Apple cider vinegar can be considered a local superfood with multiple qualities that you can also easily prepare at home. Apple or cider vinegar is a product of the acetic fermentation of apple must or cider. It is made by fermenting fruits in a mixture of sugar and water.
First the yeasts transform the sugars into alcohol. Then the bacteria Mycoderma aceti or acetic bacteria They transform alcohol into acetic acid, which gives rise to the typical smell and flavor.
apple cider vinegar unfiltered, unpasteurized and organic It contains the «mother», made up of a mixture of bacteria, amino acids and enzymes that gives the product a cloudy appearance. The product obtained is very beneficial for health.
Properties of apple cider vinegar
Some of Its properties can be compared to those of apple juice or must, and even to those of cider, as it contains moderate amounts of pectin and abundant potassium. Its trace elements and minerals strengthen the immune system, They help against headaches and asthma, strengthen the skin, hair and nails, and support the treatment of diabetes.
In addition, it has a positive effect on cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood, protects against high blood pressure and stimulates digestion. In smaller quantities, it provides vitamins C, B1, B2 and B6, biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium.
There are no important clinical studies that support the effectiveness of cider vinegar, but enthusiasts maintain that:
- Helps relieve arthritis and osteoporosis.
- Reduces the urinary stones.
- Favors the digestion.
- It is useful in diets weight reduction.
- Helps prevent cancer.
- Improves brain degeneration typical of senile age.
5 benefits of apple cider vinegar
These are the main healthy benefits of apple cider vinegar:
1. It has antibacterial effect
The vinegar prevents bacteria from multiplying, so it promotes wound healing or helps against unpleasant odors.
In traditional natural medicine it is used against infections ear infections, warts and nail fungus. To do this, rub the affected areas with apple cider vinegar.
Besides soothes irritated skin due to solar radiation or insect bites.
Unpleasant odors can be removed from clothing with apple cider vinegar. Rub with vinegar beforehand or regularly add apple cider vinegar to the fabric softener compartment.
2. Helps against dandruff
apple cider vinegar has a high proportion of acetic acid, They also help against certain fungi found on the skin and that promote the appearance of dandruff. When the balance of microorganisms on the head is disturbed, vinegar can restore this balance.
Dilute 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a liter of warm water and distribute it on the scalp and throughout the hair after washing your hair. Do not rinse the apple cider vinegar. After drying, the smell also disappears.
3. Helps with digestive problems
When mixed with water, apple cider vinegar promotes good digestion. Drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar dissolved in a glass of water half an hour before each meal. This stimulates the digestive system and prevents constipation.
Acetic acid also protects the gastric mucosa and has a regenerating effect. Also helps combat abdominal bloating and prevents infections.
4. Apple cider vinegar helps you lose weight
Not only apple cider vinegar, but also balsamic vinegar, wine vinegar or other types of vinegar will help you lose belly fat.
This effect is due to the activation of AMP kinase, which promotes the use of fat cells to obtain energy.
Of course, you shouldn’t rely on apple cider vinegar or any other product as a miracle weight loss remedy. It’s just help within a plan that includes a low-calorie, balanced, nutritious, plant-based diet, physical exercise and relaxation.
5. Helps against hypertension
It has also been said that it is a good remedy for hypertensionalthough this must be qualified.
Due to its potassium content, if taken with plenty of water It is a diuretic and can help control tension, but it also allows you to season foods without adding salt..
It is possibly this aspect that makes it a useful seasoning for hypertension.
How to use apple cider vinegar?
In combination with seaweed and grapefruit juiceis part of a popular slimming diet in which it is advisable to take one or two tablespoons of vinegar, diluted, before meals.
Dissolved in 50% water and with a little honey, it is ideal for gargling. in case of pharyngeal irritation.
Externallyit has been indicated for acne, burns and insect bitesas a general skin tonic and, like wine vinegar, as anti-dandruff and hair softener.
In external vaginitis, it has been proposed to add three cups of cider vinegar in the bathtub.
Recommended dosage (always consult with an expert)
- In weight loss diets, a teaspoon before eating.
- For colds, arthritis or hypertension, also two before eating.
Apple cider vinegar: contraindications
When you buy apple cider vinegar, make sure you are purchasing a high-quality product. A good apple cider vinegar It is not pasteurized, that is, it has not been heated and appears naturally cloudy.
The best quality is often offered in health food stores and organic supermarkets. In conventional supermarkets, you can usually find vinegars that are made from apple scraps, pasteurized (that is, without live microorganisms) and that may contain artificial additives. They also contain fewer nutrients.
He prolonged consumption of this vinegar has been linked to digestive indisposition, osteoporosis or elevated plasma renin levels. In high doses (more than 250 cc daily) may have some cardiac toxicity or interfering with medications digitalis.
Despite being rich in potassium, in high doses stimulates the elimination of this mineral in the urine, which can cause its deficiency. Although apple cider vinegar is a healthy product, it should be consumed in moderate doses and appropriately.
In some cases, apple cider vinegar can trigger side effects:
- Don’t drink pure apple cider vinegar because it can irritate the throat and esophagus.
- After eating a meal with apple cider vinegar, rinse your mouth well since acetic acid will attack the tooth enamel. Don’t brush your teeth until half an hour later to avoid wearing down your tooth enamel.
- For people with a sensitive stomach, A doctor should first assess whether apple cider vinegar is suitable for the daily diet.
- apple cider vinegar It can irritate and dry sensitive skin.
- The pregnant women and diabetics You should consult your doctor before using it.