Nobody drinks apple cider vinegar as a general beverage, maybe because not everyone knows having a small amount once in a while can actually be very healthy for your body. If you’re in doubt, here are a few proven benefits of introducing apple cider vinegar to your meals.
Boosts Heart Health
Regular consumption of apple cider vinegar has been linked to lower cholesterol levels and reduced blood pressure, both of which are factors that contribute to a healthier heart and lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. So, try incorporating it into your diet, and you’ll be supporting the long-term health of your heart.
Enhances Skin Health
Believe it or not, apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that can help clear up skin conditions like acne. Its acidic nature restores the skin’s natural pH balance, leading to healthier and clearer skin. In this case, don’t drink it; apply diluted vinegar topically to reduce inflammation and redness, giving your skin a smoother complexion.
Improves Nutrient Absorption
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can also help your body absorb essential minerals and vitamins more effectively. This ensures that you can get the most out of the nutrients in your food, which, in turn, will support your overall health and boost the effectiveness of your diet.
Enhances Digestion
Few people are aware that apple cider vinegar aids digestion by increasing stomach acid production, which helps break down food more efficiently. This can alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating, promoting a smoother digestive process. Take a daily dose before meals, which Healthline advises should be one or two tablespoons, and you’ll ensure that you never experience digestive discomfort again.
Supports Weight Loss
Surprisingly, studies suggest that apple cider vinegar can help with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake. A small amount before meals can make them more satisfying, making apple cider vinegar a natural appetite suppressant that can help you manage your weight.
Balances Blood Sugar Levels
For anyone managing diabetes or prediabetes, apple cider vinegar may help stabilize your blood sugar levels. It improves insulin sensitivity, which can reduce blood sugar spikes after meals, which can make it a highly valuable addition to a diet aimed at controlling blood glucose levels effectively.
Promotes Detoxification
If you’re trying to detox from unhealthy eating, alcohol, or substances, apple cider vinegar can do wonders thanks to its support of liver detoxification, helping to flush out toxins from the body. This process can lead to improved overall health and enhanced energy levels, so regular consumption can keep you feeling revitalized and healthy.
Strengthens Immune System
Because it is so rich in beneficial bacteria and acetic acid, apple cider vinegar can boost your immune system. It helps fend off infections and strengthens your body’s natural defenses, leaving you susceptible to fewer illnesses and more resistant to common colds.
Alleviates Sore Throat
If you gargle apple cider vinegar, you can soothe your sore throat with natural ingredients thanks to its antibacterial properties. It helps kill off the bacteria causing the infection, providing quick relief. It may not taste great, but this natural remedy will reduce your throat pain and inflammation, making it easier to swallow and speak.
Enhances Hair Health
Despite not being the most appealing product to put in your hair, apple cider vinegar can do wonders for your scalp health while also adding shine to your hair. It removes residue build-up and balances the scalp’s pH, promoting healthier hair growth, so introduce it into your hair care routine for softer, shinier, and more manageable hair.
Reduces Acid Reflux
As was briefly mentioned earlier, apple cider vinegar can alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn, which can be very uncomfortable to deal with. It helps maintain the acid balance in your stomach, reducing this discomfort. So, if you’re susceptible to the effects of acid reflux, take a small amount diluted in water before meals, and you’ll be relieved from the pain.
Supports Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Another benefit of drinking apple cider vinegar is that it has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). This contributes to a healthier lipid profile and heart health, so if your doctor has warned you of your high cholesterol levels, ignoring this useful trip would be crazy.
Aid in Recovery from Alcohol
Everyone knows that alcohol is terrible for your liver, so if you’ve had a heavy night of drinking, apple cider vinegar can help your liver deal with the workload. While it certainly shouldn’t be used as an excuse to drink more, the apple cider vinegar will certainly make your liver’s job easier, so that’s worth remembering for those brutal hangovers.
Cleans Dreadlocks
If you happen to have dreadlocks, apple cider vinegar should be an invaluable part of your dread care routine. When combined with bicarbonate of soda and soaked into your dreads, it will cause a chemical reaction, fizzing into your hair to remove dust, mildew, and debris. It will also tighten up your roots and give your hair a natural shine, especially if you add some essential oils.
Relieves Symptoms of Arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar can help reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. It acts as a natural remedy to alleviate discomfort, so use it consistently, and you may see some improved mobility and a decrease in the chronic pain that often accompanies arthritis.
Enhances Energy Levels
Next time you reach for coffee, consider drinking a sip of apple cider vinegar instead, which can boost your energy levels by improving digestion and nutrient absorption. Its ability to balance blood sugar levels also helps maintain steady energy throughout the day.
Helps Maintain Healthy pH Balance
Another useful benefit of apple cider vinegar is how it can help your body balance its pH levels, which is crucial for maintaining overall health. A balanced pH supports proper bodily functions and prevents illness, so consuming it regularly can help keep your internal environment stable and promote better health.
Promotes Oral Health
Along with your toothpaste and flossing ritual, rinsing your mouth with diluted apple cider vinegar can improve oral health by killing harmful bacteria. Its antimicrobial properties help maintain a clean and healthy mouth, and not only is this good for your teeth and gums, but it will destroy your bad breath, too.