individuals . 16 Apple cider vinegar along with restricted calorie diet significantly decreased body weight , body mass index ( BMI ), hip circumference , plasma triglyceride , total cholesterol , and visceral adiposity index in comparison to the control group . Furthermore , there was an increase in HDL-cholesterol in the apple cider vinegar group compared to the control group . 16
Apple cider vinegar may benefit mood . A placebo-controlled , randomised , parallel arm study investigated the effect of apple cider vinegar on mood . 17 Participants in the active study arm ingested two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar ( 5 % acidity ) diluted in one cup water twice daily with meals for four weeks . Participants in the control arm consumed one apple cider vinegar tablet daily for four weeks . The liquid vinegar treatment provided 1.5 g acetic acid daily in comparison to the vinegar tablet that provided 0.015 g acetic acid daily . 17 The study found a 20-34 % reduction in self-reported depression scores in participants ingesting apple cider vinegar daily for four weeks , whereas there were slight increases in self-reported depression noted in the control participants ( p ≤ 0.006 ). 17 The study also found increases in the metabolism of the amino acids acetylcysteine , glycine , serine , and threonine , and found increases in fatty acid metabolism . 17 As a note , glycine is a neurotransmitter and serine is involved in sphingolipids and myelin , thereby positively affecting neurological health . 17
Apple cider vinegar is considered to be a safe food 14 ( and vinegars are generally recognised as safe ( GRAS ) food ). 26 It could be regarded as a functional food and as an adjuvant therapy in the management of various health conditions . 14 Something to note is that there have been some reported side effects , such as stomach “ burning ”, following consumption . 14 This should be discussed before directing patients to consume apple cider vinegar .
Conclusion
An apple , or two , a day may have a regular place in any preventive and management health plan . Apples have numerous health benefits , including reducing inflammation , total cholesterol , LDL-cholesterol , asthma , improving vascular function , and reducing the risk of chronic disease risk , cardiovascular disease , and type 2 diabetes . Apple cider vinegar is one of the most commonly available vinegars . Apple cider vinegar has the potential to improve body weight , serum metabolic profiles , plasma triglyceride , total cholesterol , glycaemic profile , and mood . More research is suggested to investigate the health benefits of apple cider vinegar .
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