What are the Health Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar?

Overview of Apple Cider Vinegar

For centuries, vinegar has been widely used for different purposes. It can be used in cleaning, as a salad dressing and in treating several health conditions. Although the exact action of vinegar as a medicine has not yet been proven, there are several research works that can support the wonders of the vinegar. Over the years, it has also been found that there are also many benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar.

Vinegar is a result of fermentation. The process involves breaking down sugar contents with the aid of yeast and bacteria. After the breakdown, sugar turns into alcohol and as fermentation continues, vinegar is produced. Vinegar is usually made from fruits and vegetables or grains. Apple cider vinegar is made from pulverized apples. Aside from the acetic acid content of vinegar, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins are also present.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Some studies have shown that there are promising medical benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar.

• Apple cider vinegar can lower the blood sugar levels of a diabetic person. Some studies, including the one performed in 2007, indicated that individuals with type 2 diabetes presented with a lowered blood glucose level after taking apple cider vinegar.

• Research also shows the vinegar can lower the blood cholesterol level of rats. This was proven in an experiment performed in 2006 using rats, although its effect on the cholesterol level of humans has not been determined yet.

• Another research done on rats showed that apple cider vinegar can lower blood pressure and likewise, decrease the risk of developing heart diseases.

• Vinegar is said to slow down the spread of cancer cells or kill them. Researchers, however, found that although it can decrease the occurrence of esophageal cancer, it may increase bladder cancer risk.

• Other benefits from drinking apple cider vinegar include detoxification, providing a youthful appearance, improving digestion, soothing sore muscles, and relieving skin irritations.

• Individuals who regularly drink apple cider vinegar claim the substance can relieve congested sinuses, acne, flu, fatigue, sore throat, gout, arthritis, and dermatitis.

• The vinegar can also remove warts as it has anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial actions.

Although the results of drinking apple cider vinegar are promising, there is, however, no assurance of its efficacy. This is because most of the studies were made on experimental animals and only a little of the research has been done on humans. Since benefits are not yet proven, no official recommendations on the dosage of apple cider vinegar have yet been published. Thus, an individual must first consult his attending physician prior to the use of the product and utmost care must be exercised.

For more information, please “The Difference Between White Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar.”

References

WebMD: Apple Cider Vinegar

Professorshouse.com: Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar