8 Benefits of apple cider vinegar

From soothing sore throats to weight loss and fighting hiccups and diabetes, apple cider vinegar has become a popular dietary supplement.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Vinegar is a product of fermentation. The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid that has been singled out as a healthy tonic. Vinegars also consist of other acids, vitamins, mineral salts and amino acids. During fermentation, the sugars are turned into alcohol.  If the alcohol ferments further vinegar is produced.

Ways to drink apple cider vinegar

One does not need to drink too much of apple cider vinegar for weight loss benefits. Also the taste of apple cider vinegar is rather overpowering. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water (16 ounces) twice a day, preferably before a meal. Alternatively one can also have it with their tea by adding two tablespoons of vinegar to a cup of tea.

Benefits:

Soothing a sore throat

Mix 3-4 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water that will head off the infection. Most germs cannot survive the acidic environment that vinegar creates. Alternatively gargle the mixture to ease the sore throat.

Decreasing glucose levels

Many studies have shown the anti-glycemic effects apple cider vinegar to improve insulin sensitivity. Drinking a cup of apple cider vinegar with warm water before bed may potentially lower glucose level by 4 to 6 percent.

Weight loss

If there is one promise that most supplements and superfoods love to claim, that is their ability to aid in weight loss. Apple cider vinegar promotes weight loss by speeding up metabolism. However large amounts on a regular basis could cause problems from harming the teeth to reducing stomach lining.

Help for hiccups.

Hiccups are usually caused by low stomach acid that slows the digestion of protein. Apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for hiccups by restoring the acid balance in the stomach and easing spasms of the diaphragm.

Reducing swelling.

Rubbing apple cider vinegar onto swollen hands or feet greatly reduces swelling.

Extinguishing exhaustion.

Exercise and or even extreme stress causes lactic acid to build up in the body resulting in fatigue. Apple cider vinegar contains potassium and enzymes that may relieve the exhaustion. Adding 2-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of chilled vegetable drink or glass of water will prove to be useful.

Brightening the skin

Many who have skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema and blemishes use praise apple cider vinegar to reduce skin-related inflammation. Dab a few drops of apple cider vinegar on cotton wool and gently apply it on the affected area.

Facial mask and skin toner

Mix apple cider vinegar with bentonite clay and one tablespoon of raw honey. Gently apply it to the skin and leave the layer on for 10-15 minutes. The mask provides a detoxifying and deep-pore treatment.

Roshni Kapur