Apple Cider Vinegar has been used for centuries in cooking and medicine. However, it seems as though this age-old home remedy has really shot to fame over the last few decades, with more and more people jumping on the “ACV” train each day. Why do so many swear by it? Well, there are a few reasons.
Before we get stuck into thesewhys and hows, let’s first break Apple Cider Vinegar down into its respective parts. If you didn’t already know, Apple Cider Vinegar is made from:
Crushed Apples + Yeast
Yeast ferments the natural sugars in the apples, turning this sugar to alcohol.
Then, bacteria is added to the mixture to further ferment this alcohol, turning it into acetic acid – aka the main component in vinegar!
So, how exactly does this natural ingredient impact our health? Apple Cider Vinegar has been claimed to help with the following:
1) Aid weight loss
By increasing satiety levels (feelings of fullness), Apple Cider Vinegar has been used as a weight loss tool to lower people’s calorie intake.
2) Lower blood sugar and insulin levels
Vinegar has been shown, in various studies, to reduce blood sugar responses after meals and improve insulin sensitivity. While it should not replace prescribed medicines for conditions such as diabetes, this is a promising bonus effect of the ingredient!
3) Improve skin conditions such as eczema, acne, or dry skin
Due to its acidic qualities, Apple Cider Vinegar can theoretically be used to rebalance the skin’s natural pH (as many other acids are used in skincare). However, more studies are needed to confirm this, as it may cause irritation.
4) Preserve food naturally
We love the natural preservative qualities of ACV; that’s why we use it as an ingredient in all of our ROYO Breads and Bagels (and avoid that nasty, artificial stuff!).
5) Kill harmful bacteria
Including Apple Cider Vinegar in your salad dressing not only adds a delicious, tart flavor, but may also help to decrease the growth of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. Win, win!
6) Calm acid reflux
Many swear by ACV as a natural acid reflux remedy. Try it and see if it works for you – after all, there’s nothing worse than late night heartburn!
Whew – a long list, right!? As with everything, moderation is key; with that in mind, we encourage you to go forth and enjoy the benefits that Apple Cider Vinegar can bring to your life!
