August 03, 2022

The Surprising Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

You’ve probably heard the recent buzz surrounding apple cider vinegar (ACV)—some even go as far as to consider it mother nature’s miracle.

But why all the hype and is apple cider vinegar worth including in your health routine?

Let’s dig into what science has to say about apple cider vinegar and its health benefits.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is made through a fermentation process where chopped apples are covered with water and left to sit out at room temperature for a few days.

Over these few days, the apples start to break down which causes natural sugars to ferment and form something called ethanol.

Then, bacteria enters the scene, eats away at these sugars, and converts ethanol into acetic acid—this is where the magic comes from.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Beneficial?

Many people claim that apple cider vinegar can help with a variety of health areas including weight loss, lower blood sugar, improved skin appearance, etc.

But what does science have to say?

You might not think fermented apples can give your body an extra boost, but research shows that apple cider vinegar can help:

Lower Blood Sugar: recent research indicates that consuming apple cider vinegar (especially after a carb heavy meal) may help to improve insulin production and stabilize blood sugar levels(1)
Weight Management: one of the biggest downfalls for most people focusing on weight loss or weight management efforts is overeating. Some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss efforts by helping you feel fuller, which may lead to less calorie consumption(2)
Antibacterial: vinegar is a well known substance that kills bacteria. Because of this, apple cider vinegar may have certain digestive health benefits by helping to kill harmful bacteria that may be causing your gut microbiome to be unbalanced(3)
Improve Heart Health: animal studies have suggested that vinegar plays an important role in heart health by helping to decrease risk factors, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, for heart-related diseases(4)
Skin Health: some would argue that improving skin health is apple cider vinegar’s claim to fame as making apple cider vinegar rinses, face masks, etc. took the Internet by storm. Science backs this up, as some research indicates that apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH of the skin and restore the protective barrier(5)

What are the Drawbacks of Apple Cider Vinegar?

While apple cider vinegar has been linked to many health benefits, it is always important to consider the disadvantages such as:

Indigestion/Digestive Symptoms: because apple cider vinegar is acidic, it may increase feelings of indigestion, heartburn, and other digestive symptoms especially for those who may already suffer from digestive conditions such as GERD or IBS
Dental Problems: again, due to its acidity consuming apple cider vinegar, especially in liquid form and in high amounts, may lead to erosion of tooth enamel

How Can I Take Apple Cider Vinegar?

The best part about apple cider vinegar is that it is available in a variety of forms.

Most people use it when cooking as it can be added to recipes, drizzled on salads, and even mixed into homemade mayonnaise.

Others prefer to drink it with water or another beverage that tastes good. Standard doses can range between 1 teaspoon and 2 tablespoons depending on your health goals and needs(6)

You can also take apple cider vinegar in supplement form, as many companies have developed capsules, tinctures, and even delicious gummies.

Check out Pure Burn XS from KaraMD today! Dr. Kara specifically designed this formula to contain apple cider vinegar for added effect.

No matter what form of apple cider vinegar you use, it is always best to consult your physician before adding any new products into your health regimen.

References & Disclaimer