Apple cider vinegar does not require any introduction and most of you might have heard about it. It is acclaimed for its potent ability to improve digestion and immunity. Well, those are known facts and there are many untold facts about this unique natural solution. The human body is a complex system and like any other machine, it requires some care. Apple cider vinegar can be compared to grease which reduces its friction and helps improve its performance.
In this article, we will try to give you an overview of apple cider vinegar and also mention the facts which make it beneficial. We will list its nutritional value and highlight the major benefits of apple cider vinegar. In addition, we will also see how to make use of apple cider vinegar to its best use and also discuss some of its drawbacks.
Okay, now let’s get into the details real quickly.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Well, apple cider vinegar is made using the fermented apple juice commonly used in food preservation and cooking. It is produced through a process where yeast converts apple sugars into alcohol, followed by the bacteria transforming the alcohol into acetic acid which gives the vinegar its characteristics. See below for the types of apple cider vinegar.
- Filtered Apple Cider Vinegar: This is a pasteurized version of apple cider vinegar that does not contain any additives. It is made for a longer shelf life and with a less intense flavor.
- Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar: In this version of apple cider vinegar, strands of protein, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria are present. It is a solution that is loaded with nutrients and offers health benefits.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements: This is a version that is marketed and is available in many forms such as pills. solution, and even gummies. It cannot be counted as pure and there may be additives added and their effectiveness has to be studied.
Nutritional facts
Apple cider vinegar is composed of water, acetic acid, and lower carbohydrates. Let’s see the details below.
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
| Energy | 90 kJ (22 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 0.93 g |
| Sugars | 0.40 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Water | 93.81 g |
Apple cider vinegar benefits
Apple cider vinegar offers a plethora of health benefits and a few of them are given below.
- Supports Blood Sugar: Apple cider vinegar helps to lower blood sugar count as it can trigger insulin production.
- Weight Management: Although there is no established scientific basis, those who use the solution state that it lowers calorie intake by offering feelings of fullness for long hours.
- Reduces Cholesterol: Apple cider vinegar can lower cholesterol levels as it contains high amounts of antioxidants and acetic acid.
- Boosts Immunity: The mixture has antimicrobial properties and contains health-friendly bacteria that help fight toxins and improve immune function.
How to use apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar can be used in varied forms and the daily dosage limit should be within limits that is 15-30 ml per day. Below are the various ways in which it can be made use of.
- Salad Dressings: To use as a salad dressing, apple cider vinegar can be mixed with olive oil, mustard, and herbs.
- Marinades: The mixture can be used as the base of marinades and does add flavor to meat.
- Diluted Drink: Apple cider vinegar can be mixed with a large glass of water to create a refreshing beverage that improves digestion.
- Pickling: The solution can be used as a pickling for preserving vegetables and enhance their flavor.
As mentioned earlier, apple cider vinegar should be used in moderation no more than 1-2 tablespoons daily for having the best possible results.
Downsides of apple cider vinegar
Although apple cider vinegar has many benefits if not used sensibly, it can become a source of worry. It is acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time and can lead to sensitivity and cavities if taken in higher proportions. The mixture can irritate the esophagus and cause throat problems. Besides, consuming it in large quantities can deplete potassium reserves and weaken bones.
Conclusion
In this article, we talked about apple cider vinegar and its various other aspects. We listed the nutritional values and also saw how it can be used in different forms. We also looked at the solution’s dosage limits and highlighted its benefits and drawbacks.
While apple cider vinegar has helped many to improve their health, it should also be ensured we use it within limits so that we can safely enjoy its true benefits.
FAQs
There is no prescribed way of using apple cider vinegar however consuming it in a diluted form daily can provide health benefits.
Apple cider vinegar consumption can be beneficial for the whole body and particularly helpful in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels and improving digestion.
Apple cider vinegar has gut-friendly bacteria and helps to have the right pH levels thereby helping the detox process.
Apple cider vinegar contains pectin for regular intestinal motility and can help bowel movements.
Apple cider vinegar promotes feelings of fullness and restricts calorie intake which can help reduce belly fat.
