For several health problems, apple cider vinegar has been utilized as a natural treatment for centuries. This adaptable vinegar has various advantages, including helping with weight reduction and enhancing digestion.
Researches show that it can possibly offer the following health benefits.
1. Weight loss
2. Lowering blood sugar levels
3. Reducing cholesterol
4. Improving symptoms of diabetes
However, more research is needed on these health benefits. So, I will suggest not to be fully dependent on these.
Benefits of apple cider vinegar
Here are some of the medicinal uses of apple cider vinegar. though some of them do not have any research on them. But they still are worthy to be known.
1. lowers blood sugar
Apple cider vinegar can help control diabetes by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates are broken into glucose during the metabolism, which enters the bloodstream through capillaries and raises blood pressure. however, apple cider vinegar lowers blood pressure, which helps in reducing blood pressure after a meal. However, it can not replace diabetes medicines but you can add it to your treatment plan.
2. lower cholesterol
The small study showed that apple cider vinegar boosted weight loss and increased the body's total cholesterol. it also helped them in gaining good fats and at the same time removes bad fats(triglycerides). But we need more research to understand this link.
3. lower blood pressure
Apple cider vinegar is thought to lower blood pressure. However, no such experiments have been performed on humans yet. It is better to use your medications and maintain a healthy diet.
4. ease acid reflux
Many people believe that using apple cider vinegar can help with pyrosis or heartburn relief. But there needs to be research done on that. Therefore, it is best to speak with your doctor if necessary.
5. Kills germs
There is a myth that mixing apple cider vinegar with lemon can prevent bacteria to grow on vegetables. But no research is available that it can help remove bacteria from the living.
6. hair health
The usage of apple cider vinegar to improve hair health is not supported by scientific research. However, some think it can make your hair thicker and shinier than before while promoting rapid hair growth.
Harms of apple cider vinegar
1. Delayed stomach emptying
According to research, apple cider vinegar may lengthen the time the stomach takes to empty and move down the lower digestive system. The bloodstream's ability to absorb nutrients is decreased. The nutrients from the meal are absorbed by microscopic capillaries in the stomach's lining during digestion and utilized by the body.
However, in the case of gastroparesis, a condition that affects people with diabetes, this effect might prove fatal.
Because the stomach's nerves are not functioning properly in gastroparesis, the stomach empties slowly.
Heartburn, nausea, and bloating are the symptoms of gastroparesis. It is difficult for people with type 1 diabetes to predict the timing of insulin because it is hard to predict how long will it take for the stomach to empty.
2. Damage to tooth enamel
One of the primary concerns of consuming apple cider vinegar is its potential to erode tooth enamel. ACV is highly acidic, with a pH of around 2-3, which can soften and weaken tooth enamel over time.
If left untreated, this can result in cavities, discoloration, and even tooth sensitivity. It is advised to mix apple cider vinegar with water or drink it through a straw to avoid damaging the teeth's enamel.
Additionally, you should give your saliva at least 30 minutes to neutralize the acid after consuming ACV before brushing your teeth.
3. Gastrointestinal problems
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes used as a treatment for digestive disorders like bloating, heartburn, and constipation, but it can also make some people's gastrointestinal problems worse.
ACV contains a lot of acetic acids, which can irritate the digestive tract's lining and result in pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Furthermore, consuming a lot of ACV can lower the pH of the stomach, which could affect digestion and raise the risk of acid reflux.
It is advised to start with a small dose of ACV and gradually raise the dosage over time to prevent digestive issues. It's also crucial to take ACV with food rather than on an empty stomach.
4. Skin Problems
Acne, eczema, and psoriasis are just a few of the skin disorders for which apple cider vinegar is occasionally used as a natural treatment.
However, some people may experience burning or chemical burns if they apply undiluted ACV directly to their skin. This is because ACV has a high acid content, which might harm the skin's natural pH balance and protective layer.
ACV should be diluted with water before being applied to the skin to prevent skin irritation. A tiny skin patch can also be tested first to determine its sensitivity.
5. Risk of lead contamination
According to recent studies, some brands of apple cider vinegar may contain trace amounts of lead, a toxic heavy metal that can build up in the body over time and result in serious health issues. Lead contamination might happen during production or via the vinegar's packing materials.
To minimize the risk of lead exposure, it is recommended to choose brands of apple cider vinegar that are certified organic and tested for heavy metals. It is also important to store ACV in glass containers and avoid using vinegar that has been stored in plastic or metal containers.