In recent years, we’ve heard of Apple Cider Vinegar being used as a detox and cleanse. Did you know that using Apple Cider Vinegar as a natural remedy for health problems dates back thousands of years? In this article we’ll talk about the 5 science backed health benefits of drinking Apple Cider Vinegar each morning.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar? It’s mostly apple juice, but has added yeast and bacteria that causes fermentation. Fermentation changes the sugars into alcohol, and gives ACV its super sour taste and potent smell. Acetic acid is the active ingredient that’s thought to be the source of Apple Cider Vinegar’s health benefits. But acetic acid is also found in other vinegars, so is there anything that makes ACV in particular stand out? Well that research is quite limited.
How do you drink Apple Cider Vinegar? After all, it’s extremely acidic. So acidic that if ingested in large amounts, can be detrimental to your health. Drinking something so acidic can cause esophageal, throat, and teeth problems. It’s important to note, that most recipes call for only 1-2 tablespoons of ACV per 1 glass of water. This dilutes the vinegar enough to not damage your body.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 health benefits of drinking Apple Cider Vinegar, and the scientific evidence behind each claim.
1. Weight Loss.
Even though ACV carries with it a multitude of health benefits, not surprisingly weight loss is still the #1 reason why people try it out. 2/3 of Americans are overweight, so the struggle of weight loss is known to many! Some scientists have found that drinking Apple Cider Vinegar helps reduce obesity. Apple Cider Vinegar reduces your blood triglycerides, and helps you lose belly fat. Also, fermented foods increase good bacteria in your stomach that aid with maintaining a healthy weight.
ACV helps you regulate your food intake, because acetic acid is a natural appetite suppressant. Studies show that including vinegar of any kind with a meal will make you fuller faster, therefore allowing you to shrink your calorie intake. Less calories means quicker weight loss.
2. Fights Diabetes with Blood Sugar Control.
Apple Cider Vinegar has been proven to slow down gastric emptying. Gastric emptying is the releasing of stomach contents into the lower digestive tract. Why is this important and how does it correlate to blood sugar control?
When gastric emptying is slower, the blood glucose is lower and steadier. This is because the sugars are entering the blood stream slower, and this is extremely beneficial for people with Diabetes. Scientifically, ACV has been proven to be a great supplemental treatment for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
3. Detoxes and Cleanses.
What’s a detox? A detox is the elimination of toxic and unhealthy substances from the body. Detoxing takes time, and isn’t something that can happen overnight. Many people claim that Apple Cider Vinegar may be used as an excellent detox and cleanse. ACV helps remove toxins from the body, and promotes good healthy bacteria in your gut. It promotes pH balance, and aids with digestion. Even when used externally, ACV has been known to fight acne!
How do you do an ACV detox? All you need is raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar, and water. That being said, there are many things you can add to your concoction, that’ll make it more tasty, and add additional benefits! For example, you can add some lemon juice to the mix. Some people add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for an added appetite suppressant. If the ACV with water alone is too sour and tangy for you, try to add a tablespoon of raw honey for some sweetness.
4. Improves Heart Health and Lowers Cholesterol.
We’ve mentioned upthread that Apple Cider Vinegar lowers triglycerides. Triglycerides are fat in your blood that increase the chance of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death, so if there ever was a reason to drink Apple Cider Vinegar, here it is. Acetic acid has been proven to lower cholesterol and even blood pressure!
5. High in Antioxidants.
Antioxidants are compounds that help defend your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Apple Cider Vinegar is high in antioxidants and prevents premature aging. It slows the aging process by balancing your pH levels. The antioxidants play a huge role in inhibiting cancer cells, and Apple Cider Vinegar even shrinks tumors.
Possible Complications from Overuse of ACV:
Now that we’ve discussed all the incredible health benefits you’ll reap from consuming Apple Cider Vinegar daily, let’s go over a few not-so-good side effects of overconsumption. Please remember that Apple Cider Vinegar is highly acidic, and is good for the body in moderation. Avoid drinking too much ACV to prevent digestive issues, stomach irritation, and ulcers. Too much Apple Cider Vinegar also does a number on your teeth, removing enamel. If you can, try drinking it through a straw.