It may look oddly brown, but the sediment in apple cider vinegar helps the beverage retain nutrients that are lost in clear vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries for its medicinal purposes. While many of the benefits of apple cider vinegar have not been well studied, there doesn't appear to be any harm in consuming it in moderation, making it worth a try for weight loss, digestive problems, lowering cholesterol and controlling blood sugar
Weight Loss
There is some controversy over whether apple cider vinegar aids in weight loss. The Global Healing Center states that the supplement can break down fats for better use and less storage within your body. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry also reported that acetic acid, a major component in vinegar, helped mice retain less fat accumulation when on a high fat diet. Nutritionist Dr. Weil, however, does not believe there is enough evidence that apple cider vinegar promotes weight loss.
Regulating Blood Sugar
The journal Diabetes Care published a study reporting a reduction of glucose levels with consumption of apple cider vinegar. The study was led by Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D. and conducted at Arizona State University. The results lend support to the use of apple cider vinegar in the regulation of blood sugar levels of diabetics.
Heart Health
Maintaining levels of cholesterol and blood pressure are both connected to maintaining a healthy heart. Among the nutrients in apple cider vinegar is pectin, a group of complex carbohydrates that has been linked to reducing LDL, also known as "bad cholesterol." In addition, the Global Healing Center notes that pectin can also help regulate blood pressure.
Digestion Aid
Apple cider vinegar has a number of components that help with keeping the digestive tract healthy. Acetic acid can slow the digestion of starch and has been used as a remedy for heartburn. Adding apple cider vinegar to water and drinking it a few times a day may also improve regularity, helping with both constipation and diarrhea.
Other Uses
There are additional reported benefits to taking apple cider vinegar which have not been widely studied, but might be worth considering. They include reducing sinus infections; easing arthritis and other joint pain; fighting allergies; preventing muscle fatigue; strengthening the immune system; alleviating gout symptoms; deterring urinary tract infections; and increasing stamina.
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