Advantages of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been noted for its health benefits for thousands of years; even Socrates used it to ward off disease and encourage a healthy constitution. But there is much debate about the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar, as it is often presented as a miracle cure for any and every ailment. Science has revealed that apple cider vinegar can be used to effectively treat several--but certainly not all--ailments. Here's an outline of the proven benefits of apple cider vinegar.

History

While its use as a health tonic was known for centuries, apple cider vinegar gained special prominence as a result of D.C. Jarvis's popular 1958 book, "Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor's Guide to Good Health." Since the book's publication, apple cider vinegar has been touted as a cure-all, which is not always the case.

Weight Loss

Apple cider vinegar is commonly used by those who wish to lose weight. Some studies have shown that people who take a teaspoon or two of the vinegar with a light meal will feel full and want to eat less.

Diabetes

Apple cider vinegar has been proven to lower blood glucose levels, which could help diabetics. According to a study conducted in 2007 on a group of people with Type-2 Diabetes, taking 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar before sleeping lowers blood glucose levels by as much as 6 percent in the morning.

Calcium Absorption

Contrary to many claims, apple cider vinegar is actually very low in nutrients. But this doesn't mean it has no nutritional value. The vinegar is full of ascetic acid, which, like many other acids, can help our bodies absorb vital nutrients like calcium. This may be especially helpful for women who are trying to prevent osteoporosis.

Cleaning Produce

Washing fruits and vegetables with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar can help to remove the pesticides which are sometimes used in farming and which many natural food proponents believe are harmful to your health.

Use in Healthy Cooking

Apple cider vinegars, like many other vinegars, should be employed as often as possible in cooking. This is because vinegar, which can often give a dish a tart and savory spike, works as an excellent replacement for cooking products high in sodium and saturated fat.

Risks

Because it's highly acidic, you should always dilute apple cider vinegar with juice or water before using it. Prolonged use could result in erosion of the tooth enamel or damage to the mouth and throat. Also, because apple cider vinegar contains chromium, which can alter insulin levels, diabetics should consult with a doctor before beginning to use apple cider vinegar.