Apple cider vinegar, a natural remedy with a history spanning over 7,000 years, has long been used as a cure-all in traditional medicine. Ancient records reveal its use by Hippocrates in 400 BC for the treatment of coughs and colds, and as a stimulant for circulation, detoxification of the liver, and improvement of the immune system. Nowadays, scientific research has expanded on this list of benefits, exploring its effects on weight loss, diabetes and gut health.
Weight Loss
Wouldn’t it be great if a natural substance could help with your weight loss journey? Great news: apple cider vinegar may just be the extra help you’ve been searching for. In a 12-week study, obese participants consumed 16 ounces of water with either one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily. The results showed not just improved satiety levels, but also diminished belly fat, reduced waist circumference, and lowered blood triglycerides. Adding apple cider vinegar to your diet could be the key to reaching your weight loss goals.
Fight Diabetes
Before medications were manufactured for blood glucose regulation, vinegar was used as a home remedy for hyperglycemia. The acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar is now known to help reduce post-meal blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease inflammation. A dosage of one tablespoon, taken before or during meals, has been found to be beneficial. One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar also has been seen to lower morning blood sugar levels when consumed with a slice of cheese before bed.
Improve Acid Reflux
Apple cider vinegar is considered a natural probiotic food and contains beneficial enzymes that aid in balancing stomach pH levels. Consuming one tablespoon mixed with one cup of water, five minutes prior to meals, significantly improves acid reflux symptoms.
Boost Beneficial Gut Bacteria
As a natural probiotic, apple cider vinegar kills off harmful yeasts, like candida, while promoting healthy digestion and encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria. If you suffer from candida or inflammation, drinking one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water, three times per day, can be helpful as part of your daily detox routine.
A Wide-use Natural Remedy
Did you know that apple cider vinegar can also be used for an assortment of issues?
- Applying a small amount to cold sores can help speed up their healing
- Dabbing onto ant or mosquito bites can stop itching
- Using as a rinse after washing your hair can eliminate dandruff
- Mixing one cup of vinegar and half a cup of coconut or olive oil into a lukewarm bath can soothe sunburned skin
- Rubbing on fungal skin infections twice a day can provide relief
Incorporating Apple Cider Vinegar Into Your Daily Routine
Incorporating apple cider vinegar into your every day meals is simple. Use it in salad dressings, homemade mayonnaise, and marinades. To experience the full range of health benefits, consume one tablespoon mixed with eight ounces of water before, during, or after a meal.
Keep in mind that you should always dilute apple cider vinegar before consumption to avoid damaging tooth enamel or irritating your throat and stomach. If these symptoms occur, reduce the amount you’re consuming and gradually increase the dosage over time. Be sure also to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water each day. With all these potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar at your fingertips, it’s time to give this age-old remedy a try!
