Apple Cider Vinegar:
About:
Apple cider vinegar is a vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It is made by crushing apples, then squeezing out the juice. Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, which converts the sugars to alcohol. In a second fermentation step the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid forming bacteria. Acetic acid is what gives vinegar its sour taste and smell.
Apple cider vinegar has a long history as a home remedy. Records show apple juice has been fermented into vinegar well before 5000 B.C. The "mother" of apple cider vinegar is the cloud of yeast and bacteria in the cider. It is probiotic which means it may give your digestive system a boost.
The main substance in vinegar, acetic acid, can kill harmful bacteria or prevent them from multiplying. It has a history of uses as a disinfectant, and natural preservative.
Adverse Effects:
People with allergies to apples may experience adverse reactions to apple cider vinegar. Topical use of ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) to treat skin diseases may cause burns. The use of ACV may cause prescription drugs, such as insulin and other diabetic drugs, heart disease drugs, diuretics, and laxatives to not work as well. Because of high acidity in ACV it can damage your teeth, hurt your throat, and upset your stomach. Regular consumption of ACV may cause a drop in potassium that makes your nerves and muscles work.
Effectiveness:
While there are many studies showing effectiveness of ACV for various applications, Web MD states that there is no high-quality clinical evidence that regular consumption of ACV helps maintain or loose body weight, or is effective in managing blood glucose or lipid levels. Research continues, however, and many uses for ACV have been shown.
Nutrition:
Apple cider vinegar probably contains pectin, vitamins B1, B2, and B6; biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid and vitamin C.
It also contains small amounts of minerals: sodium, phosphorus; potassium; calcium, iron; magnesium.
ACV also contains significant quantities of acetic acid and citric acid.
Uses:
ACV is used alone or with honey for weak bones (osteoporosis), weight loss, leg cramps, and pain, upset stomach, sore throats, sinus problems, high blood pressure, arthritis, to help rid the body of toxins, stimulate thinking, slow the aging process, regulate blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and fight infection.
ACV has shown great promise in improving insulin sensitivity and helping lower blood sugar responses after meals.
Several animal studies have shown that vinegar can reduce blood triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure. This could lead to reduced risk of heart disease. Some studies in test tubes and rats have shown that vinegar can slow growth of cancer cells and shrink tumors.
ACV has various non-health related uses like hair conditioning, skin care, dental care, pet use and as a cleaning agent. Some people apply ACV to the skin for acne, as a skin toner, to soothe sunburn, for shingles, insect bites, and to prevent dandruff. It is also used in the bath for vaginal infections.
Studies suggest that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness and help people eat less calories which leads to weight loss.
Taking ACV:
The best way to use apple cider vinegar is to incorporate it into your diet by using it in cooking - for salad dressing, home made mayonnaise, etc.
Many people dilute apple cider vinegar in and 8 ounce glass of water or tea.
The daily dosage of ACV is from 1 - 2 teaspoons to 1 - 2 tablespoons per day either in water or Incorporated in food.
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