You only have fire up your social media accounts to see that Apple cider vinegar is making the rounds as a bit of a “miracle cure in the natural health community. It claims to offer a host of benefits, many of which are supported by science, including improved symptoms of diabetes, lower blood sugar levels, reduced cholesterol, and weight loss. Not to mention, it is also an ancient folk remedy, and is a popular condiment in Asian cuisines especially. However, have you ever wondered what it does to your body? Here are 6 health benefits of apple cider vinegar that are supported by scientific research.

So What Does Apple Cider Vinegar Do?

1.      Weight Loss

Perhaps the most exciting health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar are its involvement in weight loss. In several human studies, the use of vinegar has actually resulted in lost pounds and a curbed appetite. For instance, since vinegar makes you feel fuller for longer, be sure to consume it in addition to a high-carb meal and you will eventually end up eating 200–275 fewer calories for the rest of the day.

A study on obese mice shows that organic Apple Cider Vinegar improves metabolism, trims the obstinate belly fat, and prevents fat deposition. Another study analyzed the effect of consuming 0, 1, or 2 tablespoons of vinegar each day in 175 individuals. At the end of the three months period, results revealed that those who consumed 1 tablespoon vinegar had lost an average of 2.6 pounds and those who consumed the drink containing 2 tablespoons lost 3.7 pounds, with lower triglyceride levels than those who drank no vinegar. It seems like Apple Cider vinegar promotes weight loss by lowering insulin levels and blood sugar, as well as curbing appetite.

2.      Improves Heart Health And Lowers Cholesterol

Heart related ailments are a rising cause of premature deaths over the world. Several biological factors can increase or decrease the risk of heart related ailments. However, we have ample studies conducted on animals to prove that several of these risk factors can be mitigated by regular consumption of vinegar. Research has shown that health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar include lowering the Triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels, as well as a plethora of other heart disease risk factors. Some studies on rats have even proven that Vinegar can lower blood pressure, which is a known culprit of kidney and heart issues. A Harvard study has also proven that women who consumed salad dressings containing vinegar had a reduced risk of heart disease. Another study also links vinegar to a reduced risk of Diabetes, since improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels.  However, such studies only show association and don’t actually tie vinegar to those findings.

3.      It Helps You Absorb More Of Your Food’s Nutrients

Talking about the health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, did you know that it actually boosts the nutrients you absorb from other foods. The helpful prebiotics in organic vinegar that are the hub of our good bacteria, allow us to better absorb the minerals and vitamins from our food. According to an older animal study published in the scientific journal Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, vinegar boosted the capacity of our intestines to absorb calcium and iron. This is a great news for our overall health and helps our body function better.

4.      Lower Risk For Cancer

While there isn’t any conclusive study to prove that organic Apple Cider Vinegar may prevent cancer, some findings reflect on its potential anti-cancer benefits. For instance, a 2014 study, published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, assessed the ability of acetic acid to kill cancer cells in animals in a laboratory setting. The study suggested that Acetic acid as a potent anticancer agent. It further concluded that topical application of Acetic acid may aid the treatments of Gastric cancer and possibly other malignancies. While there are no human studies to illustrate how organic Apple Cider Vinegar reacts in the human body. However, since cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment and Apple cider vinegar is an alkalizing food, we think it kills cancer cells by restoring the acid/alkaline balance of our bodies.

5.      Protects Against Harmful Bacteria

Organic Apple Cider vinegar possesses potent anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, enabling it to impede the growth of harmful fungus and bacteria in your digestive tract. Your gut health determines your overall health, and vinegar promotes your gut health by eradicating pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and other detrimental viruses and microbes. The pH level of the stomach goes down when the acid stomach acid increases, which helps to kill any bad microbes that we might have ingested. ACV’s antibacterial properties also helps us get rid of cystic acne.

6.      Lowers Blood Sugar Levels And Fights Diabetes

Of all the health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, perhaps its most successful application is in patients with type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes hampers the ability of the body to produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. However, high blood sugar isn’t only a product of Diabetes; various chronic diseases also lead to high blood sugar. Everyone should aim to keep their blood sugar levels in the normal range. While you can do that by avoiding sugar and carbs, Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most effective ways of doing so. Numerous studies have delineated the health benefits of Apple Cider vinegar for keeping sugar and insulin levels in check.

According to a study, organic Apple Cider vinegar has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity by 19–34% during a high-carb meal and significantly lower blood sugar levels, while another study touts a 34% reduction in blood sugar after eating 50 grams of white bread. Yet another study asserts that 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider vinegar before bedtime can reduce fasting blood sugar in the morning by 4%. One thing that is for certain is that vinegar can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin function after meals. This is why vinegar is great for people with pre-diabetes, diabetes, or even those who are looking to keep their blood sugar levels in check.