Is Apple Cider Vinegar beneficial to your health?

What exactly is ACV?

Apple cider vinegar is pretty much apple juice with yeast added to it which turns the sugar in the juice into alcohol. Bacteria are added to the mixture which ferments the alcohol into acetic acid. (Fermentation: the chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms, typically involving effervescence and the giving off of heat).

For thousands of years, vinegar has been used as a remedy for treating wounds. It has also been used in cooking.

Apple cider vinegar has been known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant health properties.

Some benefits include:

1. It can kill harmful bacteria. The acetic acid in ACV kills harmful bacteria and can prevent them from multiplying. It can be used as a way to preserve your food and inhibit bacteria like E. coli from growing and spoiling food.

2. It contains healthful substances. The cloud of yeast and bacteria you see in a bottle of apple cider vinegar, some people call “mother” consists of strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria. It also contains a small amount of potassium. The quality brands contain some amino acids and antioxidants.

3. It may help lower blood sugar levels:

• A small study suggests vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity by 19-34% during a high-carb meal and significantly lower blood sugar and insulin response.

• Other small studies show that vinegar can improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels after meals.

4. Apple cider vinegar can help with weight loss. Studies show that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight. One study showed that taking vinegar along with a high-carb meal led to increased feelings of fullness, causing participants to eat 200-275 fewer calories throughout the day.

While there are many benefits to using ACV, there is very little research to support its health benefits. It’s best to start with small doses (1-2 tablespoons mixed with a large glass of water or in cooking) and avoid taking large amounts. Large amounts may cause tooth enamel erosion and can interact with certain medications. Ask your doctor before increasing your intake of ACV if you are taking blood-sugar-lowering medications.

Are you already using apple cider vinegar in your water or in cooking? If so, has it been helping you?