What hasn’t been said on ACV? It’s tasty, it’s natural and it is oh-so beneficial to your health. Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is an alternative remedy for a series of disorders and conditions.
For one, apple cider vinegar has helped countless patients suffering from heart issues. Still, one of its most commercial and popular uses is for weight loss. Why is this the case, you may ask? Well, simply, because it works.
Apple cider vinegar is applauded on its ability to shed extra pounds of the body, leaving you fat-free and energized. To understand it better below is everything to know on ACV.
What Does ACV contain?
It all begins with a yeast mixture. Apple sugars then turn to alcohol, followed by adding acid which enables fermentation. Then, you wait for a month, or if you are a company producing ACV, up to 24 hours. ACV has an intense sour taste, all due to ethanoic acid in it. As for its nutritional value, a tablespoon of ACV contains three calories and zero carbs. I know, right?
Benefits of ACV in Weight Loss.
Vinegar is 6 percent made of acetic acid, which favors the body on the large scale. As per studies, acetic acid can reduce insulin and blood sugar levels, boost the metabolism, remove fats, and satisfy your cravings. All studies in this aspect were done on animals.
Apple Cider Vinegar Makes You Full.
Apple cider vinegar is able to satisfy all cravings you have. By taking several tablespoons of the liquid, you will get the sensation of fullness instead of hunger.
It Helps You Lose Weight.
A study done on Japanese adults over the course of 12 weeks made a clear point on how ACV helps you lose weight. The study included 144 people, each taking 1- tbsp. of ACV daily.
There steered clear of alcohol, but kept their usual diet. One group did not take ACV, but a placebo. The results showed that individuals who took the real thing, lost 3.5 pounds each, with a 26% triglyceride reduced. Individuals who took the placebo did not show the same results.
It Balances Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels.
As mentioned, ACV can reduce the levels of blood sugar and insulin in the organism. As it activates the digestive tract, ACV will go well with any of your diets.
Alleviates Insulin Sensitivity.
As per a study in ACV and insulin sensitivity, the liquid has helped by up to 34 percent in patients experiencing it.
Deals with PCOS Symptoms.
Some of the symptoms of PCOS include hair loss, growing hair in odd places, hormonal imbalances, and infertility.
Regulates Cholesterol Levels.
According to studies on mice and rats, ACV knows how to eliminate LDL or bad cholesterol, thus also boosting the production of beneficial cholesterol.
Eliminates Bacteria and Viruses.
E. Coli is one of the most dangerous bacteria present in various foods we eat. Luckily, apple cider vinegar is an amazing counter-agent and rids of 90 percent of bacteria going to the gut. As for viruses, it eliminates them by 95 percent. Stunning.
Side Effects of Excessive ACV Consumption.
1. Difficulty in Emptying the Stomach.
Unfortunately for some, apple cider vinegar can delay absorption in the blood. The most common side effect, in this case, is gastroparesis, typical for type 1 diabetes patients.
2. Upsets Digestion.
If taken excessively, ACV can irritate the stomach. Studies on both animals and humans showed that ACV does reduce cravings when taken correctly.
3. Reduction in Potassium Levels.
Studies on ACV concluded that the drink can decrease the potassium levels in the body thus making the bones more fragile. Still, this only happened in cases where ACV was taken in excessive doses and for a longer time.
4. Tooth Enamel Damage.
Not surprisingly, soft and carbonated drinks are bad for the teeth, especially the enamel. Now, it is also said that apple cider vinegar has the same effects on the enamel, so it is wise you don’t overuse it.
5. Burning the Throat.
If taken in excessive amounts, apple cider vinegar can burn the throat, or more specifically, the esophagus.
6. Skin Burns.
As it is intense, apple cider vinegar can cause burns on the skin, which is why you should always handle it with caution. This is particularly important to those who have a more sensitive skin.
7. Drugs.
Some drugs can trigger apple cider vinegar to misbehave. Such drugs include certain diabetes medication, Digoxin (Lanoxin, and particular diuretic drugs. In such cases, it is best you consult your doctor first, before taking ACV on your own.
