What Are the Health Effects of Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is created by crushing fresh apples and allowing the juice to ferment. Although a seemingly simple food, apple cider vinegar is surrounded by myths but has some very real effects.

Folklore

Throughout the ages, populations such as the Indians and ancient Egyptians have asserted that apple cider vinegar is an all powerful healing remedy. Apple cider vinegar was used to heal ailments ranging from weight loss to arthritis.

It is possible that these claims are true. However, apple cider vinegar does not contain large amounts of nutrients, the effects have never been proven and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has yet to investigate these unconventional uses of apple cider vinegar.

Absorbing Minerals

Although apple cider vinegar only contains trace amount of minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine, the high amount of acetic acid in vinegar helps increase the absorption of minerals.

Apple cider vinegar can be a particularly good way to ensure you are consuming the necessary doses of calcium.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Persons with Type 2 diabetes have unstable blood sugar levels, and it necessary to stabilize them. Apple cider vinegar can help control blood sugar levels, and prevent them from rising.

Weight Loss

Many people claim that apple cider vinegar can quicken a person's metabolism or burn calories in order to assist in weight loss. Although these claims have not been proven, apple cider vinegar is a low-caloric food that can be helpful to those trying to maintain a healthy diet.

Apple cider vinegar has a unique taste that can be used as an alternative to fat and sodium. Cooking vegetables with apple cider vinegar is a flavorful way to eat nutritiously.

Dangers

Apple cider vinegar can potentially be harmful to your health.

You should not consume more that 8 ounces a day on a long-term basis or you are more likely to contract problems such as low potassium or osteoporosis.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not consume apple cider vinegar.

Additionally, caution should be exercised when mixing apple cider vinegar with Digoxin (Lanoxin), insulin and water pills (diuretic drugs).

References

• Indian Child - Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
• HomeRemediesWeb - Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits
• WebMd - Apple Cider Vinegar