Apple cider vinegar has been touted as being beneficial to a number of health problems, from digestion to metabolic disorders. Amazingly, this kitchen store cupboard ingredient can work wonders on your body and health, improving your wellbeing in the process. Doctors have confirmed that you can’t use apple cider vinegar for just any purpose, it can’t actually hurt you and it could be beneficial for some problems. So how can it help? Here are some of the top uses for apple cider vinegar that you may benefit from.
Lowering blood sugar
One of the most researched uses for apple cider vinegar is its use against blood pressure, with many studies proving that it can help to lower high blood pressure when used as a dietary aid. In fact, studies have shown that it can lower blood sugar by as much as 4 to 6 percent in the morning, when taken before meals. Take two tablespoons and wash it down with some water or juice to remove the taste. The you just eat as you normally would. The belief behind this is that apple cider vinegar contains chromium which can affect your insulin levels, which in turn affect your blood sugar levels. Of course, if you suffer with high blood sugar levels you should speak to your GP before trying to self medicate with apple cider vinegar.
Aids digestion
Stomach acid and digestion are connected, and most people don’t make enough of stomach acid – apple cider vinegar can help to balance stomach acid in a healthy way, helping to improve digestion when taken with a meal. This could well help to allow more nutrition to be absorbed from your diet as well.
Assists weight loss
There have been numerous studies to suggest that weight loss and vinegar could be connected, many specifically using apple cider vinegar. While these studies haven’t found any conclusive evidence to support weight loss with consuming vinegar, participants were compelled to consume fewer calories when they’d taken it. Over a period of time, this could benefit weight loss. Of course, as with any weight loss plan, you should top up your efforts with a healthy diet and exercise – the vinegar should be used as an addition to your diet, rather than a cure for all negative habits.
Benefits to acid reflux
It may seem counter-productive to use acid to combat acid reflux, but it does actually work! We are so used to taking antacids or using creamy substances to deal with acid in the throat that we don’t think of using anything else, but apple cider vinegar could really help. With just a few minutes, you’ll notice that the acidic burning sensation dissipates and your symptoms are gone. It’s also a lot cheaper than buying costly medications to combat it. You simply need to take a few tablespoons and wash it down with a glass of water, then wait and allow the acid to dissolve.
As with any new addition to your diet, you should speak to your GP before taking anything. Although there have been many studies as to the benefit of apple cider vinegar, there have been no conclusive results to ascertain how effective it can be. There can be some benefit to this humble ingredient though, which you should try if you’re suffering with any of the above afflictions. Naturally, if you don’t see results from these remedies and are still suffering with your symptoms, you should seek further advice from your GP in order to resolve the issue.
