It has been touted as a remedy for anything and everything. Societies’ obsession with traditional cures places apple cider vinegar high on its list of traditional health cures. Nevertheless, have you ever wondered what good apple cider vinegar can do for you? For many years, healers, herbalists, and wellness enthusiasts have sworn by its benefits. A quick search on the internet will yield several results when you type apple cider vinegar with another ailment.
Many of the health claims made about apple cider vinegar are based on tradition. Nevertheless, that doesn’t undermine the fact that clinical research certifies that it does have a few health benefits. Before we explore them, let’s find out if it’s safe.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe?
The consensus on apple cider vinegar is that it’s safe to use because it’s a natural product. Being a pantry staple, many people incorporate it into their diet. Because of its potent properties, it’s advisable to dilute a tablespoon of vinegar in 8oz of water. Keep in mind that if you suffer from acid reflux or ulcers, the vinegar’s acidity can be too harsh for you and cause serious health problems.
It is a good idea to talk to your doctor before you consume apple cider vinegar. That is particularly relevant if you are on diabetes medications or have kidney disease, as it becomes more difficult for the body to process the high doses of acid. Because of its anti-microbial properties, apple cider vinegar easily kills microbes. Adding it to a bowl and washing your vegetables in it is a great way to eliminate the bacteria that cling to your lettuce and produce, including E. coli.
What Good Does It Do?
Research substantiates the fact that apple cider vinegar can regulate glucose levels in diabetes patients. A 2023 study conducted on 80 patients revealed that those who consumed two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar a day had low blood sugar levels and experienced a remarkable improvement in their cholesterol and triglyceride levels; they also lost more weight.
Other studies have found that apple cider vinegar slows down digestion and supports metabolic health, leading to a steady release of glucose in the blood, which enhances the body’s ability to process fat and glucose.
Among popular wellness enthusiasts is the idea that apple cider vinegar can help you lose weight. Although there is little science-backed evidence to support this, it is generally agreed that apple cider vinegar promotes satiety. A 2005 study found that participants who drank apple cider vinegar before a meal consumed fewer calories throughout the rest of the day. Research says little, if anything, about whether that is due to the vinegar itself or if it made them feel nauseous.
Studies on apple cider vinegar do not suggest that it alters the skin’s microbiome; nevertheless, a few doctors have seen promising results when using apple cider vinegar to treat scalp conditions. Dr. Jeff Donovan, a British Columbia-based certified dermatologist, has seen promising results in patients using apple cider vinegar to treat certain scalp conditions.
For several years, he has been recommending apple cider vinegar to patients experiencing dandruff, scaling, or itching on the scalp. Dr. Donovan says that apple cider vinegar acts as a wonderful agent to lift scale.
In a laboratory setting, apple cider vinegar has the power to kill bacteria, fungi, and yeast when placed in a test tube, but there is little evidence on how it works on humans. Dr. Donovan says many of his patients who have used it on their scalp experienced significant improvements in scaly skin and itching as opposed to using other strong medications.
Undoubtedly, the debate on the health benefits of apple cider vinegar will continue. If you ever doubted its use, consider using it in your cooking or mixing it into your salad vinaigrette for a safer and tastier option. If there are any health benefits to be reaped, you will likely get them this way, too!
David Messiha | Staff Writer
