Like any other vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from the fermented juices of apple. Apple cider vinegar is used in various dishes for flavoring, like in salad dressings, chutneys, e.t.c. It is formed of the liquid squeezed out of fresh apples. Then, for the fermentation process, yeast and bacteria are added to the liquid. In the second step of the process, the vinegar is made from the alcohol by Acetobacter species, a type of bacteria that forms acetic acid.
We are all well aware of the uses of apple cider vinegar in our kitchen, but apart from that, it has some amazing health benefits. The top 10 health benefits are thus, mentioned below:
1. Helps in Digestion
Are you suffering from indigestion or acidity? Having apple cider vinegar just before each meal will help you overcome the problems of stomach issues. Especially, it will work as a preventive aid if you are taking any spicy or oily meal.
2. Improves a sore throat
Adding 1/4th cup of apple cider vinegar with a 1/4th cup of warm water and gargling every day will prevent the growth of further bacteria and will kill the existing ones as well. This will stop the soreness and normalize the throat track.
3. Low levels of Cholesterol
Having two tablespoons of the juice on a regular basis helps to keep harmful blood lipid and triglyceride levels under control. It promotes the circulatory system of the body and boosts heart health.
4. Improves stomach infection
Consuming two tablespoons of the vinegar with warm water will kill and prevent the formation of bacteria and will cure the stomach infection.
5. Helps in Weight loss
Are you getting overweight day by day? Tired of trying several methods to lose weight, but all failed? It is the easiest way to get a lean, thin, and toned body without any hard work out and exercise. The acetic acid in apple cider reduces hunger, water retention of the body and increases body metabolism, which helps in weight loss. Scientists have found that consuming apple cider vinegar makes the rate of sugar release into the blood flow, which results in less appetite.
6. Reduces Dandruff
Dandruff is one of the most common types of skin problems that almost all people around the world suffer from. Due to the overgrowth of yeasts in our scalp, dandruff is formed. The acetic acid in the apple cider vinegar changes the level of pH in the scalp. Thus, it restricts the formation of yeast. Mixing a 1/4th cup of apple cider vinegar with a 1/4th cup of water and spraying it on to the scalp for 15 minutes to 60 minutes and washing off with a mild shampoo will reduce the formation of dandruff.
7. Clear skin without acne
The acetic acid of the apple cider vinegar helps to reduce the acne formation, soften skin, and exfoliates the skin. It balances the pH level of the skin and reduces the pigmentation due to acne. The antibacterial property of apple cider vinegar also tones the skin and helps to provide a uniform skin tone.
8. Teeth whitener and reduces bad breath
Apple cider vinegar helps to remove the yellow stains on the teeth. It helps in whitening the teeth. You can either brush or gargle with it to get its benefits. Its acetic acid has antibacterial properties that kill the bacteria that cause bad breath as it reduces the formation and growth of the odor-forming bacteria.
9. Cures hiccups
Sometimes stubborn hiccups are very irritating. Many folk remedies like holding the breath are useless. But apple cider vinegar will help you in this too. According to one study, apple cider vinegar restricts the message to hiccup, which happens due to the overstimulation of the nerves in the throat that creates the spasms. All you need to do is swallow a spoon of apple cider vinegar, and you can get rid of those irritating hiccups.
10. Reduce nighttime leg cramps
Leg cramps results due to a lack of potassium in the body. These cramps are too painful. Mix apple cider vinegar with honey in a glass of warm water and drink it regularly to get a good source of potassium and get rid of the muscle cramps and those painful nights.
Apart from these benefits mentioned above of apple cider vinegar, there are several other advantages provided by this magic ingredient. Apple cider vinegar helps in clearing a stuffy nose. It is rich in potassium, which helps in the thinning of the mucus, and the antibacterial properties help in the reduction of the bacteria formation and infection. It also works as a sinus aid. Those who are fed up, suffering from sinus may try this treatment. It will provide them with a definite result in the drainage of the sinus. Having apple cider vinegar lowers the high levels of glucose in the blood. It is very beneficial, specifically for type 2 diabetes. Studies have found that apple cider vinegar has an anti-glycemic effect, which reduces the fluctuation in insulin levels in the body. As said earlier, apple cider vinegar is rich with potassium. It acts as a natural electrolyte solution. The acetic acid in it acts with the lactic acid formation and relieves fatigue and boosts energy.
