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20 Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar

Medically Reviewed on 7/21/2022
Disease and Condition: Healthy Living
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) comes from fermented juice obtained from crushed apples.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) comes from fermented juice obtained from crushed apples.

By now you have probably heard about some of the health benefits or uses of apple cider vinegar. More and more people are discovering its multipurpose benefits and using it as a one-stop shop for daily needs. Here are 20 uses for apple cider vinegar (ACV) that will inspire you to incorporate it into your daily routine too. 

  1. It helps in controlling the blood sugar level
  2. It is anti-bacterial and prevents infection
  3. It may aid in weight loss by changing the way the gut bacteria processes the fats
  4. It helps in the reduction of blood pressure
  5. It reduces the high cholesterol level
  6. It helps in regulating body PH
  7. It is supposed to help in the detoxification of the body
  8. It improves cardiovascular health
  9. It is supposed to prevent cancer
  10. It treats dandruff
  11. It helps to reduce the swelling of the vagina (vaginitis)
  12. It soothes the affected area of acne
  13. It calms insect bites when applied to the affected area
  14. It relieves sunburn when applied to the affected area
  15. It helps in getting a clear skin
  16. It helps to treat dyspepsia or indigestion
  17. It removes parasite infection
  18. It subsides leg cramps
  19. It diminishes the process of aging
  20. It helps in increasing hair shine

However, there has been insufficient evidence that supports all these health benefits of ACV. Besides, there have been conflicting viewpoints stated by different researchers, regarding the various health benefits of ACV.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) comes from fermented juice obtained from crushed apples. The main constituents of ACV include:

  • Acetic acid
  • Citric acid

The nutritional components of ACV include:

  • Pectin
  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B2
  • Vitamin B6
  • Biotin
  • Folic acid
  • Niacin
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Vitamin C
  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Polyphenol
  • Amino acids

ACV can also be used as a flavoring agent in foods.

What dosage of apple cider vinegar should be taken?

The dosage of apple cider vinegar depends on the following factors:

  • User’s age
  • User’s health
  • Other conditions

It is important to dilute ACV before consuming it. Generally, diluting 15 ml to 30 ml (1-2 tablespoons) of ACV in 240 mL of water and taking it before meals are recommended. Also, ACV shouldn’t be directly applied to the skin as it can damage the skin.

Before using ACV for medicinal purposes, consult your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional to be sure of its risk and side effects.

Also, diligently go through the directions mentioned in the label to avoid any risks.

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What is the scientific evidence for the benefits of ACV? 5 Benefits

Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
There are five health benefits and 3 side effects of apple cider vinegar (ACV).

The five proven benefits with sufficient scientific evidence include:

  1. Lower the blood glucose level: There is enough scientific evidence that ACV regulates the blood sugar level in diabetes; however, it shouldn’t replace medications. Adding ACV as a part of an anti-diabetic diet may help to control the blood sugar level.
  2. Weight loss: Researchers have stated that ACV helps in weight management, lowers lipid levels, and prevents fat deposition around the organs.
  3. Antibacterial: ACV has multiple antimicrobial properties on different microbial species, affecting its growth.
  4. Boost skin health: ACV kills the bacteria and prevents infection on the skin, thus helping in enhancing skin health.
  5. ACV helps in the detoxification of the body.

What are the side effects of apple cider vinegar?

The side effects of apple cider vinegar include:

  • Apple cider vinegar erodes the tooth enamel.
  • Acidic foods may worsen acid reflux.
  • In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys may not be able to process the acid that comes along with ACV.

Health News

Medically Reviewed on 7/21/2022
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/

https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/debunking-the-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar#:~:text=All%20in%20all%2C%20the%20probiotics,help%20with%20blood%20sugar%20control.

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