Apple cider vinegar: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

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Vinegar is a colorless, waterish liquid of acetic acid (4% v/v) with fewer minerals. Apple cider vinegar is prepared by fermentation, in which sugars present in apple juice are fermented by yeast/bacteria, which converts sugars into alcohol and then into vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar has a strong sour taste and flavor because of its malic and Acetic acid content. Vinegar has been used in cooking for many decades for making homemade salad dressing, mayonnaise, sauces, and ketchup.

There are two types of vinegar:

Cider vinegar-

It is juices of grapes, apples, sugarcane, dates, and fig.

Apple cider vinegar is available in both filtered and unfiltered form in the superstores.

Filtered- Apple cider vinegar is semi-transparent and light brown. Whereas the unfiltered (unpasteurized/organic) Apple cider vinegar is murky, dark brown color liquid. Due to its cloudy appearance, Apple cider vinegar is known as a mother, consisting of different proteins, bacteria, and enzymes.

Normal vinegar-

Regular vinegar is prepared using grains, maple syrup, honey, beer, whey, beets, molasses, whey, and coconut.

Mother of vinegar

The unfiltered, raw Apple cider vinegar has a hazy appearance due to its composition, which comprises enzymes, minerals, proteins, salts, yeast, and bacteria. Together it is known as mother. It appears floating when stored in a bottle kept stand still for a long time, and it is certified probiotic.

Chemical components of apple cider vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar is composed of diverse organic acids like lactic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, formic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid. It also contains bioactive nutrients such as phenolic, phytosterols, carotenoids, fat-soluble vitamin A, water-soluble vitamin C, and phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic caffeic, epicatechin, catechin, gallic acid. Apple cider vinegar is also rich in minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese & different antioxidants with amino acids.

Nutritional facts

Nutrients  Nutrition per 100 gm of vinegar
Water 94%
Carbs 1%
Total energy 22 calories
Fat 0%
Protein 0%

Other names of Apple cider vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar has different names based on its origin. It is also known as cider, vinegar, apple cider vinegar, Vinagre de Sidra de Manzana, Vinagre de Manzana, Vinaigre de Cidre.

Traditional uses of Apple cider vinegar

  • Apple cider vinegar has exceptional germicidal action. A long time back, the father of modern medicine was used, i.e., Hippocrates (c. 420 BC), as a disinfectant, for cleaning wounds, ear, onychomycosis warts, and infections.
  • Apple cider vinegar is acidic due to the content of higher amounts of acetic acid, and thus it is used as a natural food preservative for enhancing the shelf life of store food for a long time.
  • Due to the acidic nature of Apple cider vinegar, it is used in the preparation of marinades, salad dressing, and chutneys as a flavoring agent.
  • Apple cider vinegar is perfect for cleaning the armpit.
  • Apple cider vinegar is used as a soft drink or beverage when diluted using water (Apple cider vinegar: Water; 1:3).

Health Benefits of Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar and digestive health

Apple cider vinegar helps to enhance healthy digestion. Apple cider vinegar (mother) is taken as a probiotic due to its content of health-benefiting bacteria. It lowers the symptoms such as heartburn, the fullness of the abdomen, distension, and support digestion.

Apple cider vinegar and diabetes

Apple cider vinegar consumption helps increase insulin sensitivity and better insulin function to maintain postprandial sugar levels.

Apple cider vinegar and weight loss

The control of Hunger is directly related to the brain. Therefore, the consumption of apple cider vinegar before and after the meal gives fullness to the abdomen, which further helps control the appetite. The control over the appetite leads to taking less food and thereby lose in weight.

Apple cider vinegar and heart health

The consumption of Apple cider vinegar helps increase good cholesterol and helps lower bad cholesterol. Apple cider vinegar is perfect for regulating triglycerides levels and blood pressure. The consumption of Apple cider vinegar can control atherosclerosis and cardiac diseases.

Apple cider vinegar for skin and sunburn

The pH of the skin is slightly acidic. The use of Apple cider vinegar through the topical formulation could help rebalance the skin’s natural pH. Apple cider vinegar improves the protection of the skin. Many peoples use Apple cider vinegar in diluted form in face wash and toner. Apple cider vinegar has perfect antibacterial activity, and it can help in preventing spots. Apple cider vinegar is not meant to be used in strong concentrations to the skin, as it is acidic, which is not suitable for the skin. The diluted form of Apple cider vinegar helps treat acne when applied externally on the skin.

Apple cider vinegar for cancer treatment

Apple cider vinegar in its emulsified form with nuts and olive oil is beneficial in stopping cancer cell growth. Due to its antibacterial properties, Apple cider vinegar helps prevent skin infections linked to eczema.

Apple cider vinegar for sore throat

For getting relief from a sore throat (pharyngitis), Apple cider vinegar drinks and gargles are very beneficial. Apple cider vinegar is safe for use for treating pharyngitis in children.

Apple cider vinegar for the health of hair

Application of Apple cider vinegar on hairs prevents their fizziness and gives silky shine to them. For getting rid of dandruff, Apple cider vinegar is used in diluted form. Because of its antibacterial property and rejuvenation, Apple cider vinegar is used in hair shampoo and conditioners.

Recommended Dosage of Apple cider vinegar

The ayurvedic dosage of Apple cider vinegar varies according to its variants of different forms of products.

Product Preparation Dosage/ Day
Liquid form Take one glass of lukewarm water and add two teaspoons of Apple cider vinegar into it.Drink the diluted form of Apple cider vinegar in the morning. One time
Capsules Take two capsules of Apple cider vinegar along with the water. Two times
Tablets Take two capsules of Apple cider vinegar along with the water. Two times

Precautions and side effects of apple cider vinegar

  • Higher dosage or intake of Apple cider vinegar is harmful to the body as it may have some side effects.
  • There is a risk of taking Apple cider vinegar in tablet form as it may lead to damage to the soft tissues of the mouth, stomach, throat, and kidney.
  • There are some reports of irritation and redness in the eyes when the Apple cider vinegar comes in direct contact with them.
  • The use of Apple cider vinegar for topical application will be hazardous to the ears and eye.
  • For skin application of Apple cider vinegar, it is diluted.
  • When mixed with chlorine bleach, Apple cider vinegar forms a chlorine gas that can irritate airways (eyes, nose, and throat).

FAQs

What are the best conditions to store the Apple cider vinegar?

There is no need for refrigerator storage conditions to store the Apple cider vinegar. The best practice is to close the opened bottle and keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place for retaining the original flavor and the quality of vinegar. The proper storage condition of Apple cider vinegar helps to prevent the growth of bacteria for maintaining its quality.

Is Apple cider vinegar good for liver health?

The consumption of Apple cider vinegar in adequate quantity is good for liver health. Apple cider vinegar is beneficial in cleansing and detoxification of the liver for its healthy functioning.

Is a combination of Apple cider vinegar and citrus fruit juice good for health?

It is not good to take the mixture of Apple cider vinegar and citrus fruit juice. The mix of Apple cider vinegar and citrus juice may lead to hyperacidity and stomach problems.

Summary

Apple cider vinegar has numerous health benefits, such as treating disease and boosting energy. Apple cider vinegar is fermented apple juice, then the natural sugar present in the apple is fermented using yeast and turned into alcohol. Apple cider vinegar consists of acetic acid, vitamins (B and C), probiotic bacteria, potassium, dietary fiber, and some organic acids (malic, citric, and lactic acid).

Read more about: 9 Incredible Health Benefits Of Raw Mango

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.