The Many Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Okay, so it may not be as refreshing as a cup of peppermint tea or as luxurious as a creamy latte, and it may not even sound very appealing at first, however Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), with its powerful benefits, is a holy grail natural product! It can help with a range of conditions including weight loss, regulating blood sugar, increasing immunity… and more.

ACV is generally made by fermenting the juice squeezed out by crushing fresh apples and has a characteristic amber color. For centuries, it has been used for therapeutic purposes as well as for many other reasons, including making pickles, eliminating weeds, dressing salads and other dishes, and even polishing armor.

It is rich in minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and copper as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and E, bioflavonoids, and pectin. In addition, thanks to the acetic acid it contains, ACV helps the body absorb the essential minerals from the food we eat.

The good news is that even if you find the taste of ACV unappealing, yet don’t want to lose out on all the benefits it offers, you can take advantage of Apple Cider Vinegar supplements, where you can gulp down all the benefits ACV offers in the form of a capsule. But make sure you only opt for high-quality supplements, like those offered by Key Nutrition, that are free of chemicals, fillers, and preservatives.

Here, we will elaborate on some of the amazing benefits ACV offers to our health.

ACV can help you lose weight since acetic acid, that it is so rich in, is known to increase metabolism, suppress appetite and lessen water retention. ACV is also known to interfere with the digestion of starch, which means that fewer calories enter the bloodstream.

ACV can help detox your body. It is known to help promote circulation and detoxify the liver. The acid can also bind with toxins and help to expel them from the body. Being rich in potassium, it helps to dissolve mucus in the body and clear the lymph nodes.

Do you feel tired? Don't buy an energy drink full of caffeine, sugars and chemicals. Take a hot apple cider vinegar drink instead. The potassium and enzymes in the ACV help give you a "pick me up". You can mix it in a glass of water or in your water bottle during a workout to prevent fatigue. The amino acids in the ACV also combat the build-up of lactic acid.

A 2006 study found that the powerful acetic acid in ACV lowered bad cholesterol levels in lab rats. Another study carried out in Japan found that around 1 tablespoon of ACV a day helped lower cholesterol levels in the participating group. Yet another study from the Harvard School of Public Health found that women who consumed 1-2 tablespoons of salad dressings with ACV almost every day had about a 50% reduction in heart disease.

Many different studies have indicated that ACV may have an anti-diabetic effect on the body. It has been observed that ACV consumption not only helps regulate blood glucose and insulin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, but it also helps to reduce postprandial glucose, which is very beneficial for people with type 1 diabetes.

The recommended dosage of ACV as a diabetes remedy is to dilute 1-2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) of ACV with water and consume it once a day. If you find it difficult to drink ACV this way, you can always opt for high-quality ACV supplements in pill or capsule form to enjoy  the amazing benefits it has to offer.

Because dissolving mucus is one of the many effects of ACV, it also helps to clean the sinuses. Since it is antibacterial, it can also prevent sinus infection. Sip some ACV mixed with water and you can soon breathe a little easier. 

Very little known downside, really

To be fair and balanced, ACV does have some potential downsides, including harsh after-taste, slight decrease in potassium levels, agitation in acid reflux, and reduction in tooth enamel. A few of these implications are generally associated with undiluted ACV in liquid form. 

Conclusion

Quite a bit of research shows that there are many benefits and little downside to a regimen of ACV.  It is important that you choose a high-quality apple cider vinegar, that is both organic and unfiltered. The reason is that organic and unfiltered ACV includes “mother”, the concentrated acetic acid derived from the fermenting process, which has additional healthy bacteria, enzymes, and proteins that are believed to be particularly good for health. 

Bonus Recipe: ACV Honey Detox

We know how immensely beneficial ACV is to our bodies and we have numerous good reasons to make it a part of our daily diet. Especially with the seasonal changes, the body is all the more vulnerable to many seasonal diseases. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, autumn's kickoff sparks the onset of flu season. Here is a delicious ACV recipe to help your body fight off the seasonal bugs.

·         16 oz warm distilled water

·         2 Tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar

·         1 Tablespoon organic honey

·         2 Teaspoons fresh lemon juice

·         A pinch of ground organic cinnamon

Preparation

1.  Dissolve the honey in the warm water.
2.  Add ACV, lemon juice and cinnamon
3.  Mix all the ingredients well
4.  Drink!