For centuries, people have been using apple cider vinegar for its healing properties. Some believe it can relieve a wide range of health complaints, and the research is still growing.
Although we know very well about its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, apple cider vingar has a lot more to offer. Read on to find out what else it can help with.
How It’s Made and Why It Matters
There are two main processes in manufacturing of ACV.
First, crushed apples are introduced to yeast. This allows the fermenting process to take place. Fermentation, converts sugar into alcohol.
Once fermentation is finished, more bacteria are added. The new strains of bacteria change the alcohol into acetic acid, the main compound found in vinegar. This acid is responsible for the pungent smell we recognize in vinegar.
You’ve probably seen some clear and some cloudy apple cider vinegar. The cloudy one includes the “mother” and is unfiltered. Beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and proteins, all make up the “mother”. In fact, the higher quality you buy, the higher the chances are that you are getting apple cider vinegar with antioxidants and amino acids.
Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help Kill Bacteria
Vinegar is an acidic liquid. This made it the best cleaning and disinfecting agent for centuries now. Studies have shown that vinegar can help kill pathogens, including bacteria. Vinegar is also a food preservative and can help prevent spoilage by bacteria like E. coli.
Hippocrates, The Father of Medicine, was born 2,460 years ago. He used apple cider vinegar to clean his patients’ wounds.
Apple Cider Vinegar May Help with Diabetes
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for a variety of health issues. But can it also help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels?
Research suggests that ACV may offer some benefits for blood sugar control. A research article from the International Journal of Medical Research and Health Studies, reports the following:
“Several mechanisms have been reported for mechanism action of glucose metabolisms such as delayed gastric emptying and enteral absorption, increased utilization of glucose, suppression of production of hepatic glucose, up-regulation of low-mediated vasodilatation, increase in lipolysis and reduced in lipogenesis, insulin secretion facilitation.”
Numerous other studies in humans show that vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels after meals. This suggests that apple cider vinegar may be a helpful addition to the diet for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Apple Cider Vinegar May Help with Skin Health
Some believe that ACV helps with dry skin eczema. Human skin is more on the acidic side, and if you use ACV, it may help restore it to the natural PH balance of the skin. This may contribute to a healthy skin barrier.
A diluted ACV solution can be used as a toner. Please note that undiluted use of apple cider vingar can cause burns. Do not apply apple cider vingar on your skin if its damaged.
Disclaimer
Speak with your doctor before using apple cider vinegar. While some believe it to have several health benefits, it is important to remember that it is not meant to ingest in large quantities. Some risks include burning or irritation of the skin, wearing down tooth enamel, nausea, and irritation of the esophagus. Diluting the vinegar with water should help decrease the negative effects. Lastly, ACV alone is not reliable for losing weight. For better results, contact us about our weight loss solutions.