All you need to know about Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is a vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It’s made by crushing apples and squeezing out their juice. Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the fermentation process. The liquid gets converted to vinegar by the acetic acid forming bacteria. Apple cider vinegar is the most popular type of vinegar which has a number of health benefits. These include weight loss, reduced cholesterol, lower blood sugar levels and improved symptoms of diabetes. It is also an ancient folk remedy and is used for various household and cooking purposes. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which is the most active compound in it.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Regulation of Blood Sugar

• ACV prevents large spikes of sugar in the body
• It improves the insulin sensitivity and makes sure that less sugar gets absorbed by the blood
• ACV is best used 25-30 minutes before meal and not more than 1 tsp to 1 tbsp

Aids in Weight Loss

• ACV is known to curb cravings leading to decreased calorie intake. If you take ACV along with a high carb meal, you get a increased feeling of fullness and end up eating 200-300 fewer calories for the rest of the day
  • It is loaded with a number of antioxidants which boost metabolism
  • ACV prevents fat accumulation and even helps in the fat burning process
  • It aids in improving immunity and helps in food digestion

Biological Effects

• Organic, unfiltered ACV contains ‘mother’, strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria which give it a murky appearance
  • The number of calories in ACV is extremely low
  • ACV contains small amount of potassium and amino acids which are very beneficial for health

Destroying Harmful Bacteria

• ACV is used as a food preservative
  • Diluted ACV is also known to assist with acne
  • Due to the presence of acetic acid, ACV can kill harmful bacteria and prevent them from multiplying
  • ACV has a history of being used as a disinfectant and natural preservative

Lowers Cholesterol and Improves Heart Health

• ACV can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with several other heart disease risk factor
  • Improved insulin sensitivity also aid to reduced risk of heart disease

Reduced Acid Reflux

• ACV also aids in acid reflux
  • Being acidic in nature itself, ACV help sooth the acidic feeling in the stomach

Improved Total Gut Health

• ACV contains acetic acid, citrus acids, enzymes, probiotics, potassium and magnesium all of which aid in improving the overall gut health

Beneficial for PCOD and PCOS

• Consumption of ACV post dinner is beneficial for women with PCOD and PCOS
  • Start with small amount of 1 tsp and you can go up to 1 tbsp

Benefits for Skin

• ACV is known to cure acne
  • It’s anti bacterial and anti fungal properties lead to improved skin texture
  • Prolonged use of ACV leads to improved skin texture, reduces pigmentation and fights scars
  • ACV can also be used as a  toner and moisturiser

Useful for Hair

• ACV is good for hair
  • It is known to treat dandruff and scalp infection

Fighting Allergies

• Use of ACV is known to enhance circulation and ward off a number of seasonal allergies
  • It is beneficial against sinus, running nose, cold and cough

Other benefits

• ACV acts as a natural deodorant
  • Apple Cider Vinegar balances the PH levels in the body
  • ACV has chemicals known as polyphenols. These help stop the cell damage that can lead to diseases like cancer

Usage and dosage

• Always buy organic, unfiltered and ACV with mother
• Start with 1-2 tsp, if it suits you, you can go upto 1-2 tbsp
• You can use it as a morning drink with cinnamon and lemon
• You can use it as a detox drink
• It can be used in green smoothies, soups and salads
• ACV can also be used in marination, dips and chutneys
• It can also be used in the batter of chilla

How to take ACV

• Add 1 tsp to 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to 100-200 ml lukewarm water
  • You can add pure honey (optional)
  • Always make sure that you use ACV in a diluted form internally or externally
  • Prepare in a glass container and have it using a straw
  • Make sure you rinse your mouth after using it
  • ACV is to be used in moderation. If you’re on any medication, it’s best to consult a doctor prior to use
  • ACV should not be given to kids under 15 years of age
  • Make sure you start with a small quantity
  • Since ACV is acidic, avoid using it with anything it can neutralise
  • Pregnant women should avoid ACV

Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful ingredient and is relatively safe to consume but can cause side effects in some people. Keep in mind that vinegar’s acidity may also damage tooth enamul with regular use. Drinking through a straw and rinsing after use can help prevent this. If you experience uncomfortable side effects after taking apple cider vinegar, such as nausea, burping or reflux, stop taking it and discuss the symptoms with your doctors.