Top 5 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Last updated on March 23, 2023

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries for many health concerns. The Romans used it to treat wounds on the battlefield and in recent times there has been researched to demonstrate significant benefits for maintaining overall health, but we will cover that below. Fermented foods have always been a part of the human diet. In a hyper-sterilised world attempting to mimic our ancestral experience with beneficial bacteria is important.

What is ACV and what makes it beneficial? Apple cider vinegar is made from yeast breaking down the natural sugars found in the apples into alcohol and then bacteria converting the alcohol into Acetic Acid. As the bacteria break down the natural sugars found in apple juice. Along with acetic acid, unfiltered ACV will contain the “mother”. The mother contains dozens of strains of bacteria, amino acids, and enzymes that promote overall health.

So what are the Top 5 benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Can help kick-start digestion- The sour and acidic nature can encourage the digestive process and promote the production of gastric enzymes.
2. Has been shown to help stabilise blood sugar after meals and increase insulin sensitivity in diabetic and non-diabetic patients
3. Evidence from human and animal studies suggests that acetic acid can reduce markers of heart disease including triglycerides.
4. May help with weight loss. Participants in one study consumed on average of 200-275 calories per day when taking vinegar with their meals
5. A natural antibacterial. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine used Vinegar to treat wounds more than 2000 years ago.

Chiropractic care can be complementary to apple cider vinegar, as it can help promote overall health and wellness. By adjusting the spine, chiropractors can improve the function of the nervous system, which can help improve digestion, blood sugar regulation, heart health, and weight loss. 

How do I use it?

Firstly, always dilute it in water. Concentrated ACV can damage the enamel on your teeth. Start with a teaspoon in a small glass of water before a meal. You can increase it to 1 tablespoon. ACV can also be beneficial to assist in digestion after a meal if you’re feeling bloated or indigestion. Alternatively, you can try having 2 Tbsp. in a glass of water first thing in the morning.

Sources

Johnston, C.S., Kim, C.M., Buller, A.J. (2004). Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 27(1): 281-282.