Apple cider vinegar is gaining popularity in Indian households due to its multiple health benefits. Apple cider vinegar benefits range from beauty, weight management and household food preparations. Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice. ACV produced through a two-step process:
- Fermentation: Crushed apples are combined with yeast to convert their sugars into alcohol.
- Acetic acid fermentation: Bacteria are then added to the alcohol solution, fermenting it further into acetic acid, which gives vinegar its sour taste and strong odor.
Let’s find out the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
1.Helps to lower blood sugar
Apple cider vinegar drink is often recommended to people suffering from diabetes because of its potential benefits in lowering blood sugar levels. Multiple scientific studies found that consuming vinegar after a high carb meal can improve insulin sensitivity by as much as 34% and reduce blood sugar levels significantly (1). People with diabetes can use apple cider vinegar as the salad dressing or as a flvour enhancer in soup. However, it is important to remember that apple cider vinegar is not a replacement for diabetic medicine.
2. Helps in weight management
People often use apple cider vinegar or apple cider vinegar supplements for weight loss. This is because apple cider vinegar helps to improve digestion which leads to better fat metabolism in the body. The main ingredient in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid. Acetic acid helps in weight management acetate releases certain hormones that help you control your appetite and increase your energy expenditure and fat oxidation.
3. Helps to promote satiety
Apple cider vinegar helps you to feel fuller longer which also helps in weight loss. Some studies have found that consuming apple cider vinegar may help you eat fewer calories, lose weight, and reduce belly fat, if that’s your goal (3).
4. Helps to preserve food
Apple cider vinegar has been used as a food preservative for thousands of years. apple cider vinegar can help preserve food due to its acidic nature, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, molds, and other microorganisms. It has been traditionally used in pickling vegetables, preserving fruits, and as a component in various marinades and sauces to extend the shelf life of foods.
5. Helps to improve skin health
Applying apple cider vinegar topically is excellent for your skin. Many people use apple cider vinegar to treat acne, dry skin and eczema. Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature and potent antibacterial properties could help to prevent dry skin and infections in the first place. You can use apple cider vinegar as a toner and apply it to your skin.
6. Helps to protect heart health
Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in India and India and around the world. Lifestyle changes in recent times have increased the risk of heart diseases. Consuming apple cider vinegar daily can help you to improve your heart health.
Apple cider vinegar helps to improve your heart health by lowering many risk factors for heart disease. ACV is shown to decrease high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood. (4)
7. Helps to soothe sore throat
Gargling with apple cider vinegar is a common home remedy for sore throats, believed to exploit its antibacterial properties to combat the bacteria causing discomfort. If you want to use apple cider vinegar for sore throat, then mix the vinegar with water before gargling.
8. Help to improve gut health
Gut health is very important to maintain a healthy body. Apple cider vinegar increases probiotic bacteria in the gut to help you properly digest and absorb food. A healthy gut helps to control inflammation, increase nutrient absorption and boost immune health.
9. Helps to disinfect
Apple cider vinegar is often used as a natural substitute for conventional cleaning products due to its antibacterial qualities. Combining one cup of water with half a cup of apple cider vinegar creates a versatile, eco-friendly cleaner. It is important to understand that while vinegar can eliminate some bacteria, it’s less potent against harmful bacteria compared to commercial cleaners.
10. Helps with seasonal allergies
The beneficial bacteria found in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar may reduce seasonal allergies by aiding lymph node drainage and enhancing immunity. Consider incorporating 1 tablespoon diluted in water with your morning meal during allergy season. For those new to apple cider vinegar, gradual dosage adjustments can be made.
11. Helps to boil eggs better
This might sound strange but using apple cider vinegar instead of water is great to boil your egg. This is due to the fact that protein in egg whites firms up more quickly when exposed to a more acidic liquid (6). Adding vinegar to the water when boiling eggs can accelerate the coagulation process of the egg whites, which proves helpful in cases where the eggshell cracks during boiling.
12. Helps to trap fruit flies
Apple cider vinegar can help trap fruit flies. Its strong scent attracts them, and when mixed with a bit of dish soap, it disrupts the surface tension of the liquid, causing the flies to sink and drown.
13. Helps to kill garden weed
Apple cider vinegar can be effective in killing garden weeds. Its acetic acid content dehydrates the weeds, causing them to wither and die. To use, mix undiluted apple cider vinegar with a small amount of dish soap and spray directly onto the weeds, targeting the foliage and roots for best results.
14. Helps as a mouthwash
Apple cider vinegar is frequently used as a natural substitute for store-bought mouthwashes. Its antibacterial qualities are believed to potentially reduce bad breath. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water before using it as a mouthwash. Acid content in the apple cider vinegar can lead to teeth enamel.
15. Help to treat acne
Apple cider vinegar can provide relief from acne. Applying a small amount of diluted apple cider vinegar onto pimples is claimed to be a good way to get rid of them.
16. Helps to extend the shelf life of foods
The acidity in apple cider vinegar serves as an excellent natural method for preserving food, reducing food wastage by prolonging the shelf life of homemade dishes. Apple cider vinegar can be utilised to pickle various vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, and cucumbers. Additionally, brushing avocado halves or apple slices with ACV prevents them from browning.
17. Help as a dish detergent
While apple cider vinegar does have some cleaning properties due to its acidic nature, it is primarily used as a natural alternative to commercial cleaners for certain tasks like removing stains, eliminating odors, and as a general household cleaner when diluted with water. However, it’s not commonly used as a substitute for laundry detergents or dishwashing detergents.
18. Help to wash fruits and vegetables better
You can use apple cider vinegar to replace water to wash your fruits and vegetables. Create a simple solution for washing your fresh fruits and vegetables with apple cider vinegar. Combine 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 4 liters of water. Utilize this mixture to rinse your fruits and vegetables, effectively removing bacteria and pesticides from the surface.
19. Helps to enhance flavour
To enhance the flavors of homemade soup, consider incorporating vinegar. If your soup is bland, experiment by adding vinegar gradually until you achieve the desired taste. This method allows you to adjust the flavor to your preference, revitalizing the dish.
20. Helps to enhance the texture
Apple cider vinegar is commonly used in baking, particularly in vegan recipes where eggs are omitted, to enhance both flavor and texture. Additionally, it can provide an extra layer of taste to homemade candies and caramels.
21. Helps to improve taste
Apple cider vinegar can be a great addition to salad dressings. Its tangy flavor adds depth to salads, and it can be combined with olive oil, herbs, spices, and other ingredients to create delicious dressings.
22. Helps to soothe sunburn
Apple cider vinegar is often recommended as a natural remedy for sunburn relief. Simply add one cup of apple cider vinegar to your bathwater, relax, and soak in it to alleviate sunburn discomfort.
23. Helps to freshen the air
Apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural air freshener. Just add equal parts water and apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle. The anti-bacterial properties of apple cider vinegar can help to improve air quality.
24. Helps to rinse hair
Using an apple cider vinegar hair rinse is believed to effectively eliminate product buildup, detangle hair, and enhance its shine. Simply combine equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, apply the mixture to your hair, leave it in for a few minutes, and then rinse it out thoroughly.
25. Helps to marinate food
Another culinary application of apple cider vinegar is in creating marinades, commonly used with steak. Its inclusion in marinades is favored for imparting a pleasant sweet and tangy taste to the meat. Blend it with ingredients like wine, garlic, soy sauce, onion, and cayenne pepper to enhance the flavor profile of your steak.
26. Helps to reduce heart burn
Apple cider vinegar can help you regulate stomach acid levels, potentially reducing the symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn by preventing the upward flow of acid into the throat. It’s recommended to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your meals to manage heartburn effectively.
27. Helps to detox the body
Apple cider vinegar aids in improving lymphatic drainage, enhancing circulation, and balancing pH levels within the body. Essentially, apple cider vinegar stimulates bodily processes, facilitating detoxification.
28. Helps to improve circulation
Studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may be beneficial for treating varicose veins. Apply a small amount of ACV to the area with poor circulation and massage gently for potential relief.
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar is one of the healthiest foods for your health. Apple cider vinegar can be easily incorporated into your daily life. It can be used as a salad dressing, added to the foods to enhance flavour and taste, drink directly or can be taken as a supplement. Use apple cider vinegar in a moderate amount as it is acidic and can have side effects.
FAQs
1. What are the best uses of apple cider vinegar?
The best uses of apple cider vinegar are for weight management, skin health, enhanced flavours of food and heart health
2. Can I use apple cider vinegar on my face?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar on your face. It can help you fight acne and improve your skin health.
3. What are the side effects of apple cider vinegar?
Possible side effects of apple cider vinegar include tooth enamel erosion, throat irritation, digestive issues, and interactions with certain medications. Overconsumption may lead to potassium depletion and bone density reduction.
4. Can I use lemon and apple cider vinegar on my face?
Yes, you can use lemon and apple cider vinegar on your face, but it’s important to dilute them with water and perform a patch test first to avoid irritation.
5. Who should not take apple cider vinegar?
Individuals with certain medical conditions such as gastroparesis, diabetes, or kidney problems, as well as those taking certain medications, should consult a healthcare provider before using apple cider vinegar.
6. Does apple cider vinegar burn belly fat?
Apple cider vinegar does not directly help to burn belly fat, but it can improve your metabolism which can help you in better fat metabolization.