Within the past decade, cleansing diets, “miracle” beverages, salt water flushes, and detox drinks have increased in popularity. People hear stories about strange concoctions and get excited about the thought of losing weight, improving immune function, or cleansing the colon. One of most common ingredients in these super health tonics is raw apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is the most popular vinegar in the natural health and wellness community. Plenty of anecdotal reports claim that it helps to reduce cholesterol, manage blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and strengthen the immune system. What about the science-based facts? Let’s explore a few benefits that are supported by scientific research.
Improves Heart Health
Since heart disease is one of the world’s leading causes of death, it is wise to do all you can do to maintain a healthy heart. According to several studies, apple cider vinegar can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with other factors that contribute to heart disease. Other studies observed that apple cider vinegar works to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, both of which combat diabetes, another factor that increases one’s risk of heart disease.
Kills Harmful Bacteria
The use of vinegar to kill pathogens, including bacteria, dates back over 2,000 years ago to the time of Hippocrates, who used vinegar to clean wounds. Many people use apple cider vinegar to help disinfect nail fungus, get rid of ear infections, and assist with detoxing the scalp.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
People with type 2 diabetes have high blood sugar levels, and insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin is to blame for this. The most effective way to manage blood sugar levels is to eat a balanced diet, avoiding refined carbs and sugars as much as possible. As people with type 2 diabetes slowly eliminate these food items from their diet, apple cider vinegar may help to naturally lower blood sugar levels. Various studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can reduce blood sugar by 34% after eating 50 grams of white bread. It also helps improve insulin sensitivity during a high-carb meal by 19-34%, and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water before bed can reduce fasting blood sugar the next morning by 4%.
Apple Cider Vinegar Health Shots
These apple cider vinegar power shots will supply your body with plethora of nutrients that help boost metabolism, improve gut health, and promote natural detoxification. You must dilute each shot in six or eight ounces of water when you consume them. No exceptions!
Pomegranate Lemon Shot
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh pomegranate juice
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small glass jar with a lid.
- Store in the fridge and consume within two days.
- Make sure to dilute each shot in six to eight ounces of water when you drink it.
Orange Turmeric Ginger Shot
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small glass jar with a lid.
- Store in the fridge and consume within two days.
- Make sure to dilute each shot in six to eight ounces of water when you drink it.
Pineapple Cayenne Shot
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
- 6 tablespoons fresh pineapple juice
- pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small glass jar with a lid.
- Store in the fridge and consume within two days.
- Make sure to dilute each shot in six to eight ounces of water when you drink it.
