Apple cider vinegar (henceforth referred to as ACV in this article) is an alcoholic solution involving a process of exposing crushed apples to yeast, turning the mixture into alcohol. Further fermentation takes place when bacteria are added to the solution, converting the alcohol into ascetic acid, the main active compound in vinegar. Some varieties of organic, unfiltered ACV like Bragg’s also contain ‘mother’, which are strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria. ACV is very low on calories (about 3 per tablespoon), contains a small amount of potassium, amino acids, and antioxidants. It does not contain many vitamins or minerals.
ACV is known for a wide variety of health benefits, ranging from curing hiccups to reducing the severity of colds. Other health concerns it addresses include diabetes, heart problems, high cholesterol, weight issues, and cancer. ACV can help destroy bacteria and was traditionally used for cleaning and disinfecting, treating nail fungus, lice, ear infections, and warts. It provides a natural way of preserving food by slowing down the growth of bacteria and preventing it from being spoiled.
Stomach Upsets
Sipping some ACV mixed with water is helpful in treating a stomach out of kilter due to a bacterial infection because of its antibacterial properties. Apple cider vinegar also contains pectic which can help to ease intestinal spasms.
Cold Symptoms
Apple cider contains potassium which dilutes mucus and the ascetic acid in it inhibits germ growth. Drinking it can help with sinus drainage. Moreover it can stop the onset of a cold dead in its tracks. Gargling with a mixture of ¼ cup ACV with ¼ cup warm water every hour will soothe a sore throat and kill off most bacteria which cannot survive in an acidic environment.
Weight & Cholesterol
Studies on rats have shown that ACV can lower bad cholesterol in rats and a Japanese study in 2006 observed that half an ounce of it lowered cholesterol in the test subjects. Apple cider vinegar also helps with weight reduction because it suppresses appetite, increases metabolism, and reduces water retention. It may also inhibit the body’s digestion of starch leading to fewer calories entering the bloodstream. Daily vinegar consumption, combined with good dietary habits, can lead to reduced belly fat, decreased weight circumference, lower blood triglycerides and overall weight loss. It assists in the process by lowering insulin and glucose levels and promotes a feeling of fullness when imbibed, leading to people eating fewer calories.
Cardiovascular Disease
This is the biggest cause of death worldwide. Studies on rats have demonstrated that ACV can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as reduce blood pressure levels. Its antioxidant properties also help to prevent low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particles from oxidizing which leads to heart disease.
Diabetes
ACV is particularly effective in helping patients with Type 2 diabetes and for everybody with high blood sugar levels, whether diabetic or not. Avoiding refined carbs and sugar is the best way to do this but ACV helps the process by improving insulin sensitivity and significantly lowering blood glucose and insulin responses after meals.
Treating Cancer
ACV may have anti-cancer effects and some studies on rats have proved that it can kill cancer cells and shrink tumors but this has not yet been replicated in the case of humans. Most of the studies were also done with rice vinegar and not ACV. However ACV may have the potential to treat cancer in humans but further testing and research needs to be undertaken to test this hypothesis.
Treating Dandruff And Acne
ACV may be useful in treating both dandruff and acne. Its acidity changes the pH of the scalp and inhibits the growth of yeast. A mixture of ACV and water (1/4 cup of each) can be sprayed on the scalp and allowed to sit for 15 minutes before washing the hair. ACV helps with acne on the other hand because its antibacterial properties keep it under check while the lactic and malic acids it possesses softens and exfoliates skin, balances the skin’s pH and reduces red spots.
Energy Booster And Cramps
ACV contains amino acids which help to relieve the fatigue caused by lactic acid build up in the body after exercise or when stressed. The potassium and enzyme content in ACV also helps with this as well as with cramps. Drinking some ACV mixed with warm water and honey replenishes the potassium content in the body. Cramps often are a symptom of low potassium levels in the body.
Improves Oral Hygiene
ACV helps with bad breath because it kills odor-causing bacteria. Gargling with either diluted with water or undiluted will serve the purpose and also help remove stains and whiten teeth.
Healing Bruises
ACV helps to heal bruises because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Laying a compress on the bruise laced with ACV can help to reduce the discoloration.
As can be seen above, ACV is a natural home remedy helps with many health-related issues, both internal and external. Its principal beneficial properties are on blood sugar, body weight, and heart health. Due to its alkalizing and anti-microbial properties, ACB should be taken in small doses of approximately 1 tablespoon dissolved in water every day for optimal health and well-being.
