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Apple cider vinegar is one of the latest foodie trends, but it is actually an old home remedy that has been used to help a variety of ailments for hundreds of years. You probably already have some in your pantry to use in cooking or on salads. Now you can discover what the hype is all about.
Made from fermented apples, this vinegar has an acidity of around 5 percent according to EveryDay Health. You can buy clear distilled apple cider vinegar (ACV) or raw unfiltered if you are a purist. With no refrigeration needed, a bottle will last a long time.
While there are no carbohydrates, proteins, or fiber in the vinegar, there is also no calories, fats, extra salt or anything harmful in it either. The only precaution is to dilute it and clean your mouth afterwards because the acidic content can erode tooth enamel. So, what is the excitement all about? Check out these seven benefits and see for yourself:
Can help lower bad cholesterol
When added to your daily regimen of natural cholesterol control, ACV can help lower your numbers. A 2018 study found that consuming ACV could reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol after only 12 weeks. A study on animals that were fed a very cholesterol rich diet found very similar results.
Helps with sugar control for diabetics
Healthline said that one of the most promising applications of ACV is in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Just a couple of teaspoons of the vinegar before a meal helps to reduce blood sugar spikes and also improves insulin response. A recent study showed an improvement in blood sugar levels after consuming ACV. But don’t forget that overall diet is an important factor in diabetes control.
Bacteria killing properties
Vinegar has long been used for its antibacterial properties in ancient medicine. It has been used to clean and disinfect wounds, to treat warts, and other ailments. And according to Healthline, Hippocrates used it himself for medicinal purposes. Today, using ACV in your food can inhibit the growth of E. coli and other illness causing bacteria.
Could aid in ulcerative colitis relief
This common autoimmune disease causes ulcers, pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms. There is some evidence, according to EveryDay Health, that ACV can suppress some of the gut inflammation. “It’s low risk, and it’s been used for many, many years,” Robin Foroutan, RDN, an integrated dietitian at the Morrison Center in New York City and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics told Every Day Health. “Many integrative practitioners suggest using diluted vinegar to improve digestion because the practice appears to support the stomach, possibly by encouraging proper stomach acid secretion.”
A study on mice proved that ACV had an anti-inflammatory effect on mice with symptoms like ulcerative colitis. In fact, the mice had higher levels of friendly bacteria in their guts. Because of this property, it is also possible to bathe in ACV to relieve symptoms of yeast infections.
Can help heal skin conditions
You don’t have to ingest ACV for it to be helpful for your body. According to EveryDay Health, the pantry staple can be used to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. That’s because ACV contains acetic acid that can clear bacteria from your skin and citric acid which is an alpha hydroxy acid found in many high-priced skin cleansers. Keep your skin clear the natural way.
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