Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a type of vinegar made with crushed fermented apples, yeast, and sugar. It’s used as an ingredient in foods such as salad dressings, pickles, and marinades.

For many years, people have also used it as a home remedy for everything from fighting germs to preventing heartburn. More recently, research has shown that it might have some real health benefits, such as helping reduce blood sugar levels and aiding weight loss.

While there’s not a lot of evidence of these benefits, ACV is generally harmless – as long as you use it correctly. And it contains some of the same nutrients as apple juice, including B vitamins as well as antioxidants called polyphenols.

1. Blood Sugar Regulation

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and reduce blood sugar spikes. It also improves insulin sensitivity, which is the body’s ability to properly handle glucose that enters the bloodstream. That sensitivity is important, because if your blood sugar stays high too long, it can increase your risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes.

2. Cholesterol Reduction

Apple cider vinegar also can help lower serum cholesterol when consumed daily. Lowering cholesterol can slow or stop blockages from building up in your blood vessels, which helps prevent heart disease.

3. Improved Gut Health

Some apple cider vinegars are cloudy and have a stringy concentration at the bottom — that indicate that it is raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. The concentration is often referred to as the “Mother.” It contains byproducts of the fermentation process, such as enzymes and bacteria, that can be beneficial for the gut microbiome.