You may have heard of the latest trend in weight loss: drinking apple cider vinegar. Proponents of this craze claim that is a miracle. While that may or may not be true, this pantry staple may actually have many benefits for your health. At our health club, we recommend mixing two tablespoons into a fresh fruit juice, because it can sometimes be tough to swallow. Here are some of the reasons why it is worth the sour taste:
Weight loss
The newfound popularity of drinking apple cider vinegar likely has to do with this benefit. More research needs to be done, but studies so far suggest that drinking vinegar daily may help you lose more weight. This could be that vinegar stimulates the fat burning genes. Other studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may suppress appetite.
Lowers blood pressure
There may be some heart-healthy properties to drinking apple cider vinegar. A Japanese research study found that blood pressure was lowered in rats when they consumed apple cider vinegar. However, further research must be done to see if this can be replicated in humans.
Better breath
Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial properties, which may help kill bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath. It may also aid in breaking down plaque, which can also lead to halitosis.
Regulates blood sugar
Several studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may be able to help blood sugar regulation in people with diabetes. Specifically, apple cider vinegar slowed blood sugar levels from rising during carbohydrate-heavy meals.
Elevates energy levels
Apple cider vinegar can also serve as a great mid-day pick me up. Vinegar is rich in potassium and enzymes that give you a natural burst of energy. Next time you are feeling sluggish, try adding two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water with honey and drink up.
Better digestion
Apple cider vinegar is fermented. Fermented foods are good for your digestion because they stimulate the growth of the healthy gut bacteria you need for digestion. If you have tummy troubles, adding apple cider vinegar to your diet may prove helpful.
Cancer prevention
Apple cider vinegar is rich in polyphenols, which fight oxidative stress. The antioxidant properties of apple cider vinegar may help to prevent cancer, as all antioxidant-rich foods do.
Balances pH levels
Apple cider vinegar may help restore the pH levels of your body. This is beneficial because it may boost metabolism, fight aging, and improve immunity.
Clears sinuses
If you find that you are stuffed up, apple cider vinegar may be exactly what you need. Vinegar breaks up mucus like a champion, and as mentioned above, it has anti-bacterial properties, so if it is a sinus infection getting you down, apple cider vinegar may help you get better faster.
Lowers cholesterol
Studies show that apple cider vinegar may help lower cholesterol. Rats who were fed apple cider vinegar showered lower LDL cholesterol levels than their counterparts who did not have any vinegar.
As a health club, we care about your health. Stop into Spunk Fitness today for more health tips!