10 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya – Unsplash

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been a popular home remedy for centuries, known for its versatile uses and health benefits. From aiding digestion to promoting skin health, ACV is a natural and affordable solution for various health concerns. Here, we will explore 10 key benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Photo by Lesly Juarez – Unsplash

Helps boost skin health

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is known to prevent acne and pimples. Diluted apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can prevent infections related to eczema and other diseases. Studies have shown that ACV has alpha hydroxy acids that remove dead skin cells. Using ACV toners and face wash can kill bacteria and prevent spots and wrinkles.

Photo by Total Shape – Unsplash

Helps losing weight

According to a study, if you drink apple cider vinegar twice a day, it can help you shed some pounds. People who used ACV after a meal said they felt satiated for the next two hours. The feeling of fullness suppresses your appetite, which results in lesser calorie intake.

Photo by Diabetesmagazijn – Unsplash

Reduces blood sugar

Some people think that this vinegar helps your body respond better to insulin. For instance, a few studies showed that drinking apple cider vinegar after eating a lot of carbs increases your insulin sensitivity by 34%. Also, people who drank apple cider vinegar with warm water on an empty stomach saw stability in blood sugar levels.

Photo by Ivan Lapyrin – Unsplash

Helps soothe sunburns

People often use apple cider vinegar for sunburn relief. They typically pour it into cool bathwater. Others mix it with cool water and spray it on the burned areas. It has properties that fight off germs, which helps stop skin infections. Also, apple cider vinegar can ease the pain from things like mosquito bites and jellyfish stings.

Photo by Averie Woodard – Unsplash

Boosts hair and scalp health

If you have a scalp that itches or dandruff or are facing hair loss, try apple cider vinegar. Rubbing a mix of water and apple cider vinegar on your scalp can help you get rid of dandruff. Also, washing your hair with it can clean off any leftover hair products, make your hair easier to comb, and make it shiny.

Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya – Unsplash

Treats throat infections

Since the time of Hippocrates, people have used apple cider vinegar to treat sore throats. He suggested mixing it with honey to help with coughs, colds, and sore throats. Some people like to drink this mixture, while others use it to gargle. Apple cider vinegar is good for throat infections because it has germ-fighting properties.

Photo by Robina Weemeijer – Unsplash

Lowers the chance of getting kidney stones

Apple cider vinegar helps keep your gut healthy by getting rid of toxins because it is a probiotic. These toxins can end up in your kidneys and cause kidney stones. But apple cider vinegar helps your body to flush excess toxins and minerals out of your body.

Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya – Unsplash

Increases antioxidants

Apple cider vinegar is a rich source of antioxidants called polyphenols, including ferulic acids, gallic acids, caffeic acids, and catechins. The purpose of these antioxidants is to protect the body against free radicals. Moreover, apple cider vinegar has some anti-inflammatory polyphenols. That is why many believe it can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Photo by Michael Schiffer – Unsplash

Kills germs

All vinegars have acetic acid, which comes from fermentation. This acid is what makes apple cider vinegar smell and taste strong and sour. Acetic acid can also kill fungus and bacteria, so apple cider vinegar works as a natural cleaner. That is why some of us use it to clean our homes.

Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya – Unsplash

Manages cholesterol

Apple cider vinegar is thought to help with cholesterol by lowering bad cholesterol levels and increasing good cholesterol. It is believed that the acetic acid in ACV helps break down and remove cholesterol from the body. Additionally, ACV may help improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and triglyceride levels.