What Are the Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is made from pulverized apples after fermentation. Since the time of Hippocrates, who recommended this for treating many ailments, apple cider vinegar has been famous as a folk medicine. Vinegar is used in many household errands including cleaning, polishing, killing weeds, and also as an ingredient in pickles. Its importance as herbal remedy is becoming all the more relevant. Until recently, the use of this vinegar as a healing medicine was not proved scientifically. Now, many studies have showed the importance of apple cider vinegar in conditions like diabetes and obesity.

Apple cider vinegar and apple cider vinegar pills became a popular component in alternative medicine and as a dietary supplement. This vinegar is thought to have a number of benefits including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. It is used in the treatment of many conditions including high cholesterol, joint pain, arthritis, gout, fatigue, and ear infections. Many of these uses are not supported by any solid evidence. But some of the studies conducted in the recent years support the use of apple cider vinegar in many conditions.

• Diabetes – Many studies report the positive effects of apple cider vinegar in regulating blood sugar levels. People who had apple cider vinegar before going to bed had around 4-6 percentage reduction in the level of blood glucose.
• Weight loss – This is one of the earliest known use of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar helps people to have a fuller feeling and prevents them from eating more. Studies show that those who had vinegar along with a piece of bread felt more satisfied and ate less.
• Blood pressure – Animal studies show that vinegar helps to lower the blood pressure. Those who had vinegar dressing for salads had reduced risk of heart diseases and high blood pressure when compared to others who did not have this vinegar.
• Cancer – Some studies point to the use of this vinegar in killing or preventing the growth of cancer cells. Having vinegar in regular diet was associated with decreased risk of esophageal cancer.

More studies are required to confirm the benefits of apple cider vinegar. There is no standardized dosage for the use of this vinegar. 

There are a few risks associated with the use of apple cider vinegar:

• As it is acidic in nature, undiluted apple cider vinegar may damage the tissues of mouth and throat.
• It may affect the potassium levels in the body.
• Bone density may be lowered with the use of this vinegar.
• It is known to interact with other medications like diuretics, laxatives and diabetes drugs.