Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been a popular health remedy for centuries, and its benefits continue to be a hot topic today. Whether it’s for weight loss, digestion, or skin health, apple cider vinegar seems to be the go-to solution for many health enthusiasts. But how does it work, and what makes it so different from regular cider vinegar? Let’s get a deeperr look into the world of apple cider vinegar and discover all its amazing health benefits.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice. When apples are crushed and exposed to yeast, the natural sugars in the apples turn into alcohol, starting the fermentation process. After this, acetic acid bacteria are added, which converts the alcohol into vinegar. This acetic acid is what gives ACV its strong, sour taste and its health benefits.
ACV contains mother, a mixture of enzymes, proteins, and friendly bacteria. The “mother” is responsible for many of the health benefits associated with apple cider vinegar. If you see a cloudy, stringy substance floating around in a bottle of ACV, that’s the mother—and you want that in your vinegar because it indicates the vinegar is unpasteurized and raw, which is believed to provide the most benefits.
The Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
1. Aids in Digestion
One of the best-known benefits of apple cider vinegar is its ability to help with digestion. The acetic acid in ACV helps increase the production of stomach acid, which can make it easier for your body to break down food and absorb nutrients. If you suffer from bloating, gas, or indigestion, adding a tablespoon of ACV to a glass of water before meals might make a difference.
According to some studies, apple cider vinegar may also help promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, supporting overall digestive health.
2. May Help with Weight Loss
Apple cider vinegar is often used as a tool for weight loss. Although it’s not a magic potion, it may help by increasing feelings of fullness, which leads to fewer calories consumed. A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that participants who took a small dose of vinegar daily experienced reduced belly fat and body weight over a 12-week period .
The acetic acid in ACV has also been shown to reduce fat storage and improve metabolism. Drinking diluted ACV before meals may help you feel fuller, which can prevent overeating.
3. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Another major benefit of apple cider vinegar is its ability to help control blood sugar levels. Acconding to the Journal of Diabetes Research and several other studies, ACV can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar after meals . This is especially important for people with type 2 diabetes or those who are at risk for developing diabetes.
By taking a tablespoon of ACV before or with a meal, you may be able to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and prevent blood sugar spikes.
4. Supports Heart Health
Heart health is a concern for many people, and incorporating apple cider vinegar into your diet could help support a healthy heart. The acetic acid in ACV may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Animal studies have shown that vinegar can reduce blood pressure, and while more research is needed in humans, the results are promising. Keeping blood pressure in check is crucial for heart health, and drinking ACV could be an easy addition to a heart-healthy lifestyle .
5. Improves Skin Health
Apple cider vinegar isn’t just for internal health—it can also be beneficial for your skin. Its natural acidity helps balance the pH levels of your skin, which is why it’s often used as a toner. The antibacterial properties of ACV can help fight acne-causing bacteria, making it a popular natural remedy for breakouts.
To use ACV on your skin, dilute it with water and apply it to your face with a cotton ball. Be careful, though, as apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, and applying it undiluted can cause skin irritation.
6. Boosts Immunity
The healthy bacteria found in the “mother” of ACV can help improve your immune system by supporting gut health. Since a large portion of your immune system is located in your gut, keeping it healthy is essential. Additionally, the antioxidants and antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar may help protect you from illness and infections.
How is Apple Cider Vinegar Different from Regular Cider Vinegar?
Now that we’ve talked about all the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, you might be wondering how it differs from regular cider vinegar. While both types of vinegar are made from apples and go through a fermentation process, there are some key differences.
1. Production Process
Regular cider vinegar (often labelled as “cider vinegar” or “apple vinegar”) is made from apple juice, just like apple cider vinegar. However, it’s typically processed more than ACV, meaning it’s often filtered and pasteurized, which removes the “mother” and many of the beneficial compounds.
2. Health Benefits
While regular cider vinegar can still have some health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and acting as a natural cleaner, it doesn’t have the same potency as raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. The “mother” contains probiotics, enzymes, and other nutrients that are stripped away in regular cider vinegar during processing.
3. Appearance and Taste
Regular cider vinegar is usually clear and has a milder taste than apple cider vinegar, which is cloudier because of the “mother.” ACV has a stronger, tangier flavor due to the acetic acid and other organic compounds that are present in raw, unfiltered vinegar.
4. Uses
Both types of vinegar can be used in cooking, but ACV is preferred for health remedies, whereas regular cider vinegar is more commonly used as a basic ingredient in recipes. You can use either type in salad dressings, marinades, and pickling, but if you’re looking for health benefits, apple cider vinegar is the way to go.
Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar
If you’re ready to give apple cider vinegar a try, here are a few ways to incorporate it into your daily routine:
- Drink it: Mix one to two tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and drink it before meals. This can help with digestion and reduce hunger.
- Add to salads: ACV makes a great base for salad dressings. Mix it with olive oil, mustard, and a bit of honey for a tangy dressing.
- Use it as a toner: Dilute ACV with water (about 1:4 ratio) and apply it to your skin with a cotton ball for a natural toner.
- In cooking: Use ACV in marinades or to pickle vegetables. Its acidity adds a unique flavor to dishes.
Our Final Take
Apple cider vinegar is much more than just a pantry staple—it’s a health-boosting powerhouse. From aiding digestion and promoting weight loss to helping regulate blood sugar levels and supporting heart health, the benefits of apple cider vinegar are numerous. And while it’s often confused with regular cider vinegar, apple cider vinegar stands out due to its unfiltered, raw form and the presence of the “mother.”
Whether you’re using it as part of a beauty routine or adding it to your daily diet, incorporating apple cider vinegar is an easy and natural way to support your overall health. Just remember to always dilute it, as its high acidity can be harmful to your teeth and stomach if consumed in large amounts.
