9 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar That Will Change Your Life
Apple cider vinegar, also known as ACV, has gained much recognition as a miracle drink due to its numerous health benefits.
First of all, what is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a byproduct of fermentation—a process by which bacteria and yeast break down sugars in food. The sugars convert to alcohol during the first stage of fermentation. A longer fermentation happens in stage two which turns alcohol into vinegar. Fruits, vegetables, and grains can all be used to make vinegar; ACV is naturally made from crushed apples.
A component known as ‘mother,’ which is made up of protein, enzymes, and good bacterial strands, is also present in organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. The ‘mother’ gives the product its murky appearance.
Numerous individuals claim ACV can treat a variety of health issues. Scientifically speaking, apple cider vinegar has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Although ACV is frequently associated with weight loss, it has far more health advantages.
Dr. Eric Berg—a distinguished chiropractor, health educator, and Youtuber—lists nine fantastic health benefits we can get from apple cider vinegar.
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
1. Digestion
ACV works in the digestive system by activating enzymes. Digestive enzymes are dormant, according to Dr. Berg, thus by taking ACV, it gets activated to break down foods and extract nutrients.
2. Lower pathogens
Consuming an acid can lower the pathogens in the body which helps in the overgrowth of certain microbes. The human body is naturally full of microbes. But, a recent study found the “usefulness of apple vinegar as a natural sanitizer that inhibits the growth of pathogenic microbes.” A pathogenic microbe is capable of causing disease in a person.
As Dr. Berg illustrated, in a jar of fermented pickles, it is the vinegar or acid that preserves the food and prevents bacterial growth. Clearly, ACV is proven to have antimicrobial properties.
3. Absorption of minerals
The substances, foods, and beverages we consume have a direct impact on our body’s pH. We become acidic at pH values below 7, and alkaline at pH values above 7. Dr. Berg explains that minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron all need a certain Ph level to be absorbed. However, if the pH in the stomach is too alkaline, minerals won’t be absorbed that much. The acid in ACV contributes to the more effective absorption of minerals.
4. Gas and bloating
ACV can speed up the breakdown of food, leading to more complete digestion. Incomplete protein digestion frequently results in excessive gas production in the stomach. About the number one benefit, ACV contributes to faster digestion. With this, enzymes will break down protein into a simpler and more absorbable form.
On the other hand, your intestines will expand and become inflamed if you are unable to digest particular proteins. Gas, bloating, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and stomach pain may result from this.
5. Acid reflux
Cleveland Clinic states that chronic acid reflux occurs when your “stomach acid persistently flows back up into your mouth through your esophagus.” This is brought on by the lower esophageal sphincter’s failure to tighten or close properly. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a circular band of muscle at the end of the esophagus. For Dr. Berg, apple cider vinegar can help the LES close, therefore, improving the symptoms of acid reflux.
6. Bile
Bile and the liver are important for the creation, processing, and breakdown of cholesterol. Your liver needs a certain quantity of acid to trigger the release of bile. Apple cider vinegar can help release the bile that has built up in the liver. Therefore, there would be less bloating.
7. Breakdown of protein
Enzymes are responsible for converting proteins into amino acids. Proteins and amino acids both help the body maintain optimal health. Generally, proteins are essential nutrients that your body uses to create the cellular structures necessary for carrying out key functions.
Dr. Eric Berg said that a certain acid is necessary to activate the enzymes, and apple cider vinegar can contribute to that. Great! Consequently, this leads to better protein absorption and digestion.
8. Weight loss
Dr. Berg explains the advantage of having improved and controlled blood sugar to weight loss. ACV can make glucose more sensitive, thereby resulting in less insulin resistance and less insulin production. Overall, apple cider vinegar may contribute to weight loss by lowering blood sugar and reducing insulin levels.
By managing blood sugar, one can regulate cravings and practice portion control, which may result in consuming fewer calories.
9. Immune system
ACV boosts the immune system, according to Dr. Berg, by promoting the production of white blood cells, which fight illness.
Consuming apple cider vinegar in moderate amounts is typically safe and healthy, however, going overboard can be harmful. So, if you’re new to ACV, try to take it gradually. And remember to always dilute apple cider vinegar before consumption.
