowering properties are among the benefits of apple cider vinegar. Since vinegar does not contain any carbohydrates or sugar, it is considered safe for people with diabetes mellitus. it is being studied whether apple cider vinegar can be used for the long-term management of diabetes. Nowadays, people are following the apple cider vinegar cleanse to get healthier.

Lowers Cholesterol

The benefits of apple cider vinegar also include its cholesterol-lowering properties. A few studies have indicated that ACV might help lower triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. However, apple cider vinegar should not be considered equivalent to cholesterol-lowering medications. These health benefits make apple cider vinegar good for you.

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Benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar daily

The following are the most widely known benefits of apple cider vinegar. Drinking diluted ACV daily:

• Helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity
• Helps glucagon to help with fat loss
• Increase the metabolic rate of the body, which can indirectly help in weight loss
• Suppress appetite and reduce the overall calorie intake
• Decrease triglycerides levels
• Improve ovulation in menstruating women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• May increase good HDL cholesterol and reduce bad LDL cholesterol
• Decrease blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels

Apart from these health benefits that make apple cider vinegar good for you, you can also use apple cider vinegar for acne.

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Apple cider vinegar benefits for the stomach

Apple cider vinegar has been used to treat stomach issues for ages. It is widely believed to help reduce bloating and indigestion when consumed regularly. Apple cider vinegar is also known to prevent stomach infections and fight minor issues. However, apple cider vinegar cannot be considered a treatment for food poisoning or severe infections. If you are suffering from any chronic condition in the gut, consult your doctor before consuming apple cider vinegar.

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Side effects of apple cider vinegar

Dosing is extremely important to prevent any side effects. Excess consumption of any acidic food or beverage can lead to side effects. To get all the benefits of apple cider vinegar, it must be diluted before consumption or mixed with another food or beverage.

Although we already know the benefits of apple cider vinegar for diabetics, people with diabetes must be extremely careful with the dosage of ACV since it can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels, including hypoglycemia and fainting.

People with low potassium levels should only consume vinegar after consulting with their doctors. Consuming too much apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach is not recommended.

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Apple cider vinegar benefits for men

Apple cider vinegar is good for hair and skin (Image via Unsplash/Safia Shakil)

Apple cider vinegar can be used to reduce dandruff in men. Using apple cider vinegar after shampooing can reverse the effects of hard water on the scalp and promote silkier and shinier hair.

Most of the benefits of apple cider vinegar are similar for men and women alike, and there are several ACV-based products available for men in the market. Face wash gels, shampoos, and men's skincare products are gaining popularity nowadays. If you have skin sensitivity or irritability, consult a dermatologist before applying apple cider vinegar to your skin or hair.

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Indranil Biswas is a nutritionist and personal trainer with a diploma in dietetics and personal training with a specialization in sports nutrition and strength training.

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