The Skinny:
There is nothing new about apple cider vinegar. It is simply twice-fermented apple juice. In fact, it has been around for thousands of years and stems from the Latin for vinegar, which is vinum aigre. For those delinquent in the Latin language studies, this means sour wine. Seen as an almost cure-all for what ails a person, Hippocrates prescribed drinking it with honey for colds and coughs and to clean wounds and fight infections more than 2,000 years ago. Besides its medicinal uses, it was used for general cleaning, flavoring and preserving food in Europe, Africa and China for centuries. Apple cider vinegar has stood the test of time and is now found in millions of homes worldwide—all for good reasons. It offers up lots of benefits on health and household levels. But it is important to realize that some claims have been exaggerated, making it essential to separate facts from potentially dangerous fiction, which is why WellWell is here. Read on.
The Slate:
Wound Warrior
Though Hippocrates used it to treat wounds, he didn’t understand why it worked. Science revealed that the acetic acid in vinegar makes it a powerful antimicrobial agent, destroying bacteria viruses and fungi. Apple cider vinegar’s ability to kill salmonella on contaminated salad was demonstrated over twenty years ago. Since then, one 2021 study even revealed its antimicrobial effects extend to antibiotic-resistant microbes.
Aids Acid Reflux?
Some proponents claim the vinegar’s introduction of probiotic “good bacteria” to the gut can help calm their gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux. That’s uncertain. In fact, its acidity might wind up irritating the stomach, potentially making the acid reflux worse. Anecdotal reports aside, there appears to be no scientific evidence to back up the claim that this vinegar is an anti-heartburn agent.
Helps Diabetics
There is evidence that apple cider vinegar can promote small but beneficial changes in the blood glucose indices and lipoid profiles of dieting Type 2 diabetics. However, it is not a substitute for prescribed diabetic medicines. Ultimately, apple cider vinegar won’t keep blood sugar levels in check by itself.
Weight Loss Wonder
There is a split jury on just how effective apple cider vinegar can be in helping someone lose weight. Admittedly, a daily tablespoon may promote weight loss by delaying stomach emptying, increasing metabolism or suppressing appetite-stimulating hormones. Its taste and slimy texture may also simply kill a person’s appetite, which is always a good thing for those looking to shed pounds. But it is no magic bullet for weight loss. The science behind the claim is mixed.
Antioxidant Benefits
Like all vinegars, apple cider vinegar boasts significant antioxidant activity, thanks to its inherent polyphenols and vitamins. One study even maintains that artisanal varieties contained more antioxidants than commercially produced brands. Darker and/or unfiltered varieties with visible blobs and strands, in fact, do have slightly more antioxidants. But these differences tend to wash out when this 5 to 6 percent acetic acid solution is diluted and digested.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Apple cider vinegar is believed to have modest effects on hypertension, although the impact is thought to occur indirectly, through weight loss, decreasing arterial plaque by lowering cholesterol and increasing insulin resistance. So, it can help fight hypertension. But it should not be seen as a replacement for blood pressure medication.
Notice
It is always important to check labels for contents and watch dosage, especially when taking apple cider vinegar pills or gummies. Taking too much can decrease potassium and calcium levels. If possible, before starting, check with a doctor about possible negative side effects that might include interaction with diuretics, laxatives and medicines for diabetes and heart disease.
Eyes Up:
What’s your take on apple cider vinegar? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
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