An Analysis Of Apple Cider Vinegar's Role In Health

Over centuries vinegar has been used for various purposes like killing weeds, making pickles, polishing armors, cleaning coffee makers, dressing salads and just about anything else! Vinegar has also been touted as a panacea for multiple ailments. Apple cider vinegar has won plaudits over the past few decades for being a health tonic and it is no surprise that both pharmacies and supermarkets stock it. While some health uses have scientific backing many have not been proven conclusively. Some small studies have shown promise for apple cider vinegar to be of benefit in the fight against obesity and diabetes.

Vinegar is derived from French and means actually sour wine. It is obtained by a process of fermentation where sugars in food are broken down by bacteria and yeast into alcohol first and then vinegar through what is commonly known as fermentation. Apple cider vinegar is obtained from fermenting pulverized apples. So what makes apple cider vinegar a popular health supplement. Here's an analysis of the benefits and risks associated with it and also a rundown on its use in weightloss.

Diabetes: Apple cider vinegar's (ACV) health claims have been best studied in diabetics. Two tablespoons of ACV before bedtime is proven to reduce early morning blood glucose levels by 4-6%.

High Cholesterol: A study in 2006 on rats showed that ACV can reduce high blood cholesterol though it is too early to gloat over its success as no study has been done in humans.

Blood pressure and heart: ACV has been shown to reduce high blood pressure in rats. A study done recently also showed that ACV and olive oil dressings on salads five to six times per week can improve the health of the heart.

Cancer: While lab studies have shown that vinegar can actually slow the growth of cancerous cells or even kill cancer cells actual epidemiological studies have been confusing. One study showed reduced incidence of esophageal cancer and another showed increased incidence of bladder cancer.

Weightloss: For centuries ACV has been contemplated for weightloss. White vinegar gives a sensation of fullness. A study has shown that people who ate bread with small amounts of vinegar felt more full and stayed off from food for longer periods.

All these studies, while promising are still in their infancy. Much larger studies are necessary to document the health benefits of ACV.

Dosage of ACV: Some people dilute two teaspoons in water or juice and have it daily. Another recommendation is 285 milligrams per day.

Risks associated with ACV: ACV can worsen or predispose people to reflux esophagitis or acid-peptic disease, interact with laxatives, diuretics, can cause low potassium levels and lower bone density, and can alter Insulin levels in diabetics because of its chromium content. Consult your doctor before beginning to use ACV.
Considering the various spurious ACV and ACV supplements available today, I would recommend my patients to exercise caution before using ACV. As a salad dressing you should be fine but if you want to take it daily as a health supplement consult your doctor. Early results from various studies are promising but a lot more research needs to be done on ACV or any vinegar for that matter.

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