Apple Cider Vinegar: Benefits, Usage and How to Pick the Right One

By Kapiva Editorial

Vinegar made from fermented apple juice is what makes apple cider vinegar (ACV). Widely used for centuries in marinades, chutneys, and salad dressings, ACV has numerous health benefits. The regular consumption of apple cider vinegar is associated with proper digestion, weight loss, reduced joint pain, and skin healing. No wonder people have used it for centuries in cooking and medicine. That being said, today the market is flooded with types of apple cider vinegar. Which is why choosing the right one is a tough decision. For your guidance, we have answered major concerns about apple cider vinegar below. Read on to understand its health benefits, dosage, and how to choose the right one. 

What is the Use of Apple Cider Vinegar?

Promotes Healthy Skin: Owing to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar can aid healthy and youthful skin. The topical usage of apple cider vinegar helps restore the natural pH balance of the skin, improving the protective skin barrier. This helps keep skin conditions such as rashes, irritation, dry skin, eczema, or skin breakouts at bay. 

Aids Weight Loss: Studies have revealed that apple cider vinegar can help with weight loss. It does so by increasing feelings of satiety, boosting metabolism, and reducing the storage of fat. All of which is linked to helping you lose weight. Further, apple cider vinegar only contains about three calories per tablespoon, which is quite low. That being implied, simply adding or subtracting a single food in your diet isn’t the only thing you can depend on for weight loss. It’s your lifestyle and diet in totality that will bring long-term results. While apple cider vinegar is certainly a healthful addition, do supplement it with other nutritious foods.  

Helps Manage Blood Sugar: Apple cider vinegar is a healthy additive to regulate sugar levels and keep it within a healthy range. Research has revealed that apple cider vinegar has helped improve insulin sensitivity in the body. This is associated with aiding diabetes. It has also been linked to managing blood sugar responses after meals. 

Supports Hair Health: Another important benefit of apple cider vinegar is the wonders it does to your hair. The topical application of diluted ACV can help maintain a healthy scalp by warding off bacteria and restoring pH levels. It exfoliates the scalp which helps promote growth and healthy hair. Adding it to your hair care routine can also help prevent dandruff, strengthen roots, and give shiny hair. So if you are looking for something fruity for your hair. ACV is a recommended supplement.

 

Which Apple Cider Vinegar Should I Drink?

Considering the variety available in the market, choosing an ideal apple cider vinegar can be difficult. We have listed all the key factors you need to be mindful of. 

Ugly is Beautiful: The shelves of supermarkets house many clear, refined, crystal and sparkling vinegar. While they might seem beautiful to the naked eye they aren’t the best option. A clear apple cider vinegar is the one that is processed, artificially flavoured, pasteurized, and overheated. The intense exposure to heat deteriorates its nutritional value. This apple cider vinegar is devoid of many healthy micronutrients. ACV that looks uglier is the better choice. While the vinegar may not seem beautiful, it is certainly healthy.  

Check for The Mother: A vital ingredient that you need to look for in apple cider vinegar is The Mother. One way to find out whether the product contains The Mother is by reading the ingredients mentioned on the packaging. The other method is checking whether the ACV has a cloudy appearance or strings dangling in the bottle. Like mentioned above, the uglier the better! The Mother makes the ACV look ugly but it adds to its nutrition. So watch out! Crystal ACV can be deceiving. Choose Apple Cider Vegar with the Mother

Choose Real Apples: Another important factor to consider is choosing apple cider vinegar that is made from fresh/real apples. Some ACVs are made using apple concentrate or adding water to apple pulp. It is advisable to go for a brand that uses fresh apples and nothing otherwise. 

Understand the Sourcing Story: Timing, location, manufacturing process, each plays a vital role when it comes to health tonics. Check whether the brand you are buying has a sourcing story. Pick a product that is made from authentic ingredients that are picked at the right time. Also, take note of the juicing process followed. Keeping a check on these factors will help you ensure the highest quality of products and avoid anything sub-standard. 

Raw Over Filtered: Raw apple cider vinegar is that which is not subjected to filtration. It is nutrient-dense and has enough micronutrients. Raw vinegar does not contain any added chemicals or artificial flavors that are used to enhance flavour. When apple cider vinegar goes through a strenuous filtration process it loses all its nutrients. Raw apple cider vinegar is simply unfiltered, unpasteurized, unprocessed, and unheated. It is natural, organic and healthful thereby doing a wealth of good to your health. 

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Should You Drink a Day?

For regular consumption, take 5-10ml of apple cider vinegar in a cap, dilute it in a glass of water (raw, unfiltered ACV can have a strong aroma) and drink it on an empty stomach for maximum benefits. 

Bottom Line 

Apple cider vinegar is a healthy additive and should be consumed daily in the right proportion for the best results. With all the research conducted to date, raw ACV is considered to be the best of all ACVs. Before purchasing ACV, check its texture and packaging to find all the details. The Kapiva Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the best ACVs you can consume. It contains all the desired nutrients and is of great value. Do consider checking it out. Go ahead, make ACV a part of your diet today. 

 

 

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Kapiva Editorial

We are a team of food scientists and Ayurveda experts at Kapiva. Our mission is to raise awareness and educate people on ancient principles and herbs found in traditional texts. We work together to develop the most comprehensive content on Ayurveda which is grounded in peer-reviewed, scientific research.