Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Daily Be Good for You?
Drinking apple cider vinegar with water is a healthy habit that most people can incorporate into your daily routine. However, you should not take more than two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar every day, and always remember to dilute it with water. Diluting it will make it less acidic for your esophagus.
Drinking diluted ACV on a daily basis can provide several health benefits.
1. Helps manage type 2 diabetes.
Vinegar has been found by experts to help improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity is crucial towards achieving lower blood sugar. Studies reveal that vinegar leads to a significant buffering of blood sugar levels, even after indulging in a heavy carbohydrate meal.
Studies have also shown that adding apple cider vinegar to salad dressings can also help lower blood sugar levels.
Experts confirm that taking 2 tablespoons of ACV can help improve fasting blood sugar by up to 4%, however, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes (especially type 1), it is wise to check with your physician first before taking ACV.
2. Feel more satiated.
In one study, participants were given white bread and vinegar, however, not all participants consumed the same level of vinegar. Some participants were given vinegar with low levels of acetic acid. Others were given vinegar with higher levels of acetic acid. The results showed that those who were given higher levels of acetic acid were found to feel fuller than the other participants.
3. Your skin will improve.
Apple cider vinegar is also known to improve skin health as it reduces scarring and helps treat acne. Bacteria is usually the culprit for acne and other skin problems. The benefit found in the apple cider vinegar is that it contains antibacterial properties, effective in fighting against bacterial skin infections..
4. Lowers your risk of heart disease.
Since ACV helps lower blood pressure, it can also help reduce the risk of heart disease. ACV also aids in increasing good cholesterol levels and helpful in regulating triglyceride levels. These findings have been confirmed in several studies.
5. It aids in regular bowel movement.
ACV is also known to act as a natural laxative. Many people who drink it on a regular basis claim to have improved bowel movements. This effect can be attributed to its water-soluble content of pectin.
Drinking a glass of water mixed with 2 teaspoons of ACV have been found effective in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. This condition has been linked to having low levels of stomach acid. This is when ACV is helpful for it contains acetic acid which has alkalizing effect once in the digestive system.
6. You may experience less heartburn.
Stomach acid that is produced for digestion should remain in the stomach. The muscles at the entrance of the stomach must close and open at the right time. However, this doesn’t happen when heartburn or acid reflux is experienced.
Unfortunately, some people’s stomach muscles do not perform the way they should, and this is when they experience acid reflux or heartburn. Taking apple cider vinegar can help reduce heartburn. It is because ACV contains acetic acid that when ingested becomes capable of alkalizing the stomach environment.
This keeps the symptoms of acid reflux at bay.
Although the acid content of ACV provides health benefits, extra precautions must still be taken. Some people can experience side effects, so always check with your health care professional if you have any concerns.