Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a vinegar derived from crushed and fermented apples. For many years, people have used it as a home cure for anything from virus fighting to heartburn prevention.
Generally, it used to be an ingredient in foods such as salad dressings, pickles, and marinades. But gradually, there is awareness about ACV for various health benefits, like shiny hair, healthy skin, and weight loss. It got famous mainly for weight loss.
What is “Mother" Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made through the process fermentation. The process has two steps. First, the apples are crushed, and yeast is added to accelerate the fermentation process, converting the sugar into alcohol after a few weeks. Natural bacteria convert alcohol to acetic acid, resulting in vinegar's distinct taste and odour.
Most ACV in food stores is clear, pasteurized, and filtered. However, you can buy raw, unfiltered ACV with a murky sediment. Known as "the mother," this material is composed of settled bacteria and yeast.
Some individuals attribute the mother for ACV's health benefits. It's considered to contain modest levels of probiotics, which promote intestinal health. However, research has not demonstrated that the mother provides any special health benefit.
ACV is available in liquid form, in powder, gummies and as effervescent tablets.
What Are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?
In this article we will discuss the science backed benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother.
The nutritional components of ACV include:
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B6
Niacin
Pantothenic acid
Potassium
Polyphenol
Weight loss & management. There are studies where taking apple cider vinegar twice a day helped people following a reduced-calorie diet lose a few extra pounds. The vinegar's acetic acid speeds up metabolism, and taking an ACV supplement before meals helps curb appetite and hence burn fat.
In case of lower blood sugar. Several studies have reported that taking apple cider vinegar could lower your blood sugar. The effect was moderate, and further research is needed to determine exactly how it works. While vinegar cannot replace diabetic drugs or a healthy lifestyle, it can be a safe addition to your treatment regimen.
In case of lower cholesterol. A study that reported ACV boosted weight loss also found that it lowered the total cholesterol levels of study subjects who took it. It also seen to be enhancing their "good" cholesterol and lowered levels of triglycerides.
Other benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar are;
Lower blood pressure. One study in rats suggests that ACV could help with high blood pressure, but no studies done in humans back this up. High blood pressure is a serious illness that requires medical care and a healthy lifestyle.
Ease acid reflux. ACV can be a remedy for heartburn and acid reflux. In severe acidity we advise to consult a doctor. Apple cider vinegar can be used as home remedy for acid reflux.
Anti-bacterial. ACV contains anti-bacterial properties and promotes good bacterial growth hence considered as a probiotic. Probiotic detox helps building a healthy body.
Improves hair health. ACV contains natural acidity that balances the pH levels of the scalp, creating an optimal environment for healthy hair development while preventing dandruff and itching.
Improves Skin Health. ACV is potent to kill the bacteria and prevents infection on the skin, thus helping in enhancing skin health.
Maintains pH level. It is recommended to mix apple cider vinegar with water in moderation to help raise your pH. Apple cider vinegar can be safely blended with alkaline water, potentially leading to even more benefits for your body. While apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature, when taken, it has an alkalizing impact on the body. It elevates the pH of the body, causing it to become more balanced. This is important because our diet is often high in acidic foods, so drinking a modest bit of apple cider vinegar every day can help counteract some of the acid.
Apple cider vinegar looks safe when diluted and consumed in the appropriate proportion; hence, ACV in effervescent form may be more beneficial.
In addition to its health benefits, it may be used as a natural hair conditioner, skin care product, and cleaner.
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