Apple cider vinegar, also called apple vinegar, is made from fermented apple cider. Like all fermented foods, it contains little sugar as well as probiotics and enzymes that are extremely beneficial for our digestion. Apple cider vinegar has been consumed for thousands of years and has historically been used to stimulate the secretion of gastric juices in the stomach, detoxify the liver, purify the blood, and strengthen immunity.
Although it was later forgotten, today apple cider vinegar is becoming popular again and is once more being consumed for its powerful properties. Here are its main benefits:
It regulates blood sugar and prevents diabetes
Studies show that consuming apple cider vinegar reduces blood sugar levels by an average of 30% after eating foods with a high glycemic index, also known as fast sugars. This is because apple cider vinegar improves sensitivity to insulin, the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the blood to cells, where it can be used as fuel. Conversely, when cells become insensitive or resistant to insulin, blood sugar levels remain dangerously high, leading to hyperglycemia and, over the long term, diabetes.
In practice: to maintain stable blood sugar levels, dilute one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and consume it before meals. In addition, be sure to limit your consumption of high-glycemic-index carbohydrates (refined sugar, white grains and flours, processed products), increase your intake of fiber and protein-rich foods containing healthy fats, and engage in regular physical activity.
It relieves heartburn and acid reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux, also called acid reflux, is a condition characterized by acid flowing back from the stomach into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, belching, and nausea.
Contrary to what one might think, heartburn and gastric reflux are often linked to insufficient acidity in the stomach! When the stomach is sufficiently acidic, it disinfects and properly breaks down food, then allows it to pass into the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed. Conversely, when the stomach lacks acidity, it tends to retain food that it considers incompletely digested and slows its emptying. It is therefore common for stomach contents to overflow "upward" and burn the esophagus because their acidity, although insufficient, remains harmful to the esophagus, whose mucous membranes are fragile.
Consuming apple cider vinegar, because it stimulates the production of gastric juices, stimulates intestinal motility and gastric emptying. As a result, food no longer stagnates in your stomach or rises back up into the esophagus. However, if you suffer from esophagitis, a gastric ulcer, or gastritis (irritation of the intestinal walls), it will be necessary to restore the mucous membrane and the walls of the esophagus and stomach with aloe vera, raw cabbage juice (yes, really!), or suitable dietary supplements before consuming vinegar.
In practice: dilute one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it just before meals. You should not only see your heartburn diminish, but also feel less heavy and bloated because food will be broken down and digested more effectively and fermented less by bacteria in the small intestine, which produce gas and increase intra-abdominal pressure.
It reduces bad cholesterol (LDL)
LDL cholesterol is a fat-like substance that can build up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. High blood cholesterol puts strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. Daily consumption of apple cider vinegar may support cardiovascular health by helping maintain low levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while increasing "good" cholesterol (HDL).
In addition to including one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in your diet each day, other ways to quickly reduce cholesterol include minimizing your consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, including a good variety of healthy fats in your diet, and eating oily fish 2 to 3 times per week.
It improves skin health
When applied directly to the skin, apple cider vinegar helps fight acne and reduces scarring. Certain strains of bacteria are often responsible for the development of acne. Apple cider vinegar contains specific components such as acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, and citric acid, all of which have demonstrated an ability to inhibit the growth of these harmful strains.
It reduces blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. It forces the heart to work harder, which leads to the weakening and deterioration of the heart muscle over time. Apple cider vinegar inhibits the action of certain enzymes responsible for increasing blood pressure and constricting blood vessels.
It stimulates the body's detoxification
Apple cider vinegar helps balance the body's pH, encourages lymphatic drainage, and improves blood circulation, making it an excellent tool for helping the body eliminate accumulated waste and toxins.
As you can see, apple cider vinegar has multiple benefits. But that does not make it a miracle food! To maximize its benefits, it should always be combined with a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle to achieve real, lasting results.
