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