Top 6 Reasons Why Apple Cider Vinegar Can Keep The Doctor Away

Top 6 Reasons Why Apple Cider Vinegar

Can Keep The Doctor Away

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the most popular items in the health world, right now. It is used worldwide and has a long history of use in many conditions like, heartburn, weight loss, cold remedies, diabetes and arthritis. Many people will add it into foods, atop salads and some may even drink it straight up!  In today’s post, I will show you why apple cider vinegar can keep the doctor away! 
 
The first step is to understand what apple cider vinegar is…
 

What is Apple Cider Vinegar? 

Apple cider is simply unprocessed apple juice. It is made by mixing up fresh crushed apples with water and then allowing it to ferment naturally. It is produced in a 2-stage fermentation process. First the fresh apples are mixed with yeast so as to convert the simple sugars in apples to ethanol. Second, acetic bacteria, Acetobacter are added to the ethanol to make acetic acid. This fermentation process can take about one month. 
 
Yeast and beneficial bacteria, also known as the “mother” of apple cider vinegar are responsible for the fermentation process and also what confers a lot of health benefits. Filtered and pasteurized apple cider vinegar removes enzymes and beneficial minerals. So, make sure to buy raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to attain all of its wonderful health benefits! 
 

Nutritional Status of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has low acidity when compared to other types of vinegar as it contains 5% acetic acid. It also contains many vitamins, minerals and amino acids such as:
  • B Vitamins
  • Biotin 
  • Folic Acid
  • Vitamin C
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Iron
  • Copper
 
Apple cider vinegar also contains Pectin. Pectin is found in apples and is a soluble fiber that can mix with water and act as a demulcent, which is a gel-like substance. Demulcents are used in natural medicine to soothe the digestive tract. 
 
Lastly, as mentioned earlier, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid is what contributes to the sour taste of apple cider vinegar - and if any of you have tried it you sure know that it is an acquired taste! This is the compound that allows for the long shelf-life of apple cider vinegar!
 
Now, it's time to show you the many health benefits of apple cider vinegar! So keep reading….
 

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Reason # 1: Lowers Blood Sugar

Insulin is a hormone that helps to balance blood sugar levels in the blood after a meal. This is especially important for those with pre-diabetes or diabetes. As often times, they don’t produce enough insulin or have reduced sensitivity to insulin which can lead to increased amounts of sugar in the bloodstream after a meal. 
 
Apple cider vinegar can slow the rise of sugar into the bloodstream after eating. It can also improve insulin sensitivity.  One of the proposed reasons for this is that apple cider vinegar can improve gastric emptying which in turn delays how quickly sugar can enter the bloodstream. 
 

Reason # 2: Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that builds up in the arteries and leads to inflammation making it harder for the heart to do its job of pumping blood to areas of the body. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can put you at a higher risk for developing diabetes and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. 
 
Apple cider vinegar can help develop a healthy heart. It can lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise the good cholesterol (HDL).
 

Reason # 3: Improves Gut Health

Engaging in poor dietary choices like eating too many fried foods or drinking alcohol, or smoking on a regular basis can all lead to increased levels of bad bacteria and reduce the good bacteria in the gut. 
 
Apple cider vinegar is filled with beneficial bacteria (probiotics) which can help support a healthy gut. A healthy gut leads to better immunity, better mood, balanced hormones and better digestion. Apple cider vinegar can also increase acidity in the stomach which helps to release digestive enzymes. This promotes better digestion of food and better absorption of nutrients in the gut. The pectin in apple cider vinegar can also decrease constipation by softening the stool! 
 
Candida is a fungal yeast that can overpopulate the gut when too many processed foods, sugars and simple carbohydrates are consumed. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help to keep candida species in the body at bay!
 
For apple cider’s digestive benefits mix 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into 8 oz of water before meals. Adding half a squeezed lemon into this mix can further optimize digestion. 
 

Reason # 4: Beneficial for Acid Reflux

GERD, commonly known as acid reflux happens when acid from the stomach comes up into the esophagus, creating that burning feeling in the chest. Contrary to popular belief, it can actually be caused by too little acid vs. too much acid in the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) lives in between the stomach and the esophagus. It closes when there is sufficient acid production. However, when there isn’t enough acid, the LES remains open allowing for the backflow of acid from the stomach up into the esophagus. 
 
Apple cider vinegar can help to increase acidity in the stomach which may help to close the LES and prevent acid reflux. Do keep in mind that sometimes acid reflux can be caused by too much acid, so it is important to start slow in terms of dosage as in these cases apple cider vinegar can worsen the symptoms. Start with 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water.
 

Reason # 5: Promotes Glowing Skin

The best thing about apple cider vinegar is that it can be used both internally and externally. Acetic acid is an antimicrobial that can inhibit Propionibacterium acnes, this improve acne. Apple cider vinegar can also improve skin texture. 
 
Apple cider vinegar can be used as a toner after washing the face or can be added into facemasks. Be sure to dilute it in water before use as it can be irritating if used straight. 
 

Reason # 6: Supports Weight Management 

This is the most popular reason of consuming apple cider vinegar! For weight loss, apple cider may help to increase satiety due to the delay in gastric emptying which can reduce overall caloric intake. Apple cider vinegar should always be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise to support weight loss. 
 
 

Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar

There are a few potential side effects to using apple cider vinegar. Acidic beverages can cause damage to the tooth enamel. To offset this try the following: (1) Drink apple cider vinegar in a diluted form (2) Drink apple cider vinegar with a straw can also help to reduce the effects on tooth enamel (3) Rinse the mouth after drinking apple cider vinegar. 
 
There are also interactions that exist between certain medications and apple cider vinegar. Always make sure to check these before usage. For example, apple cider vinegar can lower potassium levels in the body. Thus if you are already taking potassium lowering drugs, it could cause potassium levels in the body to become too low. 
 
 
 
The two easiest ways to start using apple cider vinegar is either add some to make a salad dressing OR simply add 1-2 tsp in 8 oz of water with a pinch of lemon. At vitamart.ca we also carry Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies!
 
 
Apple cider vinegar is a treat tool to keep around your homes! It has a long shelf-life and does not need to be refrigerated! Alongside the easy storage, it has so many benefits to health. It can help to manage blood sugar levels, improve digestion, support weight loss and is great for the heart! Not only can apple cider be consumed for overall benefit to health but it can also be used topically to help with skin texture! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
** Disclaimer: The advice is in this article is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the care of a Naturopathic physician.