1. Apple Cider Vinegar is Abundant in Acetic Acid
According to Japanese research, acetic acid is efficient in controlling both blood pressure and fat buildup. Europe researchers also studied the effects of sodium acetate and acetic acid on blood glucose levels as well as other metabolic reactions in healthy subjects.
Acetic acid is not vinegar, but a byproduct of the fermentation process of vinegar. It’s actually a bacterium found in vinegar.
What happens during the fermentation process is that the acetic acid bacteria grow inside the liquid and along with the process, they slowly turn into a nontoxic slime, commonly referred to as the “mother.” This ingredient is actually responsible for the sharp flavor and the biting odor of vinegar.
The “mother” is often removed via filtration by vinegar manufacturers. However, it’s highly recommended to use raw non-distilled vinegar, which contains the “mother”, especially if you’re thinking of including this to your dietary regime. Acetic acid content in vinegar varies between 4 to 7% in distilled vinegar and 5 to 6% in wine vinegar. Bragg unfiltered ACV (one of the more popular brands) contains 5.14% of acetic acid.
Note: According to the FDA, diluted acetic acid is not vinegar and should not be added into any food product that is expected to contain vinegar.
2. It Has Cancer-Fighting Properties
The worst thing about cancer is that its symptoms don’t normally manifest until it’s too late, hence the silent killer. According to medical data, in 2014 more than 1.6 million people in the United States had cancer and more than half a million people died of it. In fact, it’s the 4th common cause of death in the USA. There are several studies that have found that vinegar can shrink or even kill some types of cancer cells.
A Chinese discovered that eating vegetables and vinegar decreases your risk of esophageal cancer. But, a different study in Serbia found that vinegar consumption actually increased bladder cancer 4.4 times. To conclude, vinegar does have anti-cancer properties owing to the acetic acid bacteria, although it provides various effects on different types of cancer.
3. It is a Proven Disinfectant and Bacteria Killer
Although contemporary research has proved that vinegar can destroy some types of bacteria, including E. coli and S. aureus, its antibacterial properties were known even 2,000 years ago. It may not be as effective as some commercial products like Clorox, however it contains no chemicals, thus it’s completely safe to use for washing produce. Plus, it is commonly used as a natural food preservative.
4. It Lowers Bad Cholesterol and Prevents Cardiovascular Disease
High cholesterol is directly linked to a number of heart conditions. If arteries get clogged by bad cholesterol, there is a high risk of heart attack.
Owing to the chlorogenic acids it contains, ACV can reduce LDL or bad cholesterol, thus preventing it from building up and solidifying in the bloodstream. According to a study done on over 70,000 women, an increased intake of oil and vinegar salad dressing reduced the risk of ischemic heart disease.
5. It Prevents the Onset of Diabetes by Lowering Postprandial Glycaemia
Postprandial glycaemia refers to the elevated blood sugar levels that occur after a meal, which is a major reason why pre-diabetics progress to type 2 diabetics. Pre-diabetes refers to elevated blood glucose levels but not high enough to be considered as type-2 diabetes. In case this pre-diabetes condition is left undiagnosed, in 10 years or less, it can lead to type 2 diabetes. According to research from Arizona University, there was 35% decrease in this condition by simply drinking vinegar juice made of 20g ACV, 49g water and 1 tsp saccharine after a meal.
Postprandial glycaemia can also be prevented by walking around for 15 minutes after a meal instead of sitting down, something that most of us do.
6. It Reduces Bacterial Infections on Teeth
In an experiment done on 100 teeth extracted through a root canal (not live teeth inside the mouth) that were exposed to the E. faecalis bacteria, ACV reduced bacterial count but didn’t completely remove it.
7. Research Says That Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help Type-2 Diabetics Improve Insulin Sensitivity
The American Diabetes Association conducted a study in 2004, which involved 3 groups of people – type 2 diabetics and non-diabetic individuals who are either insulin sensitive (these were the control group) or insulin resistant. 29 people altogether took part in the study. All groups were first given a mixture of 20g ACV, 40g water and a teaspoon of saccharine. Then 2 minutes later, the groups were given a meal consisting of a white bagel, orange juice and butter.
The findings revealed that ACV increased insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant individuals by 34% and in type 2 diabetics by 19%. In the words of Dr. Mercola, who also referred to the study, the type 2 diabetics who participated in the study improved blood glucose levels by 25%, while pre-diabetics had lower blood glucose compared to healthy individuals (the control group).
8. Vinegar Can Stimulate Weight Loss
According to a recent Japanese study, the acetic acid found in vinegar prevents the buildup of body fat. One test was done with mice, the other with people.
In the test done on mice, scientists fed two groups of mice on a high-fat diet. After that, one group was given acetic acid and the other group wasn’t. The results showed that the mice that were given acetic acid developed less body fat (up to 10%) as opposed to mice that weren’t given acetic acid.
In the test done on people, 175 obese but healthy people were divided into two groups. Both groups were on a similar diet, but one group was only given plain water while the other had some vinegar too. At the end of the 12-week period, the people who consumed vinegar lost an average of 1-2 pounds.
Other uses of ACV include:
9. Detoxifying
As we live in a world filled with so many toxins, it’s extremely important to take preventative measures in order to maintain good health. This includes incorporating protective foods into your diet. The unique acids in ACV bind to toxins and enable their more effective elimination.
You can also add a cup of ACV into a hot bath with some Epsom salts in order to stimulate your lymphatic system into releasing toxins.
10. Candida
This parasitic bacteria causes yeast overgrowth, which leads to low energy, poor digestion, yeast infections, canker sores and other uncomfortable symptoms. Candida proliferation normally occurs when a person has a poor diet, especially one high in refined sugar and carbohydrates, as well as when the gut flora is hampered by antibiotics or birth control.
ACV is particularly effective in treatment of candida. What ACV does is improve digestion along with the acid/alkaline balance, thus promoting healthy bacteria in the gut.
Vinegar has long been used as a cure for foot fungus. Plus it’s extremely efficient in killing molds.
So far there hasn’t been any specific evidence that ACV can destroy candida. However, since yeast is a fungus, it only makes sense that ACV would prevent this parasite from overgrowing.
11. Prevents Muscle Fatigue After Exercise
Muscle fatigue can often result from mineral and electrolyte deficiency. It’s highly recommended to take a tbsp. of ACV with water before a workout to make sure your body gets ample electrolyte stores. When balanced, the natural pH of our bodies creates an environment where elimination of excess lactic acid in the muscles occurs easily, which also plays an important role in oxygenating our bodies during exercise.
12. Reduce Sunburn and Insect Stings
Apple cider vinegar is extremely beneficial in treatment of both sunburns and insect bites. To reduce burn sunburn, use equal portions of ACV and water and apply to the skin with a cotton fabric. Also, you can relax in a bath with moderately hot water and a cup of ACV. For insect bites, apply ACV directly on the infected area.
13. Cures Dandruff
Dandruff can also be successfully treated with ACV. Mix equal proportions of ACV and water and apply on your scalp with a cloth or a spraying bottle. Keep it on for 1-2 hours under a bathing cap and then rinse. Do this at least once or twice a week for best results.
