With its variety of health benefits and versatility, it’s fair to say that apple cider vinegar is becoming one of the most picked-up superfood liquids on the high street. Fermenting the sugars found in apples is what makes apple cider vinegar. These fermented sugars then turn into acetic acid -the active ingredient in vinegar. This vinegar has been used in food and medicinally for many years and has even been said to date back to ancient times. These days, it’s now widely known for its multipurpose advantages and many (some quite bizarre) health claims, read on for our Top 5 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar!
Uses include mouthwash, pet repellant, hair conditioner, natural cleaner, disinfectant, deodorant and even as an additional component in your candle-lit bath! Although some popular health claims that circulate around social media and word-of-mouth is not as accurate and scientifically supported as you may think. Here’s where we come in. It’s important to clear up the difference between the two main types available:-
So what is the difference between organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (containing ‘The Mother’) and filtered pasteurized apple cider vinegar?
Well, if you pop into your local supermarket or health food store, they will most likely stock both. Without a doubt, if you’re seeking the most effective and purest, go for the raw unfiltered. Made up of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria, the Mother is the reason that the organic, unfiltered version of apple cider vinegar is a better option over the filtered kind. It’s widely considered that these former component hold the key to the best health benefits. The Mother is what gives apple cider vinegar its murky appearance so choose the cloudy over the clear!
1. Lowers blood sugar levels
Being a common problem for diabetics, high blood sugar levels can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to help keep blood sugar levels stable by improving insulin sensitivity.
2. Helps achieve weight loss goals
Not only does improved insulin sensitivity help with weight loss but apple cider vinegar is thought to have a satiating effect resulting in that you eat fewer calories, thereby helping control your weight. Drinking a few tablespoons of diluted apple cider vinegar a day combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise will get you on track for steady weight loss.
3. Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels
It has been discovered that apple cider vinegar contains the compound antioxidant, chlorogenic acid, thought to be beneficial for high blood pressure and also helping to protect LDL (low density lipoproteins) the good kind of cholesterol. Apple cider vinegar also contains potassium, which is a vital mineral for heart health.
4. Relieves digestive complaints
Apple cider vinegar helps digestive annoyances such as heartburn, indigestion and bloating by stimulating your digestive juices and increasing acidity in the stomach. We probably all feel a bit of that dreaded indigestion after that small glass of red with the Sunday roast; a tablespoon of this is one answer to this pet over-indulgence!
Look out for Braggs and Aspall, two of the top apple cider vinegar brands. Both are exactly the same with Aspall the more affordable option whilst Braggs has been longer established. There are many ways to consume apple cider vinegar, including drizzling on salads, dressings pickling, vinaigrettes and sauces adding it to tasty recipes for a good tangy health kick or even as a booster to your home-made health drinks. Try out apple cider vinegar before a meal and see if it helps your feel fuller for longer or try a tablespoon if you’re suffering from a spell of bloating! Let us know what you do with it and what health benefits you’ve experienced below or @KeepfitKingdom !
I’m afraid point 5 lacks any scientific understanding. Ingestion of dilute acetic acid will only act to briefly affect the pH of the upper GI tract. It will certainly not magically “become” alkaline!
It may promote the expression of enzymes which metabolise the acetate, effectively restoring homeostasis.
On another note, acid reflux (heartburn) is commonly treated by prescription of proton pump inhibitors, thereby reducing the pH of the stomach. Is it not counter intuitive that drinking more acid should combat the condition?