What Are the New Science-Backed Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a natural product that has gained wide popularity in the health and wellness field due to its numerous health properties. Research suggests that apple cider vinegar has several beneficial health properties, including antimicrobial effects and antioxidants. It has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, treat insulin resistance, aid in weight loss, and improve skin health. It is also used to alleviate symptoms of colds and seasonal allergies, and to help treat acid reflux. With its many potentials uses and proven health benefits, this product is a must-have in every household.

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from crushed apples that have undergone fermentation. First, yeast and bacteria ferment the sugars in apples into alcohol, and then a second fermentation process converts the alcohol into acetic acid. This process produces probiotics and health-boosting enzymes, giving it much lower sugar content and fewer calories than apples or apple juice.

How to Choose and Buy Apple Cider Vinegar?

There are specific standards to look for before purchasing a particular type of apple cider vinegar, as not all products on the market are of the same quality and effectiveness. Here are some key criteria to check for:

1. It should be organic.
2. Raw.
3. Unpasteurized.
4. It should contain the “mother” – a collection of beneficial bacteria, proteins, digestive enzymes, vitamins, and minerals found at the bottom of the bottle.

What Are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

1. Enhances Digestion: Apple cider vinegar boosts the stomach’s acid levels, helping digest food better. It stimulates the pancreas to release digestive juices and the gallbladder to release bile, enhancing the efficiency of the digestive system.
2. Reduces Bloating and Gas: Bloating and gas occur when food is not properly digested due to a lack of digestive enzymes, leading to the fermentation of undigested proteins, fibers, and carbohydrates by harmful bacteria, producing gases. Apple cider vinegar helps break down undigested food and prevents harmful bacteria from feeding on it, reducing gas and bloating.
3. Acts as a Natural Disinfectant: Apple cider vinegar increases stomach acidity, therefore killing viruses, bacteria, fungi, and worms, preventing them from entering the intestines and colon.
4. Helps Absorb Vitamins and Minerals: Apple cider vinegar enhances the absorption of vitamins and minerals that need an acidic environment, such as calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin b12, and magnesium.
5. Treats Acid Reflux: Strong and sufficient stomach acid helps close the valve between the stomach and esophagus more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux. Apple cider vinegar strengthens stomach acids, improving valve function and reducing heartburn and pain associated with acid reflux.
6. Helps Treat Insulin Resistance and Weight Loss: A recent study showed that consuming one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a cup of water daily for three months can help reduce sudden spikes in blood sugar levels by 30% and improve insulin sensitivity by 40%. Apple cider vinegar works by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorbtion, helping muscles absorb and store glucose better, and improving the body’s response to insulin, thereby aiding in weight loss and reducing sugar cravings.
7. Improves Cholesterol Levels: Apple cider vinegar can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increase antioxidant enzyme levels. Regular consumption of apple cider vinegar improves blood lipid levels, raises good cholesterol (HDL), reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, and helps dissolve visceral fat, such as that found in fatty liver.
8. Boosts Liver Detoxification: The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification, especially at night. Toxins are expelled through sweat or urine, but when they accumulate, they can overload the liver. Morning fatigue, headaches, and bad mood might indicate toxin buildup from the previous night. Consuming organic apple cider vinegar in the morning can help detoxify the liver, enhancing the body’s efficiency in removing toxins, and improving overall well-being.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar?

If you are new to using apple cider vinegar, start with a teaspoon diluted in a large glass of water once a day before a main meal, 30 minutes prior. If you do not experience any adverse effects after two days, you can gradually increase the amount. After a week, you can use one tablespoon diluted in a large glass of water three times a day (before breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Risks and Side Effects

• It is essential to dilute apple cider vinegar in water.
• Prefer drinking it through a straw to protect your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water after consumption.
• Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming apple cider vinegar.

When Not to Use Apple Cider Vinegar?

• If you have stomach ulcers or severe inflammation of the stomach, intestines, or esophagus.
• If you experience severe nausea or heartburn.
• If you are taking medications that reduce potassium levels in the blood.

Using apple cider vinegar correctly allows you to enjoy its multiple health benefits while avoiding potential risks.

Can I Use Lemon Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar?

No, lemon cannot be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar because it does not have the same strength and effectiveness. Studies have shown the power and effectiveness of acetic acid, which is found in apple cider vinegar, in regulating blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and cholesterol. Lemon contains citric acid, which is not as effective as acetic acid. Therefore, to achieve the same health benefits provided by apple cider vinegar, you would need the juice of three lemons to equal one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. However, such a large quantity of lemon may cause stomach issues.

What About the Benefits of Other Types of Vinegar Compared to Apple Cider Vinegar?

According to studies, all types of vinegar are beneficial and effective for the body due to their acetic acid content, but in varying degrees. For example, rice vinegar, coconut vinegar, grape vinegar, and pomegranate vinegar are all excellent types that can provide the same effectiveness as apple cider vinegar. If you cannot obtain apple cider vinegar, do not like its taste, or cannot tolerate its acidity, you can take instead rice vinegar. Rice vinegar is one of the best alternative types of vinegar, as it is less acidic and provides impressive results similar to apple cider vinegar. This way, you can benefit from vinegar’s health advantages without worrying about taste or excessive acidity.

To learn more about apple cider vinegar and its benefits, please refer to Dr. Fajer Aljumairi YouTube channel and watch this episode: