The old proverb ‘an apple a day, keeps the doctor away’ holds not just for apples but for apple cider vinegar (ACV) too! That’s right, the versatile apple cider vinegar is obtained by fermenting apples. It is packed with innumerable health & skincare benefits.

This is why Ayurveda – the science of life – has been advising consumption of ACV since ancient times. We know that Ayurveda works on the principle of using nature’s gifts to heal the body and apple cider vinegar is a perfect example of this approach!

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been very effective in improving sugar control in diabetics and decreasing chilesterol. Studies have shown that ACV consumption significantly decreased Fasting plasma glucose levels in a subgroup of studies that administered ACV for > 8-weeks. Further, ACV intake appeared to elicit an increase in HDL-C (good cholesterol) concentrations in apparently healthy participants.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

How can ACV benefit your health?

ACV is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that promote good health. Let’s explore how ACV can help you –

1. Promotes healthy body weight

Do you feel hungry in between meals and the need to snack frequently? ACV can help. When you consume a teaspoon of it, ACV promotes satiety so you won’t feel hungry and snack excessively. It also boosts metabolism so that your body gets in fat-burning mode.

Moreover, it encourages the liver to reduce fat production. Because your metabolism is enhanced, you also feel more energetic and vibrant.

2. Lowers blood sugar

ACV can help those with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not have the requisite amount of insulin or becomes resistant to insulin.

 What ACV does is, it does not allow sugar levels to rise after a meal. It also encourages the muscles and the liver to use up glucose that circulates in the blood so that your blood sugar remains steady at all times. It also promotes insulin sensitivity in the body.

Apple cider vinegar is an old remedy that contains acetic acid and other health-promoting compounds. It might be helpful in lowering blood pressure and blood cholesterol.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

3. Get glowing skin

Suffering from dry skin? The nutrients in ACV can help balance the pH levels of the skin and prevent dryness.

Not just that, ACV also helps with skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Its antibacterial properties reduce skin inflammation and keep the skin supple and glowing.

Read More: 7 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin

4. Great for your bones

Want to strengthen your joints? Try ACV. It includes the following minerals – magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for the body to create new bone cells and ensure that your bones remain strong.

ACV consumption also helps improve symptoms of joint stiffness and prevents the build-up of crystals inside joints.

Also Read: 10 Foods For Strong & Healthy Bones

5. Great for the tummy

ACV is a probiotic food. When apples are fermented to prepare ACV, good bacteria develop in them. So when you consume ACV, these good bacteria travel to your gut and give a boost to your digestion.

Since the gut is linked to immunity, ACV also strengthens the immune system by promoting a healthy gut.

6. Enhances the shine in your hair

Is your hair dull? It could be because your hair pH level is off balance. The ideal pH level of hair is 5.5 – slightly acidic. ACV has an acidic pH, so applying it after you shampoo your hair stabilizes the hair pH level.

It can boost your hair shine and make it soft, tangle-free and smooth. It can also help you manage dandruff.

7. Soothes a sore throat

ACV has anti-microbial properties, which means it is effective in killing harmful pathogens that cause sore throats.

8. Good for the heart

ACV has cholesterol-lowering properties, which makes it good for the heart. It also relaxes the blood vessels and helps with high blood pressure.

How can you consume ACV?

You can pour ACV in your salads as the salad dressing. You can use it to marinade food or mix it in your fruit juices.

To enjoy the benefits of ACV, you can take it in the form of supplements.

Conclusion

ACV is a natural elixir that promotes good health. Incorporate ACV into your daily diet to stay healthy and happy!

Also Read: Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair: Discover the Research-Based Benefits and Treatments