FOOD & DRINKS
FOOD & DRINKS
6 Proven Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
For centuries , vinegar has been used for various household and cooking purposes . It is also an ancient folk remedy , claimed to help with all sorts of health problems . The most popular vinegar in the natural health community is Apple Cider Vinegar .
It is claimed to lead to all sorts of benefits , some of which are supported by science . This includes weight loss , lower blood sugar levels and improved symptoms of diabetes .
Here are 6 health benefits of apple cider vinegar , that are supported by scientific research .
1 . High in acetic acid , which has potent biological effects
Vinegar is made in a two-step process , related to how alcohol is made . The first step exposes crushed apples ( or apple cider ) to yeast , which ferment the sugars and turn them into alcohol .
In the second step , bacteria are added to the alcohol solution , which further ferment the alcohol and turn it into acetic acid … the main active compound in vinegar . In French , the word “ vinegar ” actually means “ sour wine .”
Organic , unfiltered apple cider vinegar ( like Bragg ’ s ) also contains “ mother ,” strands of proteins , enzymes and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky , cobweb-like appearance .
Vinegar has been used as a food preservative , and studies show that it inhibits bacteria ( like E . coli ) from growing in the food and spoiling it . If you ’ re looking for a natural way to preserve your food … then apple cider vinegar could be highly useful .
There have also been anecdotal reports of diluted apple cider vinegar helping with acne when applied on the skin , but I didn ’ t find any research to confirm this so take it with a grain of salt . Vinegar has been used as a food preservative , and studies show that it inhibits bacteria ( like E . coli ) from growing in the food and spoiling it .
If you ’ re looking for a natural way to preserve your food … then apple cider vinegar could be highly useful .
Apple cider vinegar only contains about 3 calories per tablespoon , which is very low .
There are not many vitamins or minerals in it , but it does contain a tiny amount of potassium . Quality apple cider vinegar also contains some amino acids and antioxidants .
Bottom Line : Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the sugars from apples . This turns them into acetic acid , the active ingredient in vinegar .
2 . Can kill many types of bacteria
Vinegar can help kill pathogens , including bacteria . It has traditionally been used for cleaning and disinfecting , treating nail fungus , lice , warts and ear infections .
However , many of these applications have currently not been confirmed by research .
Hippocrates , the father of modern medicine , used vinegar for wound cleaning over two thousand years ago . Vinegar has been used as a food preservative , and studies show that it inhibits bacteria ( like E . coli ) from growing in the food and spoiling it .
Bottom Line : The main substance in vinegar , acetic acid , can kill bacteria and / or prevent them from multiplying and reaching harmful levels . It has a history of use as a disinfectant and natural preservative .
30 LIFE TODAY MAGAZINE Issue 1 , No . 001 / 17 / December 2016