Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits, Nutritional Facts and Precautions

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Often used in salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrettes, food preservatives, and chutneys, apple cider vinegar is a vinegar derived from fermented apple juice. Apples are crushed and then the juice is squeezed out. The sugars are converted to alcohol through alcoholic fermentation, which is initiated by adding bacteria and yeast to the liquid. Acetic acid-producing bacteria (Acetobacter species) convert the alcohol into vinegar in the second fermentation step. The sour taste of vinegar is caused by a combination of malic acid and acetic acid.

The use of apple cider vinegar as a home remedy has been around for a long time, used "to treat things like sore throats and varicose veins.". Apple cider vinegar contains no high-quality clinical evidence to support its ability to manage blood sugar or cholesterol levels or to maintain or lose bodyweight. Research on apple cider vinegar and its possible health benefits has been conducted in the last few years.

Nutritional Fact of Apple Cider Vinegar:

In addition to being 94% water, apple cider vinegar contains 1% carbohydrates, no fat, and no protein. It contains negligible amounts of micronutrients and provides 22 calories per 100 grams.

Nutritional Value of Apple Cider Vinegar per 100 gm –

Energy – 90 kJ; Carbohydrates – 0.93 g; Sugars – 0.40 g; Calcium – 7 mg; Iron – 0.20 mg; Magnesium – 5 mg;

Phosphorus – 8 mg; Potassium – 73 gm; Sodium – 5 mg; Zinc – 0.04 mg; Water 93.81 gm

Making Process of Apple Cider Vinegar:

On a conveyor belt, apples are crushed, pressed, and juice separated. A submerged tank is used to store the material in which the first fermentation process takes place and oxygen is supplied. The conversion of ethanol to acetic acid and vinegar is achieved by fermentation using the bacterial strain, Acetobacter. Vinegar is left with a microbial culture known as "the mother" before being distilled and pasteurized. Bacteria belonging to the acetobacter group can convert ethyl alcohol to acetic acid and water during acetic fermentation when there is oxygen present. In parallel to this transformation, there are also chemical transformations that occur, such as the conversion of malic acid, lactic acid, and glycerin, as well as the appearance of chemical products which can affect the final product.

8 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:

The healing properties of vinegar are centuries old. Historically, Greeks used it for wound healing. A lot has been written about apple cider vinegar lately, including how it can improve heart health, allow people to lose weight, and even treat dandruff. Several of these claims have no basis in research. However, some studies have indicated that acetic acid is effective in treating several conditions. Vinegar drinking may help reduce obesity, according to scientists from Japan. The effects of vinegar on type 2 diabetes blood sugar and insulin levels have been found in a small study.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar May Help to Maintain Blood Sugar: After starchy meals such as pasta or bread, vinegar appears to lower blood sugar levels because it's acetic acid blocks enzymes involved in digesting starch. Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to salads, marinades, vinaigrettes, and sauces for an easy way to include it in your meals.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar is Good for Stomach Health: A buildup of acid in the stomach causes stomach and intestinal ulcers. The use of apple cider vinegar on a daily basis can help cure our ulcers.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Helps in Constipation: Mild laxative properties are associated with apple cider vinegar. Constipation is relieved as bowel movements are stimulated. When the stool is sticky or mucous-containing rather than dry and hard, apple cider vinegar works better for constipation.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Helps in Food Poisoning: When contaminated food comes into contact with viral or bacterial agents, it results in food poisoning. As a powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial agent, apple cider vinegar can help prevent food poisoning.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Helps in Indigestion: Spiced foods and junk foods may cause acidity. Additionally, acidity can cause digestion problems. Gastritis and abdominal discomfort can be caused by excess gas in the abdomen. Apple cider vinegar is a great remedy for curing all of these symptoms and illnesses.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Help to Detoxify Liver: The detoxification properties of apple cider vinegar help remove harmful toxins from the liver and enhance liver function. As a result of ACV treatment, liver inflammation and hepatitis symptoms can be reduced, appetite can be improved, and liver enzymes can be normalized.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar Helps in Cough & Congestion: Inflammatory, decongestant, and bronchodilator, apple cider vinegar has many therapeutic properties. ACV is effective for cough, asthma, hiccups, and other respiratory ailments because of its medicinal properties. Coughs associated with congestion and wheezing can be reduced by apple cider vinegar. Hence, pulmonary mucus liquefies and is cleared. It is also beneficial for respiratory infections because of its antibacterial properties. ACV works well against infections associated with yellow phlegm and fever. ACV and honey work together to suppress coughs and congestion. ACV and honey are typically used together for coughs and congestion.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar Helps in Weight Loss: It is estimated that apple cider vinegar contains around five to six per cent acetic acid. Studies have shown that acetic acid can help you lose weight and inches. With its numerous mechanisms, it sculpts your entire body. It helps lower blood glucose levels by improving the absorption of glucose by muscles and the liver. In addition, it decreases liver fat production. Taking this tablet also helps to lower the ratio between insulin and glucagon, which results in fat burning.

Precautions to Take While Consuming the Apple Cider Vinegar:

Since Apple Cider Vinegar’s popularity has grown over the past few years, many people have been touting its benefits. Weight loss, improved health, blood sugar control, and acne and scar improvement are some of the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar. Experts warn that despite its numerous advantages, we should exercise caution. It should be consumed correctly since doing so otherwise may result in health problems.

Avid Apple Cider Vinegar in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant or breastfeeding women shouldn't take vinegar formulation. The consumption of vinegar during pregnancy can stunt the development of the fetus and contribute to low birth weight. Backaches and bone pain are common among pregnant women, as well as bone loss after delivery. Apple cider vinegar follows the same chemical structure as other kinds of vinegar, meaning it also contains acetic acid. A decrease in breast milk production may be caused by Apple Cider Vinegar in breastfeeding. Pregnant or nursing women do not seem to be at risk, but you may want to avoid taking it.

Take Small Quantity of Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is no exception; it is terrible for health when consumed in excess. Start out slow for those who are new to it. Understanding how your body reacts to it will help you. Taking too much can result in upset stomach and burning sensations, so reduce the dose or dilute it more.

Don’t Brush Right After Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar: Immediately following consumption of vinegar, you shouldn't brush your teeth because this can wear away the tooth enamel. Cavities and tooth decay can result from this. If you consume apple cider vinegar after brushing your teeth, then it is recommended you wait for at least 30 minutes.

Don’t Consume Apple Cider Vinegar on Full Stomach: Apple cider vinegar may seem like a weight loss aid that you can consume post-meal. The problem with this is that it is not healthy at all; it will actually delay your digestive processes. An empty stomach is the best time to drink apple cider vinegar to maximize health benefits. It is recommended to wait at least 20 minutes after eating before drinking it.

*Disclaimer – This blog provides the information only; it doesn’t claim that the Apple Cider Vinegar can cure any diseases or can be the replacement of any medicine. For the illness kindly consult a doctor and use it as per the prescription.