Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used to treat health conditions for thousands of years. It is said that Christopher Columbus brought barrels of ACV aboard his ships in order to prevent scurvy. It is believed that the antioxidants and alkalizing qualities of ACV allow it to effectively treat a wide variety of conditions. While there have been many claims as to what ACV can effectively treat, there has been minimal research to validate these claims. Of the research that has been performed, however, the results tend to be promising.
What Are The Healing Applications For Apple Cider Vinegar?
-Diabetes. The most substantiated evidence regarding the health benefits of ACV has come from research done on diabetes. A 2007 study, published in the scientific journal, "Diabetes Care," showed that ACV was able to lower glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. The findings showed that ingesting vinegar before a meal helped to reduce the spike in insulin and glucose that normally follows digestion. Those who benefitted most from consuming ACV were the pre-diabetic participants of the study. Their blood-glucose concentration decreased by nearly 50%.
-Cholesterol. It is believed that the high levels of pectin found in ACV can help reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol. Pectin is a water-soluble fiber which binds to cholesterol and fat in the body, helping to eliminate it through the stool. In a 2006 study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition," the effects of ACV were monitored in rats to determine if it helped lower cholesterol. The results showed a decrease in cholesterol levels due to increased liver functioning and bile secretion. This test has yet to be replicated on humans.
-Blood pressure. In a study published in "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry," rats that were fed ACV experienced lowered blood pressure. It is believed that the acetic acid helps facilitate this decrease in blood pressure.
-Weight loss. There have been few conclusive studies on the efficacy of ACV for weight loss, but proponents of this remedy claim that the soluble fiber in ACV creates the effect of feeling full, and so limits the amount of food a person is inclined to eat. The idea that ACV caused weight loss, was popularized in the 1950s by Dr. D.C. Jarvis in his book entitled, "Folk Medicine." In addition to weight loss, he believed you could prevent many diseases through daily doses of ACV.
-Folk remedies. There are many unsubstantiated claims as to the curative effects of ACV for health conditions, including cancer, arthritis, acid reflux, vascular disease, athletes foot, low bone density, head lice, and even warts. This does not necessarily mean that ACV is an ineffective remedy for these conditions, but merely that more research is needed to support these claims.
-Acne. ACV helps to eliminate bacteria that cause acne by neutralizing the pH balance of the skin. In addition, the acetic acid in ACV creates an inhospitable environment for germs and bacteria. Using a cotton ball or Q-tip dipped in ACV, swab the problem areas for a few minutes. You can use this treatment on the face as well as other parts of the body. When finished, rinse the surface of the skin thoroughly and apply a toner or moisturizer. Because ACV is extremely acidic, it may irritate the skin if used excessively, so limit your use to two or three times a week.
What Is the Best Way To Take Apple Cider Vinegar?
Pour 1-2 tablespoons of ACV in an 8-ounce glass of water and drink approximately 30 minutes before a meal. To make ACV more palatable, try adding 1 tablespoon of honey to the water. A few drops of stevia also works well to counter the acidic flavor of ACV. Another tasty alternative is to make a salad dressing using ACV. Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1/2 tablespoon ACV, 1tablespoon brown mustard, 1/2 clove of finely chopped garlic, and whisk until the mixture becomes creamy. Pour over your salad and enjoy.
What Are the Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar?
ACV is generally considered safe to consume in moderate amounts. Because ACV is highly acidic, it may produce reactions in some people. Some possible side effects from ACV are nausea, headaches, stomach aches, and itching. Long-term use of ACV may lower levels of potassium as well as bone density. ACV interacts with certain medications, such as diuretics, insulin, and digoxin. Consult with your health care provider before using ACV if you are currently on any of these medications.
This popular folk remedy has been used for thousands of years, helping many people to increase their health. Because the research is limited on the efficacy of ACV, you may need to experiment for yourself. It is always a good idea to start off with a low dose and increase the amount once you know how your body will respond.
Call out: The ancient Greek, Egyptian, Babylonians, and Parisians all used ACV both for its flavoring and healing qualities. It is said that Hippocrates (considered the father of medicine) used ACV as a healing elixir. I am a holistic counselor, offering holistic counseling and holistic healing to people who need it. I offer sessions in person and over the phone.