Why Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Are Even Better for You When Combined

Apple cider vinegar has many reported medical benefits. It is often an element in dietary fads and is also featured in the meals of vegans. In ancient times apple cider vinegar was thought to have medical use. However, honey, another superfood, is popular and has many benefits. What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar and honey together?

Apple juice is fermented two times to make apple cider vinegar. Yeast, sugar, and mashed apples are combined and allowed to sit for a few weeks. The yeast and natural bacteria cause the juice to ferment. The carbohydrates chemically change to alcohol. Next, the alcohol is transformed into acetic acid via a second round of fermentation, resulting in apple cider vinegar. 

The high acetic acid levels and other contents are supposedly responsible for several health benefits. Depending on who you ask, the regimen in which you should incorporate apple cider vinegar varies. However, 1 to 2 teaspoons with meals are usually recommended. It can be purchased in stores in raw form or pasteurized form. Many choose the raw form because of the naturally occurring yeast and bacteria levels.

Many of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar come from its acetic acid content. In addition, apple cider vinegar boasts:

• Antioxidants that offer protection from cell damage
• Bacteria-friendly probiotics that aid in the gut and immune system regulation

With these properties, apple cider vinegar is known for several beneficial health effects. Acid reflux can cause discomfort when eating and after. The heartburn symptoms are disagreeable, but many use apple cider vinegar as a cure. Studies have not confirmed the curative properties of apple cider vinegar, but there also are no studies against it.

Apple cider vinegar also is thought to play a big role in diabetes management. Some studies have shown a reduction in blood sugar levels when taken after a meal. This would be beneficial to those with different forms of diabetes. Combined with diet, exercise, and doctor's orders, it can be a beneficial addition to glucose control. Weight loss is also one of the reported benefits of apple cider vinegar. Though not widely demonstrated, a small study boasted positive results in those who added apple cider vinegar to their healthy diet for weight loss.  

There was one study in rats that showed improved metabolism and fat deposit prevention. Another study followed people who drank liquids with zero, 1, or 2 tablespoons of vinegar every day. After a quarter year, those that drank the vinegar lost about 2 to 4 pounds. Another benefit of use was a greater decrease in triglyceride level than people who did not drink the vinegar. 

Honey has a history in traditional medicine as a product high in nutrition. But, it is also a go-to in alternative medicine for treating various conditions like cancer and wound health. The ingredients of honey have many beneficial effects. They include being:

• anticancer
• antimetastatic
• anti-inflammatory
• antimicrobial
• antioxidant
• antimicrobial
• antiproliferative

The health benefits of honey have been shown to include aid in diabetes treatments, asthma, digestive system disorders, wound care, heart problems, and nerve problems. Honey in its raw form helps to calm and decrease stress, support vision, function as a digestive prebiotic, maintain blood sugar levels, and combat infections in wounds when used.

Since both of these ingredients are natural and boast many benefits individually, together honey and apple cider vinegar are believed to be optimally advantageous for good health inside and out. They can aid in decreasing bloating. Triglyceride levels are lowered, as well as sugar spikes in diabetics due to improved insulin production. They aid in heartburn discomfort and help with indigestion. 

The ingredients can be added to make tea. The heat and steam from the tea, as well as the medicinal properties of honey and acetic acid, can reduce seasonal allergy symptoms and decrease the length and severity of colds and infections.

So far, evidence supports the use of small amounts of apple cider vinegar, either raw or pasteurized, with or without honey. But the FDA has not approved its use in any permanent healthcare condition treatments. 

But one downside is the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar. It can cause permanent danger to your teeth by eroding your tooth enamel. If drunk undiluted, it can cause problems to your esophagus.  Apple cider vinegar has a bitter taste. Avid users sometimes choose honey to offset the flavor. Honey comes in several forms, raw being the best. The mixture of the two can make your intake high in sugar. This can offset the metabolism and insulin benefits, and replace them with potential weight can and heart damage.

As with any new regimen, you should consult a medical professional first. If you choose to use this combination, try to use raw honey, and always dilute your apple cider vinegar first. Try adding it to herbal tea, or possibly to oil to create a vinegarette for your salad. Apple cider vinegar also comes in chews and capsule supplements. For your honey, unfiltered and raw form maintains its natural reserves of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes because they are minimally processed with no added sugars.