What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is something you may be familiar with in a cooking and cleaning context. But did you know that it is fast becoming most broadly used for its many health benefits? And not only are we talking about your day- to- day health, no; we’re talking weight loss and bodybuilding.
So what exactly is it? It begins as apple juice – a step before that it is apples and we all know that an apple a day will keep the doctor away. But what you didn’t know was that it helps you to develop lean gains. When yeast is thrown into the mix, the sugar becomes alcohol and fermentation takes place. Handy bacteria then convert the alcohol into something called acetic acid. This is a component of vinegar and also provides its divisive sourness and hard- to- miss aroma. It possesses a short chain fatty acid, which is produced by your body when fat is converted to fuel – also known as beta-oxidation. These help to improve your body’s glycemic control. This can have many positive effects, including reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes while increasing insulin sensitivity.
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Where do we begin? Apple cider vinegar arms you with many health benefits, and the forerunners, at a glance, include digestive issues, the ability to assist with weight loss as well as being a top aid for bodybuilding.
Let’s first of all look at tummy troubles and how apple cider vinegar can help. In no particular order, it contains pectin, which makes it a welcome remedy for soothing pains and spasms in your intestines. It also contains antibiotic properties, so when bacteria is the cause of any digestive misery, especially diarrhoea, some medicinal apple cider vinegar can settle your stomach.
As a weight loss aid, it is the acetic acid that helps to lower your appetite while increasing your metabolism. By leaving you feeling ‘fuller’ between meals you will cut down on unnecessary calories from snacking, but by speeding up your body’s ability to metabolise all that you consume it will be put to better use. If weight loss is your aim, looking trim can often come down to water retention. Well, this joyous drink reduces that.
It simultaneously is a great workout aid for bodybuilders. One way it can help is by dealing with muscle cramps, which as well as overworking can be caused by intestinal viruses and parasites. Apple cider vinegar as a pre-workout drink can help to prevent muscle cramps by replenishing the electrolytes that you use when you sweat.
Most of all, apple cider vinegar can help to increase your energy levels via its malic acid content, which breaks down fat calories. It further helps boost your energy by breaking down the toxins that can leave you feeling tired and weak. Great news for enduring workout sessions and running the extra mile when cutting weight.
There is more, too. Apple cider vinegar has been proven to help lower cholesterol and also to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Apple Cider Vinegar Uses
The classic uses for apple cider vinegar include all-purpose cleaners and sore throat cures. It’s not like you’d take the average house cleaning solution and gargle with it, but it is the acidic vinegar content that helps it to break down stains, and likewise this can help to remove stains from your teeth and help with sore tonsils when gargled as a result of killing the harmful bacteria that dwell there. It is this that helps with bad breath, too. Some folks even use it with a toothbrush to clean out their mouths and treat gingivitis.
Its acidity is also a cure for hair and skin troubles. When massaged on your scalp it can solve dandruff, and also leaves your skin looking healthier due to its antibacterial properties. The malic and lactic acid content can help to neutralise acne and reduce spots while exfoliating your skin, due to its ability to balance pH levels.
How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar
For losing weigh drink the following recipe three times a day:- 1 to 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 8 ounces water
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 8 ounces of water
- 1 to 2 tablespoons organic honey
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 4 ounces of water
- Lemon
- Honey
- ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
Take Home Message
Apple cider vinegar is known as a stain remover, teeth cleaner and bad breath fixer, but it is also an excellent workout ally, providing you with extra energy while reducing muscle spasms. Add to that the fact that it helps you to lose weight, solves diarrhoea and dandruff and you’ll be sure to keep a bottle handy in the cupboard at all times.
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
