The Ways That Apple Cider Vinegar Can Assist With Weight Loss

The Ways That Apple Cider Vinegar Can Assist With Weight Loss

This fruity golden liquid has been used for thousands of years and can still be found in many people’s pantries today. Apple cider vinegar is getting a lot of attention recently for its many health benefits and is an important ingredient that should not be ignored. However, what most people don’t realize is that this dressing can be added to your diet to help you lose weight.

What Is It?

Apple cider vinegar is a fermented byproduct of a two-step process. The first step is where crushed apples are combined with yeast to convert the sugar into alcohol. Then, bacteria is added to transform the alcohol into acetic acid – which is this liquids key compound for promoting weight loss.

How Acetic Acid Supports Weight Loss

Acetic acid is a short chain of fatty acids that has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also responsible for giving vinegar its signature sour taste. It supports weight loss in the following ways by:

  • Decreasing blood-sugar levels.
  • Decreasing insulin levels
  • Regulating metabolism.
  • Reducing the rate at which fat is stored in the body.
  • Supporting the body’s fat burning capacity.
  • Reducing appetite.

However, these insights were gained from animal studies and still need to be thoroughly tested with a human test group to confirm these beneficial effects.

Increased Fullness; Decreased Calories

By increasing the feeling of fullness, as acetic acid was theorized to support, the body will naturally take in fewer calories which would support weight loss. Over and above apple ciders ability to reduce appetite, it is now known that it slows down the gastric rate too – which is the rate at which the stomach empties. In doing so, it promotes feelings of fullness which then encourages one to eat less.

However, this may cause complications with those suffering from Gastroparesis by worsening the effects of the condition.

Lose Body Fat

A tablespoon (or two) of apple cider vinegar a day will keep the excess weight at bay. After a rather large Japanese study, which carried out for 12 weeks, showed a positive correlation between consuming 15 – 30 ml of apple cider vinegar and weight loss as well as a decrease in body fat percentage. The study was carried out with obese individuals who were also told to restrict their alcohol intake. Although the results of this study are encouraging, additional studies will be needed to further prove these benefits.

Many Benefits

While the support for the weight loss benefits of apple cider begin to pile up, bear in mind that this acidic beverage also offers a range of other wonderful benefits; a few of which include:

  • A reduction in cholesterol levels.
  • The killing of harmful bacteria like E.coli
  • Preventing infections like Candida
  • It inhibits tumor growth.
  • Reducing the severity of heartburn and acid reflux.
  • Preventing kidney stones and urinary tract infections from forming.

However beneficial apple cider vinegar may be, ensure that you consume it within reason as too much may result in adverse side effects.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Eliminate Headaches?

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Eliminate Headaches?

Apple cider vinegar has been known for a long time as a super healthy food because it has been scientifically shown to produce a variety of health benefits. Just some of the health benefits include:

  • Reduced blood sugar
  • Reduced blood pressure
  • Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Increased insulin sensitivity

It is also packed with nutrients antioxidants and all sorts of other helpful nutrients.

So with all these health benefits, how could it not help in some way or another with headaches and migraines? Well, that is what is going to be explored in this article.

How can apple cider vinegar help headaches?

At this time there isn’t much research into the effect of apple cider vinegar on headaches and migraines, and there is no definitive scientific evidence yet but many people have reported apple cider vinegar as being useful against headaches and migraines. There are a number of theories about how it works. The leading theory is that because of the various health benefits it produces, it contributes in many ways. For example, by reducing blood pressure, it can increase blood flow to the brain (when there is high pressure in the blood vessels there is a reduction in flow, due to fluid mechanics). Another way is that it provides larger amounts of potassium to the brain which has a role in its electrical activity. The electrical activity of the brain has been implicated in headaches and migraines.

Different remedies

One of the most common remedies is a mixture of the apple cider vinegar and honey. 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with one teaspoon of honey all diluted in 8 ounces of water can be taken once a day to reduce headaches.

Another option is to soak a washcloth in cold apple cider vinegar for a few minutes, ring it out and place it over the forehead. The cold temperature helps to reduce pressure in the head and the apple cider vinegar may be absorbed into the blood vessels in the head or inhaled which helps to reduce a headache as well.

Apple cider vinegar can also be inhaled directly by mixing 1/4 cup of it with two cups of water and heating the mixture. Then breathe in the vapor. This is best done to relieve sinus headaches.

Other things to consider

There are a number of other interventions that can be taken along with using apple cider vinegar to reduce headaches. The most effective way is to deal with the cause of a headache. Headaches can be caused by dehydration, lack of sleep, or too much stress, just to name a few. So it would help to make sure to get enough water and enough sleep as well as reducing stress along with taking the apple cider vinegar to get the best benefits. Apple cider vinegar is also not a replacement for medical therapy in severe cases, so consult a doctor if the symptoms persist for a long time and are very severe.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar a Cure for Acne?

Is Apple Cider Vinegar a Cure for Acne?

Apple cider vinegar has become really popular because of its variety of uses and benefits in the community of natural health. Many people believe that it has a lot of health benefits which includes weight loss, lower risk of cancer, and reduced blood sugar levels. Some people even believe that it might cure or benefit acne. In this article, we provide more information on whether this really is the case.

Apple Cider Vinegar Might Kill Bacteria That Causes Acne

It is a known fact that vinegar can destroy different types of viruses and bacteria. Research shows that it can reduce the amount of some viruses and certain bacteria by between 90 and 95%. P.acnes (a type of bacteria) is known to contribute largely to acne and its development. It has been shown that succinic, lactic, citric and acetic acid (which is contained in apple cider vinegar) can kill P. acnes. One study was conducted where a group of people applied a lotion which contained lactic acid to their faces two times a day for 365 days. Only two people found that their acne improved by less than 50%. Most people in the group experienced a remarkable reduction in acne.

It Reduces The Appearance Of Scarring

After acne has been healed, it can still cause scarring and discoloration. Some of the acids found in apple cider vinegar can assist with this when directly applied to the skin. This process is sometimes referred to as chemical peeling. The acids tend to remove the outer layers of the skin which have been damaged and it then boosts regeneration.

It Can Burn Your Skin

Apple cider vinegar may burn your skin when it makes direct contact with it, as it is very acidic. This mostly occurs with longer periods of skin contact. It should, therefore, be diluted with water and used in small amounts to prevent burns and skin damage. It should also not be used on open wounds or sensitive skin. If you experience a burning sensation when applying it to your skin, either dilute it more or stop using it altogether.

Directions For Use

Because of apple cider vinegar’s high acidity, it should always be diluted before applying it to your skin. Here are steps that you can follow:

  • Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water.
  • Cleanse and dry your face.
  • Use a cotton pad or ball to apply the solution to your skin.
  • Rinse after 10-20 seconds.
  • Repeat this process about once or twice a day.

The Bottom Line

The organic acids contained in apple cider vinegar may help to kill certain bacterias that tend to cause acne. It may also reduce the appearance of discoloration and scars.

It should be used with caution, however, as it can cause burns and damage, especially when applied to open wounds or sensitive skin.

This might mean that apple cider vinegar might not work for everyone.