What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Natural Apple Cider Vinegar?

Some apple cider vinegar products are filtered and pasteurized. Both processes strip the vinegar of its natural health components, leaving the consumer with little to no added health benefits. Natural, or raw, apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, is unfiltered and unpasteurized, thereby retaining much of its healthful components. The vinegar solution is characterized as being cloudy with a collection of film on the bottom. To produce the vinegar, the apples, usually organic, undergo a fermentation process that generates enzymes that are also beneficial for treating certain health ailments.

Soothes Gastrointestinal Tract

Apple cider vinegar, according to the Global Healing Center, alleviates disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, such as bowel movement irregularities or irritable bowel syndrome. The improvement in bowel movements allows the body to effectively and safely flush toxins through the colon. Just 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar, diluted in 4 oz. of purified water, may also treat acid reflux disease and heartburn and is recommended by the Global Healing Center as a suitable substitute for potentially harmful heartburn medications.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Apple cider vinegar may be beneficial to diabetics primarily because it contains an ingredient known as acetic acid. According to the Global Healing Center, this acid decreases the speed at which carbohydrates are digested. Not only will this provide a prolonged feeling of satiation, which may lead to weight loss, but it also protects against blood sugar fluctuations. While the body works on breaking down simple and complex carbohydrates and converting them into glucose for energy, apple cider vinegar goes to work on breaking down the body's fat supply as an alternative source for energy.

Immunity Support

Malic acid, a natural component of vinegar, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral abilities, which function to protect the immune system against certain strains of influenza as well as cold and flu viruses. Apple cider vinegar also contains pectin, which regulates blood pressure and reduces LDL cholesterol and also serves as a form of fiber. A regular intake of fiber helps the body eliminate waste products through the colon. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Health Services notes that the American Dietetic Association recommends an intake of between 20 and 35 g of fiber daily. The anti-inflammatory components of apple cider vinegar may help with skin burns or internal inflammation conditions, such as colitis.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Apple cider vinegar is a reliable source of essential vitamins and minerals, some of which are a result of the fermentation process, while others are a direct derivative of the apples. The vinegar contains vitamins such as calcium, for strong teeth and bones; potassium, for a clear skin complexion and a healthy heart rhythm; and magnesium, which aids in digestion and allows the bones to effectively absorb calcium.