Apple
cider vinegar is an ingredient in many salad dressing which is obtained by the
fermentation of apple cider. During the process of fermentation, sugar present
in the apple cider is broken down by bacteria and yeast into alcohol and
finally into vinegar. Apple cider vinegar consists of different substances such
as acetic, lactic, citric and malic acid. Studies have been done to know the
health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Some key findings from available
research are given here:
Diabetes
Some
research shows that apple cider vinegar is helpful for diabetic people. For
example, in a 2007 study published in Diabetes Care, researchers found that
type 2 diabetes patients who consumed two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar at
bedtime showed excellent results in the levels of blood sugar the next morning.
And in an animal-based study published in the Pakistan Journal of Biological
Sciences, scientists found that when diabetic rats were fed an
apple-cider-vinegar-enhanced diet for four weeks, it helped
to increase in high density lipoproteins and simultaneously decrease in the
levels of triglycerides, a harmful fat type for our body.
Weight
loss
One
small study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in 2009
found that obese people who consumed acetic acid daily for twelve weeks showed
a significant reduction in body weight. Another study was done in 2009
published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that acetic
acid helps to prevent the build up of body fat and certain liver fats.
Hypertension
or high blood pressure
According
to a study based on animals, the finding of which were published in Bioscience,
Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in 2001 says that acetic acid can helps in
lowering the blood pressure. It is not known if the acetic acid used was
obtained from apple cider vinegar or some other source.
Blood
cholesterol
Researchers
have found that apple cider vinegar helps in lowering the blood levels of bad
cholesterol that is low density lipoproteins and also increases the levels of
high density lipoproteins in blood.
All of the above diseases are related to Metabolic Syndrome
Home remedies using apple cider vinegar
You can
use apple cider vinegar in preparing useful home remedies for various health
problems. These home remedies are safe and natural.
Cold
and cough
You can
combine apple cider vinegar with honey and mix it in warm water to get an
excellent home remedy for cough and cold. Simply add one teaspoon of apple
cider vinegar, one teaspoon of honey in one teaspoon of warm water. Take one
teaspoon of this mixture three times in a day to get immediate relief from
cough and congestion in the chest.
Indigestion
Indigestion
is a common problem among folks who eat spicy food. Take one glass of warm
water and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Drink it before or after food.
It helps to balance the acid base equilibrium to ease indigestion. It is also a
useful home remedy for acid reflux and heartburn.
Infection
Apple
cider vinegar is effective against bacterial and fungal infection. It is useful
remedy for ear infection, bladder infection and sexual diseases. Rinsing the
ear with diluted apple cider vinegar helps in alleviating the signs of ear
infection. Anyone suffering from bladder infection may drink a glass of warm
water by adding one table spoon of apple cider vinegar to get excellent
benefits.
Skin
You can
get glowing skin by using apple cider vinegar as a skin toner. Take a glass of
water and add half cup of vinegar. Apply this mixture regularly
as a skin toner. It helps to maintain the pH balance of your skin and prevent
acne and other skin diseases.
Dandruff
You can
prepare an excellent home remedy for getting rid of dandruff. Take one fourth
cup of apple cider vinegar and mix with one fourth cup of water. It helps to
maintain the pH balance of the scalp and prevents formation of dandruff.
