Apple cider vinegar properties and health benefits

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 the product of the acetic fermentation of the must or apple cider. It is made by fermenting the 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 taste.

apple cider vinegar unfiltered, unpasteurized and organic contains the “mother”, formed by a mixture of bacteria, amino acids and enzymes that gives the product a cloudy appearance. The product obtained is very beneficial for health.

Apple cider vinegar properties

Some of its properties can be compared to those of apple juice or must, and even those of cider, since 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 produces a positive effect on cholesterol and blood lipid levels, 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 alleviate arthritis and osteoporosis.Reduces urinary stones.favors the digestion.It is useful in diets weight reduction.Helps prevent cancer.Improve 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 an antibacterial effect

The vinegar prevents bacteria from multiplying so it favors wound healing or helps against unpleasant odors.

In traditional natural medicine it is used against infections ear, warts and nail fungus. To do this, rub the affected areas with apple cider vinegar.

Besides soothes irritated skin by solar radiation or insect bites.

Unpleasant odors can be removed from clothing with apple cider vinegar. Scrub with vinegar beforehand or regularly add apple cider vinegar to the fabric softener compartment.

2. Help against dandruff

apple cider vinegar has a high proportion of acetic acid, that also help against certain fungi that are found on the skin and that favor the appearance of dandruff. When the balance of microorganisms in 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 regenerative effect. Also helps fight abdominal bloating and prevents infections.

4. Apple cider vinegar helps to 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, It promotes the use of fat cells for energy.

Of course, you shouldn’t rely on apple cider vinegar or any other product as a miracle weight loss remedy. It’s just a help within a plan that includes a hypocaloric, balanced, nutritious, vegetable 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 diuretic and can help control blood pressure, 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 a anti-dandruff and hair softener.

In external vaginitis, it has been proposed to add three cups of cider vinegar in the bathtub.

Recommended dose (always consult an expert)

In slimming diets, one teaspoon before eating. For colds, arthritis or hypertension, two also before eating.

Apple cider vinegar: contraindications

When you buy apple cider vinegar, make sure you buy a high-quality product. A good apple cider vinegar it is not pasteurized, that is, it has not been heated and is naturally cloudy.

The best quality is often offered in the health food stores and organic supermarkets. In conventional supermarkets, you can often find vinegars that are made from apple scraps, pasteurized (meaning without live microorganisms), and may contain artificial additives. They also contain fewer nutrients.

He prolonged consumption of this vinegar has been linked to digestive upset, osteoporosis or high levels of plasma renin. In high doses (more than 250 cc daily) may have some cardiac toxicity or interfere with medications digitalis

Despite being rich in potassium, in high doses stimulates the elimination of this mineral in the urine, which is why it can cause its deficiency. Although apple cider vinegar is a healthy product, it should be consumed in moderate doses and properly.

In some cases, apple cider vinegar can trigger side effects:

Don’t drink plain apple cider vinegar because it can irritate the throat and esophagus. After eating a meal with apple cider vinegar, rinse your mouth well as acetic acid will attack tooth enamel. Do not brush your teeth until half an hour later to avoid wearing down the dental enamel. For people with a sensitive stomach, a doctor must first assess whether apple cider vinegar is suitable for the daily diet.Apple cider vinegar can irritate and dry out sensitive skin.The pregnant women and diabetics they should consult their doctor before using it.