What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apples. Duh, right? More precisely, it’s fermented apple juice.
To make apple cider vinegar, apples are crushed and uncovered to yeast. By doing this, the natural sugar from the apple is fermented over time and turned into alcohol (like you would do with wine). Sounds like making apple cider, right? Yeah, because the process is similar. The difference is the apple cider vinegar is fermented twice –once to make alcoholic cider and a second time to make it vinegar.
Why Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?
As crazy as it may sound at first, drinking apple cider vinegar will bring you many health benefits which will be discussed in detail in just a sec. Aside from health benefits, apple cider vinegar also reduces cravings by inducing satiety which means apple cider vinegar is great for weight loss or for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only that, but apple cider vinegar is filled with beneficial nutrients.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar May Help With Weight Loss
There is currently no limited evidence to support the efficacy of the ACV diet, however, there are some interesting studies assessing the potential dietary effects of vinegar. However, it should be noted that some of these findings are based on animal studies only.
That said, some human studies have reported positive effects of ACV on feelings of fullness and helping to lower calorie intake. This combined with balancing blood sugar and reducing insulin levels may explain its perceived effects on weight. For example, a study examining the impact of adding vinegar to a meal based on white bread found the people in the study experienced better satiety and reduced blood glucose and insulin responses.
A further study that involved the consumption of 2 tbsp of ACV combined with a 250kcal energy deficit appeared to reduce weight, BMI and hip circumference. However, the evidence supporting ACV as an effective weight loss tool remains low and it may be argued that it’s simply too early to draw any valid conclusions.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Lowers Blood Sugar
3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Your Teeth
Vinegar does whiten and brighten teeth, but at a price. Vinegar is acidic (low pH level) so it erodes enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth. Since vinegar softens teeth, wait at least 30 minutes after consuming or drinking vinegar before you brush your teeth. If your smile is more yellow than you would like, use a whitening toothpaste. Look for over-the-counter products approved by the American Dental Association. If you need stronger treatments, see your dentist, who can recommend professional treatments to make your smile whiter.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar May Help Control Appetite
5. Apple Cider Vinegar Sinus Clearer
6. Apple Cider Vinegar Sore Throat Buster
As soon as you feel the prickle of a sore throat, take some ACV to help head off the infection at the pass. Most germs can’t survive in the acidic environment vinegar creates. Just mix ¼ cup apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup warm water and gargle every hour or so
7. Apple Cider Vinegar Massage/Swelling Treatment
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar has been around for years. There's some evidence that it could help control blood sugar or help you reach a healthy weight. Some people have had success using it to treat skin and scalp problems, but there's no solid science backing these uses yet.
Apple cider vinegar contains some acids, so it's usually mixed with water when it's used for acne, bites, or other skin problems. If you drink it, be aware that it can harm your teeth or digestive system if it's too strong. It can also interact with some medications in ways that could harm your health.
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