6 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Research suggests that apple cider vinegar may have beneficial health properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy. People have used it for centuries in cooking and natural medicine. It may have some health benefits.

These may include:

• aiding weight loss
• reducing cholesterol
• lowering blood sugar levels
• improving the symptoms of diabetes

However, little research exists, and further studies are needed before it can be recommended as an alternative therapy.

This article examines the evidence behind six possible health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Acetic acid is vinegar’s primary active compound, giving it its strong sour smell and flavor. Researchers believe this acid is responsible for apple cider vinegar’s health benefits. Cider vinegars are 5–6% acetic acid (1).

Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar also contains a substance called mother, which consists of strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky appearance.

Some people believe the mother is responsible for most of its health benefits, although no studies currently support this.

While apple cider vinegar does not contain many vitamins or minerals, quality brands may contain some amino acids and antioxidants (1).

SUMMARY

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the sugar from apples. This turns them into acetic acid, which is a main active ingredient in vinegar and may be responsible for its health benefits.

Vinegar can help kill pathogens, including some strains of bacteria (2, 3).

People have traditionally used vinegar for cleaning and disinfecting, treating nail fungus, lice, warts, and ear infections.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used vinegar to clean wounds more than 2,000 years ago.

Vinegar is also a food preservative. Studies show it inhibits bacteria like E. coli from growing in and spoiling food (3, 4).

If you’re looking for a natural way to preserve your food, apple cider vinegar could help.

Anecdotal reports also suggest that diluted apple cider vinegar could help with acne when applied to the skin, but there doesn’t seem to be any strong research to confirm this.

SUMMARY

The main substance in vinegar — acetic acid — can kill harmful bacteria or prevent them from multiplying. It has a history of use as a disinfectant and natural preservative.

To date, one of the most convincing applications of vinegar is helping treat type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels caused by insulin resistance or the inability to produce insulin (5).

However, people without diabetes can also benefit from keeping their blood sugar levels in the typical range, as some researchers believe that high blood sugar levels are a major cause of aging and various chronic diseases (6).

The most effective and healthful way to regulate blood sugar levels is to eat a balanced diet low in refined carbs and sugar, but apple cider vinegar may also have a beneficial effect.

A 2019 clinical trial suggests apple vinegar consumption may have beneficial effects on the glycemic index and oxidative stress in individuals with diabetes and dyslipidemia (7).

A 2021 review of clinical trials found that ACV consumption may benefit glycemic status in adults. But the studies’ authors note that the finding should be interpreted with caution, as more extensive studies are still needed to better understand apple cider vinegar’s potential benefits (8).

Other human studies determined that vinegar may improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels after meals (9, 10).

The National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says it’s important that people do not replace medical treatment with unproven health products (11).

Apple cider vinegar is generally recognized as safe. But if you’re taking blood-sugar-lowering medications, talk with a doctor before increasing your vinegar intake.

SUMMARY

Apple cider vinegar has shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity and helping lower blood sugar responses after meals.

Perhaps surprisingly, studies show that vinegar could help people lose weight.

Several human studies show that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness. This can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight.

One review of research noted that in short-term studies, when participants consumed apple cider vinegar with a meal containing solid foods, they experienced appetite suppression for 120 minutes after the meal. They also snacked less for 3 to 24 hours after consuming the apple cider vinegar (12).

However, the longer-term studies they reviewed showed no relationship between apple cider vinegar and appetite suppression (12).

That said, simply adding or subtracting single foods or ingredients rarely has a noticeable effect on weight. Long-term weight loss is created by adopting helpful and supportive diet and lifestyle habits.

Overall, apple cider vinegar may contribute to weight loss by promoting satiety, lowering blood sugar, and reducing insulin levels.

Apple cider vinegar only contains about three calories per tablespoon, which is very low.

SUMMARY

Some studies suggest that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness and help you eat fewer calories, which may lead to weight loss.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death (13).

Several biological factors can affect your risk for heart disease.

Research suggests that vinegar could possibly improve some of them. But many studies on apple cider vinegar’s benefits were conducted in animals, which may not reflect the benefits in humans.

A 2020 review of studies in both humans and animals noted that apple cider vinegar may potentially benefit levels of high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol (14).

A 2021 review of research in humans found that apple cider vinegar may benefit total cholesterol levels (8).

But both reviews pointed to limitations in the quality and size of research available to support these claims.

Researchers need to do more studies before reaching any strong conclusions.

SUMMARY

Several animal studies have shown that vinegar can reduce blood triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure. However, there is no strong evidence that it leads to a reduced risk of heart disease in humans.

Some people use apple cider vinegar as a common remedy for skin conditions like dry skin and eczema.

The skin is naturally slightly acidic. But it may be less acidic in people with eczema. Using diluted topical apple cider vinegar topically may help rebalance the skin’s natural pH, improving the protective skin barrier (15, 16).

On the other hand, alkaline soaps and cleansers could irritate eczema, prompting a flare-up (17).

Given its antibacterial properties, diluted apple cider vinegar could, in theory, help prevent skin infections linked to eczema and other skin conditions.

Some people use diluted apple cider vinegar in a face wash or toner. The idea is that it can kill bacteria and prevent spots.

However, one study of 22 people with eczema reported that apple cider vinegar soaks did not improve the skin barrier and caused skin irritation (18).

Talk with a doctor before trying new remedies, especially on damaged skin. Avoid applying undiluted vinegar to the skin, as it can cause burns.

SUMMARY

Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic and has antimicrobial properties. This means it could help improve the skin barrier and prevent infections in theory. But more studies are needed to know how safe and effective this remedy is.

The best way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet is to use it in cooking. It’s a simple addition to foods like salad dressings and homemade mayonnaise.

Some people also like to dilute it in water and drink it as a beverage. Standard dosages range from 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) to 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) per day mixed in a large glass of water.

It’s best to start with small doses and avoid taking large amounts. Too much vinegar can cause harmful side effects, including tooth enamel erosion and potential drug interactions.

Some dietitians recommend using organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains “mother.”

Read more about the correct dosage of apple cider vinegar here.

SUMMARY

A common dosage for apple cider vinegar ranges from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons (10–30 mL) per day, either used in cooking or mixed in a glass of water.

Many websites and natural healthcare proponents claim that apple cider vinegar has exceptional health benefits, including boosting energy and treating disease.

Unfortunately, there’s little research to support most claims about its health benefits.

That said, some studies suggest it may offer some benefits, including killing bacteria, lowering blood sugar levels, and promoting weight loss.

Apple cider vinegar appears safe when diluted as long as you don’t take excessive amounts of it.

It also has various other non-health–related uses, including as a natural hair conditioner, skin care product, and cleaning agent.

Read this article in Spanish

6 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Research suggests that apple cider vinegar may have beneficial health properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy. People have used it for centuries in cooking and natural medicine. It may have some health benefits.

These may include:

• aiding weight loss
• reducing cholesterol
• lowering blood sugar levels
• improving the symptoms of diabetes

However, little research exists, and further studies are needed before it can be recommended as an alternative therapy.

This article examines the evidence behind six possible health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Acetic acid is vinegar’s primary active compound, giving it its strong sour smell and flavor. Researchers believe this acid is responsible for apple cider vinegar’s health benefits. Cider vinegars are 5–6% acetic acid (1).

Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar also contains a substance called mother, which consists of strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky appearance.

Some people believe the mother is responsible for most of its health benefits, although no studies currently support this.

While apple cider vinegar does not contain many vitamins or minerals, quality brands may contain some amino acids and antioxidants (1).

SUMMARY

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the sugar from apples. This turns them into acetic acid, which is a main active ingredient in vinegar and may be responsible for its health benefits.

Vinegar can help kill pathogens, including some strains of bacteria (2, 3).

People have traditionally used vinegar for cleaning and disinfecting, treating nail fungus, lice, warts, and ear infections.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used vinegar to clean wounds more than 2,000 years ago.

Vinegar is also a food preservative. Studies show it inhibits bacteria like E. coli from growing in and spoiling food (3, 4).

If you’re looking for a natural way to preserve your food, apple cider vinegar could help.

Anecdotal reports also suggest that diluted apple cider vinegar could help with acne when applied to the skin, but there doesn’t seem to be any strong research to confirm this.

SUMMARY

The main substance in vinegar — acetic acid — can kill harmful bacteria or prevent them from multiplying. It has a history of use as a disinfectant and natural preservative.

To date, one of the most convincing applications of vinegar is helping treat type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels caused by insulin resistance or the inability to produce insulin (5).

However, people without diabetes can also benefit from keeping their blood sugar levels in the typical range, as some researchers believe that high blood sugar levels are a major cause of aging and various chronic diseases (6).

The most effective and healthful way to regulate blood sugar levels is to eat a balanced diet low in refined carbs and sugar, but apple cider vinegar may also have a beneficial effect.

A 2019 clinical trial suggests apple vinegar consumption may have beneficial effects on the glycemic index and oxidative stress in individuals with diabetes and dyslipidemia (7).

A 2021 review of clinical trials found that ACV consumption may benefit glycemic status in adults. But the studies’ authors note that the finding should be interpreted with caution, as more extensive studies are still needed to better understand apple cider vinegar’s potential benefits (8).

Other human studies determined that vinegar may improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels after meals (9, 10).

The National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says it’s important that people do not replace medical treatment with unproven health products (11).

Apple cider vinegar is generally recognized as safe. But if you’re taking blood-sugar-lowering medications, talk with a doctor before increasing your vinegar intake.

SUMMARY

Apple cider vinegar has shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity and helping lower blood sugar responses after meals.

Perhaps surprisingly, studies show that vinegar could help people lose weight.

Several human studies show that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness. This can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight.

One review of research noted that in short-term studies, when participants consumed apple cider vinegar with a meal containing solid foods, they experienced appetite suppression for 120 minutes after the meal. They also snacked less for 3 to 24 hours after consuming the apple cider vinegar (12).

However, the longer-term studies they reviewed showed no relationship between apple cider vinegar and appetite suppression (12).

That said, simply adding or subtracting single foods or ingredients rarely has a noticeable effect on weight. Long-term weight loss is created by adopting helpful and supportive diet and lifestyle habits.

Overall, apple cider vinegar may contribute to weight loss by promoting satiety, lowering blood sugar, and reducing insulin levels.

Apple cider vinegar only contains about three calories per tablespoon, which is very low.

SUMMARY

Some studies suggest that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness and help you eat fewer calories, which may lead to weight loss.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death (13).

Several biological factors can affect your risk for heart disease.

Research suggests that vinegar could possibly improve some of them. But many studies on apple cider vinegar’s benefits were conducted in animals, which may not reflect the benefits in humans.

A 2020 review of studies in both humans and animals noted that apple cider vinegar may potentially benefit levels of high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol (14).

A 2021 review of research in humans found that apple cider vinegar may benefit total cholesterol levels (8).

But both reviews pointed to limitations in the quality and size of research available to support these claims.

Researchers need to do more studies before reaching any strong conclusions.

SUMMARY

Several animal studies have shown that vinegar can reduce blood triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure. However, there is no strong evidence that it leads to a reduced risk of heart disease in humans.

Some people use apple cider vinegar as a common remedy for skin conditions like dry skin and eczema.

The skin is naturally slightly acidic. But it may be less acidic in people with eczema. Using diluted topical apple cider vinegar topically may help rebalance the skin’s natural pH, improving the protective skin barrier (15, 16).

On the other hand, alkaline soaps and cleansers could irritate eczema, prompting a flare-up (17).

Given its antibacterial properties, diluted apple cider vinegar could, in theory, help prevent skin infections linked to eczema and other skin conditions.

Some people use diluted apple cider vinegar in a face wash or toner. The idea is that it can kill bacteria and prevent spots.

However, one study of 22 people with eczema reported that apple cider vinegar soaks did not improve the skin barrier and caused skin irritation (18).

Talk with a doctor before trying new remedies, especially on damaged skin. Avoid applying undiluted vinegar to the skin, as it can cause burns.

SUMMARY

Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic and has antimicrobial properties. This means it could help improve the skin barrier and prevent infections in theory. But more studies are needed to know how safe and effective this remedy is.

The best way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet is to use it in cooking. It’s a simple addition to foods like salad dressings and homemade mayonnaise.

Some people also like to dilute it in water and drink it as a beverage. Standard dosages range from 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) to 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) per day mixed in a large glass of water.

It’s best to start with small doses and avoid taking large amounts. Too much vinegar can cause harmful side effects, including tooth enamel erosion and potential drug interactions.

Some dietitians recommend using organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains “mother.”

Read more about the correct dosage of apple cider vinegar here.

SUMMARY

A common dosage for apple cider vinegar ranges from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons (10–30 mL) per day, either used in cooking or mixed in a glass of water.

Many websites and natural healthcare proponents claim that apple cider vinegar has exceptional health benefits, including boosting energy and treating disease.

Unfortunately, there’s little research to support most claims about its health benefits.

That said, some studies suggest it may offer some benefits, including killing bacteria, lowering blood sugar levels, and promoting weight loss.

Apple cider vinegar appears safe when diluted as long as you don’t take excessive amounts of it.

It also has various other non-health–related uses, including as a natural hair conditioner, skin care product, and cleaning agent.

Read this article in Spanish

benefits and harms for the body of men, women, children

This acidic product, which will be discussed in the article, is formed during the fermentation of apple juice. At the first stage, cider is obtained – apple wine, and at the second stage, acetic bacteria interact with oxygen and oxidize the drink, forming vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar is loved not only for its pleasant smell, but also for its unique health benefits. But is this product really as useful as it is usually praised, and can apple cider vinegar harm the body? We will try to answer these and other questions.

The history of apple cider vinegar

It first appeared by accident: air got into a bottle of wine, people noticed that the product had changed, and eventually figured out how to use it. Due to hygiene issues and the lack of boiled fresh water, vinegar began to be used as a disinfectant and cleanser. Practical: the smell of vinegar quickly disappeared, and the skin was cleansed. Damage, abrasions and wounds were rubbed with apple cider vinegar to prevent infection.

They also diluted sour wine and drank it. Such a drink quenched thirst well and helped to disinfect the water.

Composition and calories of apple cider vinegar

Calories per 100 g	21 kcal
Proteins	0 g 900 18
Fat	0 g
Carbohydrates	0. 93 g

Apple cider vinegar benefits 90 007

Vinegar retains the benefits of apples in a concentrated form. Apple cider vinegar contains trace elements, minerals and vitamins: sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus; all B vitamins, as well as C, E, A. But most of all in apple cider vinegar is potassium. Apples are one of the main sources of potassium (about 140 mg of potassium per 100 g), which is also preserved in sour juice.

Vinegar contains enzymes and acids: acetic, malic, lactic and citric. They also benefit the body in small quantities. For example, lactic acid is needed for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, for regulating metabolic processes, it is widely used in cosmetology, and citric acid helps to speed up metabolism and cleanse the body.

Benefits of apple cider vinegar for men

Men who do not limit themselves in their diet, often indulging in fatty and fried foods, are at risk of cardiovascular disease. One of the factors in the development of such problems is cholesterol. According to some reports, in the group of men older than 30-35 years, the average cholesterol level is higher than the upper limit of the norm (1). This is where apple cider vinegar can help. There is evidence that adding a small amount of this product to the diet helps to reduce the level of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and also increases the level of “good” HDL cholesterol (2).

Men who suffer from excessive sweating or are embarrassed by bad smells can also benefit from apple cider vinegar due to its bactericidal properties. In its pure form, of course, you should not use acid. To prepare a homemade “deodorant”, you need to dilute vinegar with water, wet a napkin and wipe those parts of the body that sweat especially actively: armpits, feet. The only inconvenience is a pungent smell, but it quickly disappears.

In addition, vinegar can help fight dandruff (3). To do this, apple cider vinegar is diluted in water and applied to the scalp, the pH changes, which creates uncomfortable conditions for yeast fungi, which often provoke dandruff.

Benefits of apple cider vinegar for women

Women who dream of a slim figure are probably already familiar with this product. Many people looking to lose weight use vinegar as a food additive. Is it justified? There was a study in which participants who took apple cider vinegar lost more excess weight over a certain period than a group that did without this product. In addition, they had more significant changes in the waist area (3).

Apple cider vinegar is also used in home hair care: a water-vinegar solution will help to freshen up the color of the hair – it is convenient when there is no time for a hairdresser. Some people use this product for problematic skin, hoping that the acid will dry out acne and make them less noticeable. However, there are no scientific studies that would prove the effectiveness and safety of this approach. Therefore, at a minimum, you should consult a dermatologist before trying.

Benefits of apple cider vinegar for children

Given the characteristics of a child’s body, do not experiment with vinegar without first talking to a doctor – especially if it involves ingestion. However, this product can come to the rescue, for example, in the summer.

Some people add apple cider vinegar to cold water to soothe the pain of burns after too much sun exposure. Whether the pain really goes away or the placebo effect works is not known for certain, there is no significant evidence. But a weak solution will not hurt in order to prevent infection of delicate skin damaged by sunlight.

Harm of apple cider vinegar

Vinegar is an acid, so it can only be used both internally and externally in diluted form. The concentration of “store” vinegar is especially high (up to 9%), homemade vinegar does not act so aggressively on the mucous membranes, and it needs less dilution.

Despite the benefits of the product, it can also be harmful. For example, excessive consumption of vinegar can damage the digestive system and damage tooth enamel. The irrational use of vinegar for gargling in various diseases can cause irritation and even burns of the mucous membranes.

– It is necessary to completely exclude vinegar in case of peptic ulcer, gastritis, colitis of the stomach and intestines, since the damaged mucosa is prone to inflammation. It is also necessary to minimize the use of vinegar in food for hepatitis, nephritis and cirrhosis of the liver. Do not give to children under three years of age, – warned Alexander Voynov, a dietetics and wellness consultant at the WeGym fitness club chain.

Medicinal uses of apple cider vinegar

Since ancient times, vinegar has been used to cleanse and disinfect, to reduce inflammation. Natural acid helps cleanse the skin, so it is used in the creation of cosmetics: peels, lotions. But you can use them only after consulting a dermatologist, since vinegar can cause the opposite effect on irritated skin. Remember: vinegar is always used diluted.

Apple cider vinegar may help with varicose veins (3). No, it does not cure the disease and does not replace what the doctor prescribed, but it is able to make swollen veins a little less noticeable, and therefore it is ideal as an aid.

To soften the rough skin of the feet, water baths are made, in which vinegar and salt are added.

Rinse hair with apple cider vinegar solutions. The acid neutralizes the harmful effects of alkalis from detergents and helps to restore the natural pH of the skin, making hair soft and shiny. For example, you can add a spoonful of vinegar to warm water and rinse your hair with this home remedy after washing.

If you have low stomach acid, adding vinegar to your meals can help with digestion.

The use of apple cider vinegar in cooking

Apple cider vinegar is actively used as a marinade, seasoning. It softens the fibers of the meat and makes it more tender, and the taste of the dishes is brighter.

Homemade apple cider vinegar

Unrefined apple cider vinegar is the most useful, which, unfortunately, cannot be found on sale. Pasteurization and filtration destroy beneficial substances and reduce the benefits of vinegar. Unrefined vinegar is always slightly cloudy, with possible sediment and foam on the surface, which are the result of the activity of vinegar bacteria and are not dangerous. If desired, apple cider vinegar is easy to make at home

Photo: pixabay.com

pass through gauze. Pour the juice into a glass or ceramic dish, dilute with water, add sugar and yeast and mix. Block the access of air – put on a rubber glove or a ball on the neck. Put in a dark warm place for two to three weeks, shaking occasionally. During fermentation, carbon dioxide will be released and inflate the glove. Get cider. When the glove falls off or a little earlier, take it off, cover the neck with gauze and let the juice ferment. When exposed to air, it will turn into vinegar. Periodically, you need to taste it and, when the desired concentration of acid is reached, pour it into an airtight glass container and close it.

Scented Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used to make flavorful blends to add to salad dressings or marinades. You can use any herbs, spices to taste

Photo: pixabay.com

Peel the garlic, lightly press the cloves with a knife to release the juice. Pour your favorite herbs and garlic into a bottle, close and insist in a dark place for 2 weeks.

Share your recipe

Send your signature dish recipe to [email protected] . “Komsomolskaya Pravda” will publish the most interesting and unusual ideas

How to choose and store apple cider vinegar

Often under the label “apple vinegar” is sold ordinary table vinegar with the addition of flavoring or extract. It is worth paying attention to the composition and price: a natural apple product is several times more expensive than “classic” table vinegar. Also, its acidity is usually not higher than 4 – 6%.

Apple Cider Vinegar – yellow, slightly hazy, may also precipitate at the bottom. Give preference to the product in a glass bottle.

Vinegar is stored in a cool dark place, storage in the refrigerator is not allowed. Shelf life ranges from two months to two years, which is indicated on the package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple cider vinegar can be dangerous if used incorrectly. To avoid trouble, we recommend that you read the answers to the most popular questions from readers.

What is the right way to drink apple cider vinegar?

In its pure form, this product, once inside the body, will cause serious burns and other consequences dangerous to health and life. Therefore, you can take apple cider vinegar inside only by diluting it in water. Usual proportions: 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 glass of water. However, you should definitely consult with your doctor first, informing the specialist about your chronic diseases and other health conditions.

How to make an apple cider vinegar foot bath?

This is another option for cosmetic use. Water procedures with the use of vinegar disinfect the skin, make it softer. To prepare a foot bath, you need to pour 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a container of water. However, if there is irritation or damage to the skin, as well as any diseases and features, first consult your doctor.

Can apple cider vinegar be substituted for regular table cider vinegar?

Theoretically, yes. But table vinegar does not have a slight apple smell, which means it can deprive homemade preparations (if we are talking about them) of a certain taste and aroma. In addition, you need to remember that ordinary vinegar is more acidic than apple cider vinegar, which means that it needs to be more diluted with water.

Sources

1. Analysis of data from a mass study of cholesterol levels in the population (on the issue of reference values ​​of cholesterol). ON THE. Igonina, E.A. Zhuravleva, co-authors // Clinical laboratory diagnostics. 2013. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/analiz-dannyh-massovogo-issledovaniya-urovnya-holesterina-u-naseleniya-k-voprosu-o-referensnyh-znacheniyah-holesterina/viewer
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits and Uses. Rachael Link, MS. Dr. Ax. URL: https://draxe.com/nutrition/apple-cider-vinegar-uses/
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits vs. side effects. Cathy Wong. Very Well Health. 2022. URL: https://www.verywellhealth.com/apple-cider-vinegar-88768

Benefits of apple cider vinegar: useful and harmful properties

Is it true that apple cider vinegar helps to lose weight? Can this vinegar be made at home?

Benefits of apple cider vinegar

Elena Kudashkina

anti-aging therapist, doctor of preventive and restorative medicine, chief physician of the Preventamed clinic

– Apple cider vinegar is very beneficial for our health – it has a beneficial effect on the body, helps to cope with many diseases or prevent them. This natural product is made from apple cider or fermented apple juice. Yeast is added to the existing liquid, and, thanks to the work of microorganisms, alcohol is formed from sugar. Then the bacterium Acetobacter is included in the composition, which converts alcohol into acetic acid.

The result is a product saturated with a large number of useful substances. It includes vitamins of groups A, B, C, E, P, calcium, magnesium, iron, pectin and many other important components. Due to their abundance, vinegar can comprehensively affect our condition and heal almost the entire body, but before including apple cider vinegar in your diet, consult your doctor.

Is apple cider vinegar used medicinally?

The tool helps to solve many problems associated with our health and the work of the body:

1. Fights harmful microorganisms. Apple cider vinegar has an antiseptic effect on many dangerous organisms. For example, it can deal with E. coli and salmonella found in food.
2. Improves the functioning of the digestive tract. The product contains pectin and probiotics – lactobacilli. They have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, this product helps to produce hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for normal digestion. With age, the production of this acid becomes less, which negatively affects the functioning of the digestive tract. Taking apple cider vinegar helps to restore the functioning of the stomach, improves the digestive process, fights heartburn and flatulence.
3. Lowers cholesterol. Apple cider vinegar has a beneficial effect on the heart. The product contains potassium, which strengthens the heart muscle. And the combination of acetic and chlorogenic acids helps to get rid of “bad” cholesterol and activates the production of “useful”.
4. Removes toxins. Over time, toxins accumulate in the body, which adversely affect health. The product copes well with toxins and normalizes the acid-base balance.

Is it true that apple cider vinegar helps to lose weight?

Yes, apple cider vinegar can help you lose weight. The product fights fat cells, reduces the concentration of lipids and prevents the formation of fat around the organs. All this allows you to lose extra pounds, so apple cider vinegar can be part of a comprehensive weight loss plan. To get the effect, you can regularly add a tablespoon of vinegar to green salad dressing.

How to use apple cider vinegar?

To begin with, apple cider vinegar needs to be diluted: dilute 15-30 milliliters (1-2 tablespoons) of the product in 240 milliliters of water and consume once a day.

Before using for medicinal purposes, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will determine the presence of indications and contraindications and help to choose an individual treatment regimen.

Often undiluted apple cider vinegar is used as a salad dressing, a preservative for homemade preparations, or as a marinade. It allows you to save food for a long time, prevents them from spoiling, and kills harmful microbes. But even in this case, it is necessary to observe the proportions indicated in the recipe.

Who should not use apple cider vinegar?

Despite the great benefits of apple cider vinegar, in some cases it can not be used:

• When acetic acid enters the stomach, it mixes with hydrochloric acid in that organ. For people who suffer from gastritis with high acidity, this product can harm. The same applies to other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: these are ulcers, colitis, pancreatitis and other pathologies of the digestive system.
• For gastritis with low acidity, vinegar can have a beneficial effect, but only in the right amounts and proportions.
• Apple cider vinegar should not be used by people who are allergic to the substances that make up the product.
• Acetic acid strongly damages tooth enamel, therefore it is undesirable to use this product as a whitening agent. Take apple cider vinegar preferably through a straw to minimize direct contact with the teeth.
• It is strictly forbidden to use the product on an empty stomach, otherwise the gastric mucosa may be damaged.
• Apple cider vinegar has a pronounced diuretic effect, that is, it increases the load on the kidneys. It is contraindicated in people with diseases of this paired organ.
• Not recommended for hepatitis. In this case, the group and degree of pathology do not matter.
• Do not use apple cider vinegar for cirrhosis of the liver.
• It is important to consider that the product may interact with certain medications: laxatives and diuretics, drugs for the treatment of heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes. When taking these medicines, you must consult your doctor.

Side effect

If the product is used incorrectly, apple cider vinegar can harm and cause undesirable consequences instead of benefit:

• Poor appetite. Vinegar can slow down the process of removing food from the stomach and suppress the feeling of hunger. Because of this, a person can feel full for a long time.
• Potassium deficiency. If you abuse the product, the level of potassium in the body will begin to decrease. With minor deviations, there may be no symptoms, but in more serious cases, muscle weakness may occur.
• Irritation of the esophagus and stomach. The intake of vinegar in undiluted or poorly diluted form, as well as too frequent use, can adversely affect the mucous membranes of the internal organs.
• Nausea. The specific taste of the product can provoke a feeling of nausea.
• Dental pathologies. Taking vinegar in large quantities causes increased sensitivity of the teeth, damage to the enamel and caries. To reduce the risk of negative consequences, it is advisable to rinse the mouth after each use of the product.

How to choose apple cider vinegar?

The tool can be prepared independently at home, but this requires good culinary skills and a lot of time. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to purchase a product from a store. To choose the right apple cider vinegar, you need to pay attention to some parameters:

• Transparency. Natural vinegar is never perfectly pure: it is usually a bit cloudy. Also, it is characterized by a small sediment at the bottom and a small amount of foam on the surface.
• Shade. This natural product usually has a rich amber color, sometimes with a brownish tint. Too light vinegar may indicate its artificial origin or strong filtration. Such a remedy will not be able to positively affect the body.
• Components. The composition should contain only natural substances, without flavorings, impurities and other additives.
• Concentration. Natural apple cider vinegar usually has a concentration of 3-6%. The product of synthetic production is characterized by a concentration of 9%.
• Cost. Quality apple cider vinegar is never too cheap.
• Packaging. Preference should be given to the product in a glass container. If you purchased vinegar in plastic packaging, it is advisable to pour it into a glass container at home.

Proper intake of malic acid will help improve health and improve well-being. However, if used incorrectly, you can get the opposite effect and harm the body. Therefore, before taking the remedy, it is imperative to consult a doctor and get professional advice. Only a specialist can choose the right dosage, taking into account the characteristics of your body.

How is apple cider vinegar used for hair?

Vinegar can be used instead of hair rinse (1 tablespoon diluted in 1 liter of water). Regular use of this conditioner helps to get rid of dandruff, accelerates hair growth, adds shine and prevents split ends.

How to make apple cider vinegar at home?

Ingredients : 400 g apples, 500 ml water, 10 g dry black bread, 50 g sugar, 50 g honey.

Cooking

Wash the apples and grate with the skin or chop in a food processor. For the preparation of vinegar, you can use the core and bones. Pour the apple mass with water, add 50 g of honey (you can replace it with sugar) and brown bread.