What Are The Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar?

The use of apple cider vinegar as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal remedy dates back to 400 B.C., when Hippocrates, who is considered the father of medicine, used it to treat illness. The "mother" of apple cider vinegar is the layer produced by bacteria on the surface of the vinegar, and it is what contains the nutrients and medicinal qualities. Purchase organic and unfiltered apple cider vinegar that still has particles of the "mother" in the liquid to receive its benefits.

Helps with Diabetes and Weight Loss

According to the American Diabetes Society in a January 2004 article called "Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes," the levels of acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar, can slow down the digestion of starches. This releases less sugar into the bloodstream and lowers glucose levels that affect type 2 diabetes conditions.
By having lower blood sugar levels, the insulin in your body will not store sugar as fat, and this will promote weight loss, says Arizona State University East nutritionist Dr. Carol Johnston.
Apple cider vinegar also contains pectin, which helps reduce bad cholesterol. Caution should be taken if you exhibit an allergy to pectin.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that help internal digestive inflammation such as colitis, which is an inflammation of the large intestine. It also helps relieve the sunburn pain when diluted with water and applied topically on skin.

Balances pH in the Body

There is still a lack of substantial evidence that apple cider vinegar helps with chronic conditions; however, Dr. Deforrest Clinton Jarvis states in his book "Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor's Guide to Good Health" that apple cider vinegar is able to disperse the acid crystal buildups that cause osteoarthritis, by balancing your body's pH.
By balancing the pH in your body, apple cider vinegar also creates an unfriendly environment for yeast infections such as candida.

Anti-fungal Properties

Apple cider vinegar's anti-fungal properties makes it useful to treat dandruff, by killing the fungus Malassezia furfur. Make a solution with a 1:1 ratio of water and apple cider vinegar, and apply directly to the scalp. Let the solution dry without rinsing, and re-apply until your condition is cured.

Antioxidant Properties

Beta-carotene is present in apple cider vinegar and according to the Mayo Clinic, beta-carotene is an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals in your body, helping to boost your immune system.