Vinegar has been used in folk and traditional medicine for thousands of years. Raw, organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar was used by medical practitioners in the 1700s to treat everything from the effects of poison ivy to stomach aches. Apple cider vinegar contains a wealth of raw enzymes and beneficial bacteria which are responsible for the majority of its health benefits. Here are 9 ways you too can benefit from this ancient cure.
1. Weight Loss
If you’re struggling with losing weight, vinegar can aid your efforts. Vinegar can increase satiety helping you to cut down on your food intake. In a study, participants had a small amount of vinegar along with a high-carb meal. It was noted that these participants consumed less food for the remainder of the day.1 In another study, it was found that taking vinegar along with bread not only lowered glucose and insulin responses but also increased levels of satiety.2
2. Warts
Because apple cider vinegar has high levels of acetic acid, it can help remove warts. To get rid of warts, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the wart. You can use a bandage to keep the wart wrapped overnight. Do this for a few nights till the wart begins to shrink.
3. Sinus Congestion
Apple cider vinegar can also help you when you’re down with a cold. It breaks up and reduces the mucous in your body, helping to clear your sinuses. The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar also make it a great cure to fight infections.
4. Sore Throat
If you have a sore throat, apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural remedy. Here’s what you need to do: Mix one-third cup of apple cider vinegar with about a cup of lukewarm water. Use this solution to gargle regularly.
5. Diabetes
Vinegar has an anti-glycemic effect and has been found to be effective in maintaining blood sugar levels. The acetic acid in vinegar helps lower blood sugar by preventing the complete digestion of complex carbohydrates. Though the mechanism is not clear, it is believed that vinegar might render some of the digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugar inactive, slowing the conversion of complex carbohydrate into sugar.
6. Digestion And Acid Reflux
Acid reflux usually is a consequence of having excess acid in your stomach. A simple and natural solution to acid reflux is having a tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water every day. Apple cider vinegar also has pectin which can help provide relief from intestinal spasms.
7. Heart Health
According to the Journal of Food Science, “Polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, which is present in high levels in apple cider vinegar, could inhibit oxidation of LDLs and improve health by preventing cardiovascular diseases.” A study on lab rats also showed that vinegar can lower hypertension.3
8. Energy Boost
Apple cider vinegar is also a natural energy drink. It contains enzymes and potassium which can help reduce fatigue. The amino acids in the vinegar also keep fatigue at bay by preventing the buildup of lactic acid in your body.
9. Skin Irritations
Apple cider vinegar has multiple benefits when it comes to your skin. It can be used as a cure for sunburn, poison ivy, and bug bites. If your skin is not too sensitive, you can apply it directly. You can also add a cup of it to your bath to give your skin a thorough cleanse.
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