Apple Cider Vinegar – Healthy or Not?

Apple cider vinegar has been around for centuries but many people have only recently started to discover it. This golden sour liquid has quite some benefits on offer. From curing hiccups, sore throat, weight loss to even coming in handy when cleaning your kitchen.

Apple cider is made out of crushed apples with added yeast. After allowing some time, the crushed apples start fermenting with its sugars turning into alcohol. Thereafter good bacteria are added and the resulting alcohol turns into acetic acid.

The unfiltered form of apple cider vinegar contains what is known as “mother” which is the product of proteins, enzymes and good bacteria. Having said so, the filtered form of apple cider has the same effects as the unfiltered one since there is no evidence that vinegar with “mother” makes the product more beneficial.

The main health benefits of apple cider vinegar can be summarised as follows:

1) Kills bad bacteria: vinegar was traditionally used to treat nail fungus, sore throat and ear infection but also to disinfect kitchen utilities without the use of chemicals.

2) Lowers blood sugar: apple cider vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity and helps decrease developing type 2 diabetes.

3) May help with weight loss: vinegar can help increase the feeling of fullness and reduce blood sugar response after consuming carbohydrates

4) Lowers cholesterol: apple cider vinegar contains an antioxidant which is able to protect LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized which is the main cause of heat diseases

Are there any side effects of taking too much apple cider vinegar?

I personally did not experience any side effects when consuming the recommended amount of apple cider vinegar which is around 1 to 2 tablespoons daily. However, note that consumption in excessive amounts can cause delay of stomach emptying, digestive problems, bone loss, low potassium levels and throat burns.

In concluding, my suggestion is to use apple cider vinegar in the recommended amounts, whether it is you want to lose weight or keep your kitchen clean! 🙂

To fitness with love,

Martina