Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Common Names: ACV, Cider Vinegar, Vinagre de Manzana

Properties: Anti-fungal, Antibacterial, Anti-cancer, Antioxidant, Immune system booster, Anti-ageing, Anti-viral, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-arthritic, Antiglycemic (Antidiabetic), Healing, Digestive aid, Anti-tumor, Superfood, Cholesterol-lowering, Anti-itching

What is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)?

Apple cider vinegar is vinegar made from apples. The process begins by crushing the apples and squeezing out the juice. Then, it’s allowed to ferment before acetic acid is added to convert it to vinegar.¹ Vinegar has been around since 5,000 B.C. and has been used for centuries by medical practitioners.² You can mix two teaspoons a day into a glass of water to enjoy its many health benefits.

Apple Cider Vinegar Uses and Health Benefits?

There are many apple cider vinegar uses because it’s packed with many beneficial health properties that can treat a number of ailments. The healthy bacteria and acid content alone can have many health benefits.³ It also contains a healthy array of phytochemicals that may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. These components include: Phenolics, Flavonoids, Carotenoids, and Antioxidants.³ The many apple cider vinegar health benefits help protect the body from issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.³

An apple cider vinegar diet has been said to help if you apply diluted apple cider vinegar for skin health or even try an apple cider vinegar acne solution. You might also use an apple cider vinegar weight loss solution since it helps promote satiety and reduce total food consumption.² Though you can start with these home remedies, apple cider vinegar is also effective for the following conditions:

Anal Warts - Anal Warts are a form of genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). You can use an apple cider vinegar wart solution by topically applying apple cider vinegar to the warts. This can help decrease the amount of bacteria in the area and reduce the wart symptoms.
Acid Reflux - Acid reflux occurs when you have too little acid in your stomach. You can normalize these levels by taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in your water daily.²
Bacterial Vaginosis - Bacterial vaginosis refers to many problems associated with the vagina, which may be associated with itching or abnormal bleeding. It may include bacterial or yeast infections, and topically applying diluted vinegar can help combat these symptoms.
Athlete’s Foot - Athlete’s foot is a skin condition caused by fungal growth on the feet. Topical application of apple cider vinegar helps kill the infection.
Dandruff - Using apple cider vinegar for hair health can also be beneficial. You can topically apply it to help treat dandruff⁴ and to even rid your hair of product build-up.²

Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects and Precautions

Although apple cider vinegar is generally safe, it’s important that you don’t use too much and that you monitor any conditions you’re trying to treat. For example, although it can help regulate blood sugar and help with diabetes, you’ll want to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels.⁵ Other apple cider vinegar side effects may include:

Low potassium levels, which can lead to osteoporosis⁶
Throat irritation

These symptoms usually only occur when you take high doses--such as 8 ounces per day--over the long term.

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