Apple cider vinegar is a new buzzword in the natural wellness industry.  Many health gurus, beauty experts and fitness freaks swear by its miraculous effects on health. Although it has gained tremendous popularity as a superfood in the recent past, the use of this clear liquid is not new. This natural tonic is being used to treat a myriad of health issues ranging from sore throat to varicose veins, since ancient times.

Here, we are with a list of top 5 health benefits of apple cider vinegar. But, before we start discussing its health benefits, let us tell you more about it.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a sour-tasting liquid that is made from crushed apples fermented with yeast to form health-promoting probiotic. During this process, crushed apples, water, yeast/ and or good bacteria are mixed together, which converts the sugar into alcohol, and finally, into vinegar. 

Nutritional Information-

Apple cider vinegar is low in calories and contains zero carbohydrates. Like any other vinegar, it contains a high concentration of acetic acid which can be linked to its health-promoting properties. The amino acids present in this elixir make it a wonderful antiseptic. In addition, it contains a small amount of amino acids, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium that benefits your body in numerous ways.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar-

This natural elixir is admired in the wellness industry for its amazing health benefits. Here, we are with a list of some of its most impressive health benefits.

Weight Management-

You know how many efforts it takes to shrink a few inches of extra fat from your waistline. On the other hand, you may want to find a natural catalyst that can help you to reach your weight loss goals. In such scenarios, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) makes an excellent pick for you. Some studies revealed that ACV ramps up your metabolism and speeds up your body’s fat burning mechanism. It also detoxifies your body by releasing the toxins present in fat cells. Besides, the high fibre content in unrefined ACV imparts you a fuller feeling and helps in cutting down calorie intake.

Prevents Acid Reflux-

Many of us have experienced that discomforting feeling of nausea and heartburn after meals. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also called acid reflux is a condition that is characterized by the backflow of food from the stomach into the oesophagus. This causes a sour taste in the mouth or a burning sensation in the food pipe. As per the studies, regular consumption of ACV can help in reducing the episodes of acid reflux. It maintains natural pH levels in the stomach and soothes it as well. Apart from that, the acetic acid present in ACV fights against harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and forms an effective antimicrobial agent.

Boosts cardiovascular Health-

Many healthcare professionals swear by the miraculous effects of ACV when it comes to improving cardiovascular health naturally. Acetic acid present in ACV can lower the levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol in your heart. Low levels of LDL reduce the chances of plaque buildup in arteries, which in turn, prevents numerous cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, thickening of arterial walls, atherosclerosis and many more. A study propounds that apple cider vinegar diligently fights against free radicals and protects your heart from the harsh effects of oxidative stress.

Healthy Skin and Repaired Hair-

All of us crave for glowing and healthy skin. Well, maintaining the natural pH balance is one of the best ways to get smooth and supple skin. Apple cider vinegar is moderately alkaline in nature and resembles the pH level of the acid mantle of the skin. Rinsing your skin with apple cider vinegar can restrict the clogging of pores and remove impurities. It also helps in oil control and prevents breakouts, acne and other outgrowths on your skin. Besides, ACV works as a wonderful exfoliator, removes dead cells and prevents dry skin.

Apart from that, apple cider vinegar makes an excellent therapy to repair dry and damaged hair. Rinsing your scalp with diluted apple cider vinegar helps in maintaining natural pH of the scalp and prevents dandruff as well.

Prevents Infections-

Apple cider vinegar contains a moderate amount of amino acids which helps in preventing a plethora of skin infections. In fact, it has been used as a natural antiseptic or antibiotic, since centuries. It is highly effective in treating fungal infections such as toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, ivory itch and many others. Creating an anti-fungal spray makes one of the most common uses of apple cider vinegar. However, it is always the best to seek a piece of medical advice before treating any skin condition with ACV.

Word of Caution-

Although consumption of apple cider vinegar in moderate amounts is safe for most healthy people, using it in high quantity can have negative impacts on your health. Besides, people with prevailing health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases should seek medical advice before consuming apple cider vinegar.

Apart from this, don’t forget to dilute it with water or juice before consuming. Using concentrated ACV can trigger numerous health issues such as skin rash, tooth decay and acidity.