Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy that has been used for thousands of years in cooking and medicine. It is said that the ‘Father of Modern Medicine’, Hippocrates, used apple cider vinegar for cleaning wounds and relieving coughs. So why has this traditional home remedy remained so popular?
Apple cider vinegar is made through a process of fermenting the sugar from apples. This turns them into acetic acid, a main active ingredient in vinegar. This acetic acid is what is believed to be responsible for apple cider vinegar's health benefits.
So how might using Apple Cider Vinegar help you?
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have various healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Here's a few of the benefits that could be achieved from using apple cider vinegar regularly:
1. Digestive Support - Apple Cider vinegar could offer relief for those with digestive function issues such as indigestion or heartburn. This is because it neutralises stomach acid whilst acetic acid counteracts harmful bacteria.
Apple cider vinegar has also been shown to contain antiviral, anti-yeast and anti-fungal properties, all helpful in supporting microbiome and overall immune function.
2. Immune Function - the old adage is that prevention is better than cure, so supporting your immune system means your body is better prepared to ward off diseases and infections. This is where the healthy bacteria in raw cider vinegar come into play.
Studies have found that healthy bacteria (probiotics) can help you recover sooner if you get ill. Apple Cider Vinegar’s antibacterial properties can reportedly fight off pathogens in your body, such as E-coli, staphylococcus aureus and candida albicans.
3. Blood Sugar Balance - studies have shown that the acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar could help to maintain normal blood sugar balance. It is believed the acetic acid blocks the enzymes that help digest starch. This means that blood sugar levels don’t fluctuate as much after eating starchy food, such as pasta or bread for example.
4. Nutrient Support - Apple cider vinegar provides nutritional support as it contains potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, amino acids and antioxidants.
5. Weight Management - research has found that apple cider vinegar may be effective at supporting a weight management program. It is commonly used to curb eating by making people feel fuller.
6. Heart Function - Apple cider vinegar lowers triglycerides, promoters of fatty plaque along your arteries. It also contains a fibre called pectin which can help neutralise bad cholesterol and support healthy heart function.
As can be seen, the purported benefits of using the age old remedy of Apple Cider Vinegar are wide and varied. From helping with digestion, to giving hair a glossy shine and boosting your immune system, apple cider vinegar is used for a plethora of reasons.
