Top 7 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been credited with weight loss and other benefits. So what is it, what it does and how should you consume apple cider vinegar?

What is Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, sometimes shortened to ACV, is made mostly of apple juice. It is then fermented by adding yeast and allowing the sugar to turn to alcohol. Bacteria then turns the alcohol into acetic acid.

The ‘mother’ or cloud of yeast within apple cider vinegar is a probiotic that contributes to the huge number of apple cider vinegar benefits. 

Why is Apple Cider Vinegar Popular?

Apple cider vinegar has increased in popularity in recent years, with people taking it daily as a supplement because it is touted to help with weight loss. Apple cider vinegar drink products are appearing on the market, like the Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Drink with Honey, and even the advent of apple cider vinegar tablets, like the Goli Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies.

7 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

• Apple Cider Vinegar been used to aid weight loss. Apple cider vinegar can increase the feeling of fullness, meaning you will eat fewer calories, but apple cider vinegar should be combined with a balanced diet and exercise for healthy weight loss.
• Apple cider vinegar can help to kill bacteria and pathogens in the body. Vinegar has been used to clean wounds for centuries and is used as a food preservative, proving its bacteria-fighting properties.
• Apple cider vinegar is often used to treat type 2 diabetes. This is because ACV can help to reduce blood sugar levels and increase sensitivity to insulin.
• Some research suggests that ACV can improve heart health. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to reduce blood pressure in some studies, though more research may be needed.
• It may also reduce cholesterol, further contributing to both heart and overall health.
• Apple cider vinegar may improve digestion and relieve the discomfort of constipation.
• ACV contains some nutrients, though not in huge levels. It contains some magnesium, iron, phosphorous, and manganese. To ensure your ACV has good levels of nutrients, try to find higher quality brands.

Is apple cider vinegar good for skin?

As well as working wonders in the body, apple cider vinegar can also help the health of your skin. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to treat acne due to its antibacterial properties, though much of the evidence is anecdotal.

Furthermore, some studies show ACV shows promising results in treating skin conditions like eczema. Diluted apple cider vinegar can be used as a toner too, helping to reduce the signs of ageing and balancing the skin’s pH levels.

Make sure to dilute ACV before using it on your skin. Most experts suggest diluting at a 1.2 ratio but make sure to test on your skin before use.

Apple cider vinegar can also be used in your hair to reduce hair loss, to detangle hair, to reduce colour loss, and to alleviate the symptoms of a dry scalp. It can be incorporated into shampoo and conditioner, like the Acure Build Up Balancing Hemp and ACV Shampoo and Conditioner. 

How to take apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be incorporated into your diet very easily. To begin with, it can be used in cooking and in the making of homemade sauces, like mayonnaise.

To take as a supplement, many choose to drink apple cider vinegar in water. You can dilute between 1 - 2 teaspoons and 1 - 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water and drink. You can also make a tonic, mixing apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and other herbs with water, like the Nature’s Goodness Apple Cider Vinegar Cleansing Tonic.

When choosing apple cider vinegar for consumption, look for organic and raw products, like the popular Braggs Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, or Melrose Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

If you find the taste of apple cider vinegar is too much, you can also find apple cider vinegar supplements, like the New Nordic Apple Cider Vinegar tablets, getting all the benefits without the acidic taste.

When to drink apple cider vinegar

There are two beneficial times of the day to consume apple cider vinegar as a supplement. You can take it on a morning, on an empty stomach, to maximise health benefits and incorporate it into your daily routine. Or, you can take apple cider vinegar before a meal to aid digestion.

How much apple cider vinegar should I have a day?

It is recommended you don’t exceed 15 - 30 ml of apple cider vinegar a day. This is equivalent to 1 - 2 tablespoons. When taking apple cider vinegar as a supplement, it is best to start out with a low dosage so as not to tempt any negative side effects.

Does apple cider vinegar go off?

Unopened apple cider vinegar has a shelf life of approximately two years. For opened apple cider vinegar, you should consume it within the year.

Apple cider vinegar should not become contaminated with pathogens because it is a highly acidic substance.

Apple cider vinegar should be stored in a dark and dry place, like a kitchen cupboard. It does not need to be refrigerated. 

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple juice, turning the sugar into alcohol and then acetic acid, by adding yeast to it. The ‘mother’ or cloud of yeast in ACV is probiotic and is considered the part of the acid that makes it so beneficial to human health.

ACV can aid the body in many ways, including supporting digestion, improving heart health, and reducing blood sugar levels. It can be used to reduce signs of ageing of the skin and treat skin conditions, such as eczema. Apple cider vinegar is also beneficial to your hair, reducing hair loss, controlling frizz, and alleviating dry and itchy scalps.

Apple cider vinegar can be used in cooking and taken as a supplement. To take it as a supplement, dilute 1 - 2 teaspoons to 1 - 2 tablespoons of ACV with a large glass of water and drink either on an empty stomach or before a meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much apple cider vinegar should you drink a day?

It is recommended that you do not exceed more than 15 - 30 ml of apple cider vinegar a day. To consume, mix 1 - 2 teaspoons to 1 - 2 tablespoons of ACV in a large glass of water. It is best to consume on an empty stomach or before a meal to aid digestion.

What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar can aid in digestion, improve heart health, and reduce blood sugar levels. It can treat skin conditions like eczema and has been known to treat acne. It is also used on hair to reduce frizz, reduce hair loss, and alleviate dry scalps.

Is it okay to drink apple cider vinegar every day?

You can drink apple cider vinegar every day, but like with most things, moderation is recommended. You should not exceed more than 15 - 30 ml of apple cider vinegar each day.

What is the best time to drink apple cider vinegar?

You should drink apple cider vinegar on a morning, on an empty stomach, as part of your morning routine. You can also drink apple cider vinegar before a meal to aid in digestion. You should not drink more than 15 - 30 ml of ACV each day.

What are the side effects of drinking apple cider vinegar every day?

You should not get negative side effects from drinking apple cider vinegar each day, as long as you stay within the recommended amount of 15 - 30 ml per day. Drinking too much ACV can lead to digestive issues.

Is apple cider vinegar really good for you?

Apple cider vinegar has a number of health benefits. These include supporting good digestive function, improving heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reducing blood sugar levels.