CAN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR IMPROVE MY HEALTH?

WHAT IS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR?

Apple cider vinegar is made from crushed apples. When this pulp is exposed to yeast it’s then fermented and becomes an alcoholic. You then need to add a bacterium to this alcoholic drink to turn the alcohol into an organic acid called acetic acid. Interestingly, this is the same acid that is made in your colon from soluble fibers.

There are many health benefits attributed to apple cider vinegar. One of the premier health attributes of apple cider vinegar is its ability to kill bad bugs. Apple cider vinegar kills probably the top 3 microbes that cause us grief. And those three microbes are:

– Escherichia coli (E-Coli)

– Staphylococcus aureus (Golden Staph)

– Candida albicans (Candida – Fed by sugar and yeast, I have struggled with this)

Even at lower doses, apple cider vinegar caused an inhibition in the growth of these potentially dangerous microbes.

It has also been shown that acetic acid (the acid found in apple cider vinegar) is beneficial on blood sugar levels. One of the most common foods eaten in the Western World is white bread. This is a staple in most households and is consumed by the tone. Unfortunately, white bread is nasty for our blood sugar levels. Simply adding apple cider vinegar to your daily routine can help manage this (or just cut out the bread).

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND WEIGHT LOSS?

A 12-week Japanese study found that taking a little vinegar may help you lose a bit of weight. Scientists investigated the effects of acetic acid intake on the reduction of fat mass in obese subjects in a double-blind trial. The obese Japanese subjects were assigned to three groups, and they all began with similar body weight, body mass index, and waist size.

During the 12-weeks of treatment, the individuals in each group ingested half a litre daily of a drink with either 15 ml of vinegar (750 mg of acetic acid), 30 ml of vinegar (1.5g of acetic acid), or 0 ml of vinegar (the placebo). Interestingly and surprisingly, their body weight, body mass index, visceral fat, waist diameter, and blood triglyceride levels were lower in both acetic acid intake groups than in the placebo group. The take-home message is that in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program, acetic acid (apple cider vinegar) may help. Not only this, but it has been shown to reduce the sensation of hunger. When we feel ‘full’ this signals it is time to stop eating.

THE TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

It seems there is a place for apple cider vinegar in our lives. It is pretty cheap and easy to take (once you get used to the taste). It won’t turn you trim overnight, but it may help. It also may help in the balancing act of those nasty bugs so this product is one you may want to consider consuming daily.

It’s important to note that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it may not work the same way for everyone. Additionally, it’s important to use it in moderation and to dilute it with water before consuming it, as undiluted ACV can be harsh on the teeth and stomach lining.

As with any health-related decision, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle. They can provide personalised advice based on your individual health needs and circumstances.