Apple Cider Vinegar: Health Benefits, Bogus Health Claims and Uses

What is apple cider vinegar?

Regular distilled vinegar is usually made by fermenting grain, while apple cider is made by fermenting apples and is high in acetic acid. Since apple cider vinegar is made from apples, it contains antioxidants called polyphenols that are very beneficial to our health.

Apple cider vinegar proponents claim that it is full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, enzymes and pectin, which all contribute to the specific medical benefits attributed to the golden-colored liquid!

The medical benefits claimed range from busting cholesterol to keeping blood pressure in check. Read on to find out more!

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9 Medical Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Type 2 diabetes

Vinegar has been shown to have several benefits for insulin function, and blood sugar levels. Studies have proved that apple cider vinegar shows excellent promise in improving insulin sensitivity and helping to lower blood sugar levels, especially after meals.

Heart disease and stroke

Apple cider vinegar is known to contain a specific antioxidant, chlorogenic acid, which protects LDL (bad) cholesterol from being oxidized and sticking to the artery walls, potentially putting you in danger of a heart attack, or stroke.

Blood pressure

When the arteries are narrowed, the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. This pushes up the effort the heart has to use and is known as high blood pressure. Vinegar helps to keep the arteries clear and lower the risk of heart disease.

Upset stomach

If you have diarrhea caused by bacterial infection, sip some apple cider vinegar mixed with water. The anti-bacterial qualities can help solve the problem.

Spastic colon

Some natural health practitioners agree that pectin in apple cider vinegar can help to soothe intestinal spasms. Take a little mixed with water.

Sore throat

Gargle with a solution of vinegar and water to help ward off the infection.

Weight loss

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar suppresses the appetite, revs up the metabolism, and has a diuretic effect on the body. Eating less and getting rid of excess water will help you to lose weight.

Vital minerals

Because of a high acetic acid content of the vinegar, the body’s absorption of important minerals such as calcium is increased.

Immune system

The essential mineral trace elements and vitamins in apple cider vinegar, help to boost the immune system, keeping you free of infections.

Other health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

The anti-inflammatories in the vinegar will soothe the pain when gently applied to the affected part.
Extreme stress can cause lactic acid to build up in the body and cause fatigue. The amino acids in apple cider vinegar are the perfect solution to relieve the symptoms.
Its antibacterial properties act as a toner, keeping the acne under control.

Many ways to use apple cider vinegar.

Besides the medicinal uses, there are many ways apple cider vinegar can be used, especially in and around the home, as well as for personal hygiene.

Useful things you can do with apple cider vinegar.

Wash fruit and vegetables. Pesticide residue is a concern for many people. Apple cider vinegar should remove more of the chemical than water alone.
The vinegar makes an excellent homemade weed killer.
Use as a dish detergent. Rinsing your dishes in apple cider vinegar can help kill bacteria and keep the dishes clean. Add to the dishwater, or even put in the dishwashing machine.
It is very effective as a preservative and pickling agent. It makes the food more acidic and kills bacteria which may cause the food to spoil.
When used as a deodorizer, the anti-bacterial properties can eliminate bad smells.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural alternative to commercial cleaning agents. It is an effective bacteria killing all-purpose cleaner.
By adding vinegar to the water when boiling eggs, it will prevent the white leaking out if the eggs crack.
Use it in your cooking, and also as an ingredient in salad dressing, and homemade mayonnaise.
Use the vinegar to disinfect cupboard tops, kitchen, and bathroom tile surfaces.
When bathing your dog, add some apple cider vinegar to the water to help control fleas, and bring a shine to your dog’s coat.
An apple cider hair rinse helps to detangle long or curly hair, nourishes the scalp, and adds a natural attractive shine to your hair.
It can be used as a natural deodorant by wiping your underarms with diluted apple cider vinegar.
It has been shown that dabbing diluted vinegar on pimples is an excellent way to clear them up.
Apple cider vinegar is used as a home remedy to treat nail fungus, lice, warts, and ear infections.
In a diluted state, it makes a refreshing mouthwash and helps to remove stains from your teeth.
A tablespoon in a glass of water twice daily will help to detoxify your body and speed up the elimination of waste products.
Make your own toner. Mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. Apply to skin morning and night.
To keep cats from using your flower beds as a litter tray, spray undiluted vinegar along the edges of the beds.
Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bath to soothe sunburn pain.
Apple cider vinegar is good for varicose veins, as it improves circulation, and due to its anti-inflammatory properties, reduces swelling.
Just 1 cup of vinegar to your washing machine load makes an excellent fabric softener.
You can also add 1 cup to the rinse cycle for a fresh, bacteria-free wash.
Pouring or spraying apple cider around places where ants gather, will quickly clear them away.
Add some to your bath water for a detoxifying soak to help with skin issues.
A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar will shock stubborn hiccups into disappearing!
Get rid of bad breath. Apple cider vinegar can kill the bacteria causing offending odor – just gargle with it or sip a teaspoonful to get your breath as fresh as the morning dew.
You can mix up a non-toxic general purpose home cleaner to help keep your home clean, disinfected, and sparkling.
Put some apple cider vinegar in a bowl and place in the kitchen or bathroom to absorb cooking and musty smells.
Add a cupful to the water when washing your car to remove greasy spots from the bodywork.
Add some apple cider vinegar to the windscreen wash bottle to clean off any streaks on the windscreen.

Bogus health claims about apple cider vinegar

Based on some of the health benefit claims, it would appear that apple cider vinegar is something of a wonder food. It has a myriad of fans, but there are also many detractors, who doubt the validity of some of the claims. In the last 20 years, there has not been much research about using apple cider vinegar for health benefits.

However, even without conclusive scientific studies, there are solid research results which show the benefits apple cider vinegar has in the lowering of blood sugar levels. There is also solid proof of its anti-bacterial properties, and the ability to prevent the oxidization of LDL cholesterol which, when oxidized, sticks to the artery walls.

There is a school of thought that has expressed serious doubts about claims that the vinegar is as rich in certain minerals, amino acids, and vitamins. The standard nutritional analysis of apple cider vinegar has not conclusively shown it to be a high source of these substances.

Although it may seem that the vinegar doesn’t contain sufficient nutrients to be beneficial, this may not be the case. There has not been enough research to prove or disprove the matter, but there are many documented instances of positive health effects experienced by many people worldwide.

Health practitioners and scientists agree that apple cider vinegar is high in acetic acid, and acetic acid promotes the body’s absorption of calcium.

That alone is sufficient to give support to many of the claims regarding the health benefits.

Side effects

Apple cider vinegar appears to be safe. There have been no health-threatening side effects noted with normal use. Always dilute it when using it on the skin and the body. Bear in mind that it is acidic, and using the vinegar undiluted, may cause skin burns on sensitive skin.

Do the same when gargling, and always brush your teeth after rinsing your mouth. Although the vinegar will kill bacteria in the mouth, any residue of acid left on the teeth could damage the enamel.

Medications may interact with apple cider vinegar

People who take diabetes medication may experience extra low blood sugar levels.
Digoxin, a medication used to lower potassium levels in heart patients, when used with the vinegar, could lower levels too much.
Some diuretic medications cause the body to excrete potassium and should not be used with large amounts of apple cider vinegar.

When it comes to apple cider vinegar, more is not better!

To use the vinegar safely, limit your daily intake, always dilute it, and take care if you have certain conditions. You will definitely safely experience the health benefits which apple cider can provide!