Introduction
You may have heard about apple cider vinegar and how it helps to promote weight loss, which is why it has become so popular in the fitness arena today. Many people include apple cider vinegar in their daily diet by directly taking at least a teaspoon of it or mixing it in a glass of water or use it as an ingredient in their salads and other dishes. But apple cider vinegar is more than just that. The composition of apple cider vinegar is extremely beneficial for the human health. Below are some facts about the powerhouse vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar contains minerals that include potassium and calcium. Potassium is very essential to maintain fluid balance in the body. It offsets the excess sodium found in the body, thereby regulating the blood pressure. Potassium also helps proper performance of the heart, nerves, and muscles. Calcium, on the other hand, primarily protects and ensures the health of bones and teeth. It is also important in the absorption of nutrients as well as in muscle contraction and blood clotting.
Because of the acetic acid contained in the apple cider vinegar, it is also used to kill bacteria or prevent their growth. This is the reason why it is also employed as a natural food preservative.
The said vinegar is acclaimed as a great source of antioxidants that fight harmful free radicals. These free radicals attack the healthy cells in the body, thereby damaging or destroying them. You need adequate amount of antioxidants to prevent the same, which could then lead to cancer or cardiovascular diseases.
Apple cider vinegar is also filled with pectin. Pectin reduces LDL cholesterol or the bad cholesterol, which results to the blockage of the arteries that could eventually lead to heart attack. Aside from that, pectin also helps regulate blood pressure in the body.
Apple cider vinegar, unlike clear vinegar, undergoes two fermentation process and is not pasteurized retaining the health components of apples.
It contains only three calories per tablespoon, which is why apple cider vinegar is such a big hit for those who are trying to lose or maintain their weight.
Most of the benefits claimed by many about apple cider vinegar have not been validated by science. The key here is not to consume it excessively. The ideal is about one to two teaspoon or tablespoon a day.
The Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Prevents and Treats Diabetes
Various studies and research proved that apple cider vinegar can reduce glucose to an acceptably low level which makes it a very effective addition to your daily diet especially if you are diabetic or highly exposed to such. This is because apple cider vinegar boosts sugar metabolic rates resulting to faster and more efficient breakdown of sugar and starch. Associating this ingredient in your daily food intake helps in controlling blood sugar to prevent as well as treat diabetes.
Helps in Regulating Weight
Weight management is one of the very important aspects in our health. It is important to keep weight normal because obesity as well as malnutrition can trigger many types of diseases and ailments. This is because apple cider vinegar boosts satiety thus can make you feel full for hours. This will help in controlling food intake thus paving away the possibility of eating food with high levels of calories, fats, and sugar. Nutritionists and health experts attest that regular apple cider vinegar consumption can shred off excess fats and helps you achieve healthy and ideal weight.
Relieves Stomach Pain
Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that are very effective in relieving bacteria-related stomach troubles such as diarrhea, indigestion, and gastrointestinal infections. In the early ages, this ingredient is used as disinfectant and cleaning formulae for skin, nail, head, and ear infections. Consuming apple cider vinegar also aids proper digestion. If you want to keep your tummy protected from stomach pains caused by bacteria, this ingredient will be of great help.
Good for the Heart
Apple cider vinegar is well known for its heart support benefits. It has been proved that this ingredient can lower risks of heart malfunction and various heart ailments. Heart diseases are the most common causes of death ever since. When it comes to the stability of the heart it is important to keep it in its utmost condition because any irregularity in the heart can cause you your life. Apple cider vinegar contains a very unique antioxidant called chlorogenic acid that fights LDL cholesterol oxidation. Cholesterol oxidation weakens the linings of the blood vessels as well as thickens the blood that can lead to blood clots. Blood clot formation is very dangerous because it primarily causes heart attack and stroke. If you want to keep your heart healthy, make sure to consume apple cider vinegar on a regular basis.
Protection From Cancer
Cancer is one of the most feared illnesses of all time. There is a buzz that apple cider vinegar can reduce the possibilities of having various types of cancer. This is because of its richness in antioxidants that stop tumor growth and cancer cells proliferation. This ingredient is abundant in polyphenols that block free radical formation as well as oxidative stress. Free radicals cause irregularities in the body that lead to serious sickness just like cancer.
Beautifies the Skin
Applying apple cider vinegar directly to the skin has clarifying, soothing, cleansing, and revitalizing effects. This type of vinegar can restore the proper pH balance of the skin that results to a clearer and fairer complexion. In fact, apple cider vinegar can be used as an all-natural toner. You can apply apple cider directly to the face after washing. It is advised to do this twice to thrice a week.
Makes the Hair Shiny
Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient to DIY hair repair and nourishing formula. A lot of people use this type of vinegar in the hair because it can make the hair glossy, shiny, healthy, and free from issues like dandruff and lice. If you are looking for an all-natural, affordable and safe hair treatment, applying apple cider vinegar is surely worth the try. You can add a tablespoon of it in a cup of water and apply it to the hair after shampooing.
Detoxifies the Body
This vinegar is gaining popularity when it comes to detoxification. Detoxification is one of the ways to keep the body healthy and free from harmful toxins that cause illnesses. Detoxification is actually the process of flushing toxins from the body to regain its proper balance. This will result to healthy, clean, and proper-functioning body organs.
Remedies Heartburn
Even though apple cider vinegar is acidic, it has been proved that its consumption works to correct abnormally low acid levels in the body. This then results to heart burn reduction. It is highly recommended to have at least a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar a day to not only relieve heartburn but to help the body organs function accordingly as well.
Books on Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System by Paul C. Bragg
Apple Cider Vinegar – Learn How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Improve Your Life
Apple Cider Vinegar And Coconut Oil – Discover Natural Cures, Vibrant Health, Dramatic Weight Loss And More!
