Apple cider vinegar is an ancient folk remedy used since centuries ago to treat many health conditions. It is a natural food preservative because the acids in it can effectively kill and prevent bacterial and yeast growth in foods.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a fermented product made from special kind of apples known as cider apples. The apples are crushed and the juice is extracted in the first step of the process. To allow the fermentation process to start, bacteria and yeast cultures are then added to the juice.

After the juice converts to alcohol, a particular type of acid-forming bacteria called acetobacter convert the alcohol to vinegar. Vinegar is an acidic product as it contains two acids called malic and acetic acid.

The resulting vinegar is an amber-coloured liquid widely used in many cuisines across the world.

Benefits of apple cider vinegar

Here are five reasons to add apple cider vinegar to your daily diet:

1. Weight loss:  A study conducted on Japanese subjects found that apple cider vinegar can reduce body weight, fat mass and triglyceride levels. Three participants were given different amounts of apple cider vinegar and one group did not receive any vinegar. In all three groups that received varying amounts of vinegar, the researchers noted reduced waist circumference, fat percentage and triglycerides, apart from weight loss.

2. Regulates blood sugar: A study published in Diabetes Care involved testing the effect of apple cider vinegar on four men and seven women with type 2 diabetes. The participants were asked to take apple cider vinegar at bedtime. The next morning, their fasting blood glucose levels were recorded. The researchers found a 10 to 15% reduction in fasting glucose levels.

3. Lowered insulin resistance: Apple cider vinegar is not only helpful in lowering fasting glucose in people with diabetes but also is effective in reducing insulin resistance as well. Insulin resistance is the first step towards developing diabetes and occurs well before diabetes is diagnosed. In this, the pancreas makes insulin to digest the sugars, but the body cells become resistant to its action.

4. Heart health: Drinking apple cider vinegar may help your heart as well. Studies show that apple cider vinegar is effective in reducing the total cholesterol, triglyceride levels all of which damage the heart. In animal studies, blood pressure was also reduced in rats that received vinegar.

5. Effective against infections: Since apple cider vinegar is high in acetic acid, it has antibacterial properties and acts as a natural anti-infective against infections. It can help you reduce your risk of having staph infections and other diseases.

Disclaimer: The health information published on this web page is solely intended for educational purposes. VitaminsOnly strongly recommends to consult health care professionals for any questions concerning your health.