Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made by the fermentation of apple cider. During the fermentation process, sugar in the apple cider is broken down by bacteria and yeast into alcohol and then into vinegar. Like other types of vinegar, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and it also contains some lactic, citric and malic acids. 

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Diabetes

Some preliminary research suggests that vinegar may benefit people with diabetes.

 

Weight Loss

A study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in 2009 found that obese people who consumed acetic acid daily for 12 weeks experienced significant decreases in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides. 

 

High Blood Pressure

Acetic acid may help lower high blood pressure.

High Cholesterol

A 2006 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that rats fed acetic acid for 19 days had a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Dandruff

A home remedy for dandruff is to mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. The vinegar solution is thought to restore the restore the pH balance of the scalp and discourage the overgrowth of malassezia furfur, the yeast-like fungus thought to trigger dandruff.

Acne

When using apple cider vinegar to treat acne, some recommended to mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water. The solution is then dabbed onto the pimple. Since there have been case reports of skin damage and burns from using full-strength vinegar on the face, it is important to take caution when using this remedy.

Alkaline Acid Balance

Apple cider vinegar has an alkalinizing effect and so it can restore alkaline acid balance in our body. A diet high in acid-producing foods leads to lack of energy, excessive mucous production, infections, anxiety, irritability, headache, sore throat, nasal and sinus congestion, allergic reactions and increased risk of conditions such as arthritis and gout. And so we can benefit from taking some apple cider vinegar daily.

All-Purpose Cleaner

(1)            Soothe a sore throat

(2)            Teeth whitener by gargling with it every morning

(3)            Helps remove stains and kill bacteria in the mouth and gums.

 

Upset stomach-fixer

It helps with upset stomach as it holds antibiotic properties and pectin which soothe the stomach.

Beat exercise exhaustion

Lactic acid buildup in the body causes fatigue while the amino acids in apple cider vinegar act as an antidote.

Soothe sunburn

Apply apple cider vinegar by massaging it into the affected area.  

Side Effects

Undiluted apple cider vinegar, in liquid or pill form, may damage the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract. Apple cider vinegar drinks may damage tooth enamel if sipped.

One case report linked excessive apple cider vinegar consumption with low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) and low bone mineral density. People with osteoporosis, low potassium levels, and those taking potassium-lowering medications should use caution.

People with allergies to apples should avoid apple cider vinegar.

Vinegar applied to the skin may cause burns and scarring.

Excessive doses of apple cider vinegar have been found to cause damage to the stomach, duodenum, and liver in animals.

Possible Drug Interactions

Theoretically, prolonged use of apple cider vinegar could lead to lower potassium levels, which could increase the risk of toxicity of cardiac glycoside drugs such as Lanoxin (digoxin), insulin, laxatives, and diuretics such as Lasix (furosemide).

Because apple cider vinegar may affect blood glucose and insulin levels, it could theoretically have an additive effect if combined with diabetes medications. Apple cider vinegar may also lower blood pressure, so it may have an additive effect if combined with high blood pressure medications.