12 Ways Apple Cider Vinegar Improves Your Health

What do you think about the taste of apple cider vinegar?

Although there is the word “apple” there, it’s like drinking acid. If you want to consume the AVC, you must dilute it. Otherwise, you will destroy your teeth. Adding one or two drops of honey is going to make this more palatable.

So, which health benefits can you get from drinking ACV? Below are 12 ways drinking apple cider vinegar will boost your health.

ACV Cleans Food When Abroad

Research indicates that washing fruit and vegetables in ACV can reduce pathogens, including Salmonella and pesticides. When using a 1:1 mixture of diluted vinegar and lemon water, researchers found that the Salmonella was virtually destroyed and the fruits and vegetables had less pesticide residue.

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To practice this at home, you should add a quarter cup of ACV and lemon juice to a liter of water and soak fruits and vegetables for 45 minutes. After that, rinse and ẹnoy!

It Gives You Added Nutrition

ACV is rich in minerals and vitamins, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. In which, the dietary manganese, which accounts for 30% of daily value, is the most important thing. It is responsible for the bone production, blood sugar control and free radicals prevention. Additionally, manganese works for the integrity of the skin. It plays a vital role in creating collagen. Hence, apple cider vinegar may or may not detox the body; it can still bring you healthy skin!

It Gives You Fresher Breath

Bacteria is one of the reasons for bad breath. Apple cider vinegar with the antibacterial properties can kill those microorganisms. However, vinegar probably is not as effective as products that specially designed for fresh breath. Besides, swishing ACV around in the mouth can erode the enamel on the teeth. And, please note that any claims that apple cider vinegar can whiten your teeth are wrong. To prevent this, drink with a straw, then wait at least half an hour and brush your teeth. This will help you protect the teeth while still bringing you the benefits.

It Helps Unblock Your Nose

If you live in the city, I’m pretty sure that your nose will always be stuffed up. I don’t know why. But apparently, ACV can detox the body, and its potassium can break up mucus. The acetic acid can bind to toxins and get them out as well. Although there are not any scientific studies on this, in fact, many people claim that consuming ACV has helped them clear sinuses and even heal sore throats.

It Improves Digestion

You have probably heard about probiotics – the live microorganisms which help with digestion and get rid of harmful bacteria. In apple cider vinegar, there are five types of probiotics. However, they can or can not still be alive as you consume your cup of vinegar. Fortunately, there is another part of the “mother” of apple cider vinegar (which gunk at the bottom of the bottle): prebiotics. Being different from probiotics, prebiotics is a particular type of fiber. They help nourish the friendly bacteria which are already in laying in the gut.

Pectin in ACV can also help to slow down the absorption of glucose. Studies have shown that pectin binds to cholesterol, making less of it to be absorbed. Most benefits from apple cider vinegar are thanks to prebiotics. Therefore, make sure you shake the bottle of ACV well and use the gunk at the bottom!

It Improves Energy

Athletes consume all sorts of concoctions to get optimal performance. And pickle juice is one of them. A group of young men is electronically stimulated to stop cramping faster if they consumed pickle juice. This is probably because of the potassium in vinegar. It is one of the seven crucial minerals for the body. This element helps boost your energy. It can fine-tune muscle control and the sense of touch too. Without enough potassium, you will get muscle twitches and cramps.

In rat studies, acetic acid stimulates glycogen repletion in skeletal muscles. It means the acid helps the muscles turn carbs into energy. So, it will give you more fuel for the workout routine.

It Can Help Protect Against Cancer

Experts suggest that apple cider vinegar has beneficial systemic effects, according to historical records, but these records still need to be confirmed by modern science. In 2004, a study indicated that vinegar has an antitumor effect, especially rice vinegar.

The fermentation process of apple cider vinegar formed a neutral alpha-glycan content. This was able to reduce cancerous tumors in mice. Again, it could make a different impact on actual humans. But it is still a good start! Another research also showed that using vinegar eased esophageal cancer. From these conclusions, it seems ACV may be able to slow the growth of cancer. But it is not the magic remedy for something that is as dangerous as cancer.

It Lowers The Body’s pH

Unlike other kinds of vinegar, apple cider vinegar has an alkalizing effect. Although acidic, ACV encourages an alkaline environment inside the body due to how ACV’s broken down and digested – it is pretty similar to how lemon juice deacidifies the body. Many viruses and bacteria can survive in an alkaline environment, and if the body is too acidic, it will take calcium in an attempt to become alkaline. And this activity can result in low bone density and osteoporosis. Many people get better health after applying a more alkalizing diet. So, It’s worth a try!

It Can Reduce The Risk Of Heart Attack

Currently, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally. There are numerous factors which can result in cardiovascular disease, both genetic and environmental factors. And the cardiovascular disease that is caused by biological factors can be decreased with the help of apple cider vinegar.

In one research, rats were fed on a high cholesterol diet. The group which also had acetic acid in food had much lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. In case you do not know, triglycerides are a kind of fat in the blood that can increase the risk for heart disease.

Besides acetic acid, apple cider vinegar may also contain chlorogenic acid, which prevents LDL cholesterol particles from oxidizing. The oxidation of LDL particles is crucial in developing heart disease.

However, most experiments were done on rats. The only human evidence is given by Harvard, where research proved that women eating oil and vinegar salad dressing had the lower risk for heart disease than those having no dressing.

Although the evidence is not concrete, it may be beneficial to add vinegar salad dressing to your diet!

It Can Help Cure Heartburn

People having acid reflux know how uncomfortable it is. It is the condition where the muscle at the stomach’s entrance cannot close correctly or at the right time, that allows acid to escape and move up the esophagus and lead to a burning pain that is called heartburn. If you suffer this more than two times per month, you can have acid reflux disease. It is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GRD).

In spite of what you may thick, many acidic drinks have been noted to stop heartburn. Apart from apple cider vinegar, lemon water is also included. Because when they are diluted with water, there is an alkalizing effect.

However, with ACV, the different causes of your heartburn-like symptoms make the different effects:

  • Stomach ulcers or esophagus lesions: ACV will make things worse
  • Something you consume: Adding a bit of acetic acid is going to help neutralize the acid

Therefore, it is better to ask your doctor first before using apple cider vinegar if you have heartburn!

It Keeps Blood Sugar Levels Constant

Acetic acid is a primary component of apple cider vinegar, and it is often used for medical purposes. The pharmaceutical versions of acetic acid are commonly used to cure ear conditions and others. Some studies suggest it helps control your blood pressure and unclog arteries.

For instance, one study of Japan looked at the impacts of acetic acid and vinegar on rats with hypertension. Both could significantly decrease blood sugar. And the researchers concluded that acetic acid is the cause for the effect of vinegar.

It Keeps The Flab Away

Vinegar contains acetic acid working against enzymes in the stomach which digests starch. This may prevent you from absorbing the calories from the carbs. Therefore, it can help with weight loss. Only a handful of researches support this claim. However, no one knows how effective apple cider vinegar is since there has not been enough study done, but there’s evidence that apple cider vinegar can make you feel fuller.

For instance, in one research, white bread was served with three levels of vinegar. The higher the level of acetic acid that vinegar has, the fuller the participants felt. Plus, they also had lower insulin and blood glucose levels. This can help you consume 200 to 275 fewer calories each day!

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* *All content provided is for informational and educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.

 

Written by

Emily Pham is a blogger with many years of experience in searching the best natural home remedies for beauty and health issues. All content provided is for informational and educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.

Latest comments
  • What brand of Apple Cider Vinegar do you suggest? And how much and in what form should it be taken ( diluted straight, etc)?

    • Family, friends, and I like the BRAGG brand of ACV. It is USDA ORGANIC, and NON GMO verified. Suggestions on how to use are on the label.

    • Hi, William. She doesn’t really promote one brand of ACV over another so it seems one isn’t really better than another. At the beginning of the article she does mention washing fruits and veggies in diluted solutions. What I would suggest you to try is starting off with a 1:1 solution of ACV and water with a little honey in it and if that is still too strong dilute it even more and 2 parts water and 1 part ACV. We’re supposed to be preppers and it shouldn’t be necessary to take us by the hand and walk us through every little thing. Experiment a little and find the solution that works for YOU. 🙂

    • Get the type with the “Mother.”

  • I like Bragg brand. Two teaspoons in 8 oz of water, and if that is too harsh add some honey

  • I use Bragg’s ACV (as does my family) & have for several years. I cut it with apple juice and it works quite well. I used to suffer from acid reflux, now I don’t. If I get heartburn from spicy foods, or if I know I will, I take a small dose of baking soda mixed with ACV & cut with water. I used to take all those prescription & non-prescription drugs for acid reflux, but not anymore..

  • I, and a number of friends, and relatives use BRAGG ACV. It is unpasteurized; USDA organic, and non GMO verified. Directions for use are on the label.

  • Thank you very much for that, Emily. Good info. I have tried drinking it straight and even only little tiny amounts and my stomach does NOT like it at all. But that’s a whole other story and has to do with my medical history. And the taste really “bites”. LOL! I will take your hints and give it another go. I have lots of honey and water is still relatively cheap. LOL! And I really like honey. And honey is also supposed to be very good for you.

  • I make an ACV tonic that I drink 1 shot of every morning. Since starting this over a year ago, I have had not a single problem with indigestion and went through chemo with little to no nausea. I found this recipe online somewhere and totally swear by it.

    Cure Yourself Tonic

    1 – 32 oz. bottle ACV (I use Bragg’s)
    1 head organic garlic, peeled & crushed
    1 small/med organic. red onion, chopped
    1 thumb size chunk organic ginger, crushed
    1 whole organic red pepper, crushed

    Soak veggies in vinegar 24 hours, strain and squeeze as much vinegar out of the veggies and do what you wish with them, I love the garlic. Add to vinegar 32 oz. non-tap water and 1 cup raw unfiltered honey (local is best)

    Drink 1 shot first thing every morning.

    Store in a cool dark place. No need to refrigerate.

  • For those wondering about doses, I used to drink it like a shot of ‘shine. One ounce. Literally shook it up, poured it into a shot glass and slammed it back then chased with a bunch of water. It makes me sweat. Weird stuff. I fell out of using it, think I’ll give it another try. Buy the all natural stuff with the “mother” in it. I bought Bragg brand. All this should have been mentioned in this article.

  • I love sliced cucumbers with a very generous amount of ACV, Delicious and you’re eating a very good vegetable full of fiber if you do not peel the cuce. Same with potatoes. Scrub it well and do not peel off the skin. Fiber directly reduces the amount of carbs that are stored in the body which can contribute to weight gain. Hence the Keto Diet effect. Low carb intake and high fiber intake. Supplement with extra fat intake with more butter. REAL BUTTER NOT MARGERINE. I’ve lost 25 lbs. in 3 months. And Avacadoes are very beneficial loaded with good cholesterol and fiber.

  • Lots of uses, but no guidance concerning amounts, so it’s not much help.

  • This article is not much help without any info on mixture amounts.

  • Why no information concerning mixing solutions and particular ratios. This article is simply not very useful.

  • Sorry. When I didn’t see my comment appearing, I thought that it didn’t get through the first time. The same goes with the second comment.

    Perhaps I wasn’t clear. I saw no guidance concerning how the amounts of vinegar that were needed for specific uses, or how much the vinegar might need to be diluted for other uses.

  • This article is not accurate. When it
    says that ACV Alkalinizes the body, it then says ACV lowers the PH level.

    The fact is, when something is Alkaline,
    the PH is elevated. The more Alkaline something is, the higher the PH.

    The more acidic, then the lower the PH is.

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