Helps in reducing blood sugar levels
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar blocks the enzymes that help digest starch, resulting in smaller blood sugar response after starchy meals like bread or pasta.
If you are diabetic, be sure to consult your doctor before you start consuming the amount more than what is usually used for cooking. Vinegar can interact with diabetes medication and thus should be not consumed by all people without a consultation.
Weight loss
Studies claim that having apple cider vinegar before a meal can suppress hunger and thus reduce your calorie intake. A 12-week study found that people who consumed apple cider vinegar every day lost weight, reduced their body mass index, waist circumference, triglyceride levels and visceral fat.
Lowers cholesterol levels
A small scale study conducted in 2018 found that consuming apple cider vinegar reduces total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels. Though more research is needed to confirm the findings. But people suffering from high cholesterol can surely give it a try. Do not miss checking with your healthcare provider before making it a part of your diet.
Improved blood sugar levels in diabetics
Though the best way to regulate your blood sugar level is by avoiding refined carbs, walking and taking your meds, apple cider vinegar may also have some beneficial effect.
In a small study, vinegar helped by reducing the blood sugar level by 31.4 per cent after eating 50 grams of white bread. Another study reported that consuming two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bedtime reduced the fasting blood sugar by 4 per cent in the morning.
Various other studies have shown that consumption of vinegar can improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels after meals.
Boosts skin health
Apple cider vinegar is a common remedy for skin conditions like eczema. Our skin is slightly acidic in nature. Using topical apple cider vinegar can help rebalance the natural pH of the skin, improving the skin barrier.
On the other hand, alkaline soaps can irritate eczema, making the symptoms worse.
Some people dilute the apple cider vinegar in face wash and toners, which helps kill the bacteria and prevents spots.
Sore throat
Apple cider vinegar drinks and gargles are said to alleviate the pain caused by a sore throat. To prepare the apple cider drink for sore throat, you need a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a cup of warm water.
Make sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar as having it alone can corrode the esophageal tissues, causing persistent throat pain and difficulty in swallowing.
Body odour
Proponents claim that apple cider vinegar can keep smelly feet and armpits in check by balancing the skin’s pH and fighting bacteria that cause body odour.
Improves heart health in animals
Health disease is one of the leading causes of death. There are several biological factors linked to heart disease and apple cider vinegar can help improve risk factors.
Studies in rats have shown that vinegar can reduce blood pressure, which is a risk for heart disease and kidney problems.
Though there is no evidence yet that vinegar benefits heart health in humans.
Can help kill harmful bacteria
Vinegar can help kill bacteria. People have been using vinegar traditionally for cleaning and disinfecting, treating nail fungus, lice, warts and ear infections.
In the olden times, people used vinegar to clean wounds. It also works as a food preservative as it prevents inhibition of bacteria like E.coli from growing in and spoiling food.
Preparing the apple cider vinegar drink
Diluting apple cider vinegar before consuming or applying on the body is absolutely necessary. Not diluting it can erode the tooth enamel and corrode the esophagus.
