THE word vinegar, which is French in origin, means “sour wine,” and anyone who’s ever tasted it understands why — its distinct smell and taste are undeniable. And while alternative and natural health advocates have long known that the benefits of sour wine well outweigh any unpleasant qualities it may possess, only in more recent years has vinegar enjoyed a more mainstream audience.

    In particular, apple cider vinegar is finally enjoying its moment in the spotlight for its remarkable health benefits — including its ability to treat various conditions brought about by our stress-filled lives and poor diet.

    When you shop around, look for apple cider vinegar that still has the “mother,” which refers to the thick, somewhat solid substance that typically sinks to the bottom and makes the vinegar appear cloudy. This is where the most beneficial properties of the vinegar — minerals, enzymes and good bacteria — are found. Give it a solid shake, and it will be break up. On to the benefits — of which there are many — that apple cider vinegar brings. Here are four of the most popular uses:

    1. Natural congestion relief

    Apple cider vinegar is effective at clearing nasal congestion and seasonal allergies. This is because it contains potassium, which thins mucus — hence clearing congestion. Also, the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar, which offers probiotic benefits, prevents the growth of bacteria in the mucus membranes, which may also help keep congestion at bay. In addition to clearing congestion, apple cider vinegar also staves off the unwelcome symptoms that congestion often brings with it, like sore throat and headache. If you’re suffering from allergies or are otherwise congested, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a large glass of water and drink it three times daily.

    2. Type 2 diabetes control

    Along with providing relief from colds and allergies, research shows that apple cider vinegar also helps to improve insulin sensitivity in those with insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes. In this study, when participants drank apple cider vinegar prior to a carb-heavy meal, their blood sugar levels weren’t as high after the meal as those who did not drink the vinegar. Another study found that Type 2 diabetics who took two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed had lower blood sugar levels when they woke, with research suggesting that the acetic acid in the vinegar helps balance blood glucose levels. To incorporate apple cider vinegar into your regular daily diet and achieve similar results, try using it as the base in your favorite salad dressing recipe, or take one tablespoon with water before meals.

    3. Relief from acid reflux

    For those suffering from various degrees of acid reflux, relief is often hard to come by — even with the scores of chemically laden, over-the-counter meds available. While there are several different causes of acid reflux, the good news is that apple cider vinegar can provide an all-natural solution for many of them. Ironically, it’s commonly thought that acid reflux is the result of too much stomach acid that then escapes back up the esophagus — but that’s not the case. In fact, acid reflux is the result of too little stomach acid, as well as a lack of enzymes and probiotics. Those deficiencies ultimately hamper the digestive system’s ability to properly break down food. To get your stomach’s pH levels back on track and kickstart your body’s proper acid production, drink a cup of water mixed with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar five minutes before eating.

    4. Help with weight loss

    The Journal of Diabetes Care published a study that found apple cider vinegar may aid in weight loss efforts. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar acts as a natural appetite suppressant, helping to curb cravings, and it also helps reduce water retention.

    Additionally, apple cider vinegar gives the body’s metabolism a boost, which makes it more efficient at burning calories.

    (SD-Agencies)