Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits, Contraindications

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Jonah Lester

The Apple vinager is the result of the action of bacteria of the genus Acetobacter over the fermented apple juice. Its production begins with the extraction of apple juice, which is then subjected to an anaerobic fermentation process..

In this stage, due to the presence of yeasts, the sugars in the juice are converted into ethanol, and cider is produced. In a second fermentation, ethanol, in the presence of oxygen and acid-acetic bacteria, is converted into acetic acid. Acetic acid and malic acid give apple cider vinegar its characteristic flavor.

Since the middle of the second half of the 20th century, the consumption of apple cider vinegar has been stimulated, giving it healthy properties, although its use as a popular remedy dates back centuries. However, none of these claims have been supported by sufficient scientific evidence thus far..

It is worth noting that in the composition of apple cider vinegar there are elements with proven interest in promoting health. However, its use in medicinal form can present risks, especially if it is taken during pregnancy or consumed chronically..

Article index

  • 1 What is it for?
    • 1.1 Natural antimicrobial
    • 1.2 Alkalizing
    • 1.3 Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels
    • 1.4 Adjuvant in the loss of body weight
    • 1.5 Helps digest protein
    • 1.6 Increases iron absorption
    • 1.7 Allows rapid recovery from fatigue
    • 1.8 Increases immunity
    • 1.9 Antihypertensive effect
    • 1.10 Balances blood sugar
    • 1.11 Helps reduce acid reflux and improves digestion
  • 2 Contraindications
  • 3 How to take it?
  • 4 References

What is it for?

Natural antimicrobial

The role of vinegar in the preservation of food is known. The acetic acid it contains can protect the body from yeast, bacteria and viruses. It even protects against pathogens like E.coli.

VDM has antifungal capacity against Candida albicans; this yeast is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract. Its functions include suppressing remaining carbohydrates that have been poorly absorbed and maintaining the pH balance of the blood..

However, candidiasis appears when the immune system is depressed and there is an imbalance in the intestinal flora, which generates an exacerbated growth of said yeast.

The imbalance is manifested by conditions in physical, mental and emotional well-being, such as food intolerances, fatigue, mental confusion and fungal infections.

Alkalizing

Raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar has been shown to be alkalizing because it contains minerals with this characteristic, such as potassium.

Offers protective effects against oxidation and cell damage, which can be the result of increased acidity.

Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels

In animal studies, those who ingested a diet supplemented with apple cider vinegar had decreased levels of triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol.

VLDL is the acronym for very low-density lipoprotein, which promotes the accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries..

Adjuvant in the loss of body weight

Apple cider vinegar is not a miracle potion for fast weight loss, but acetic acid's ability to keep your appetite satiated has been studied.

Therefore, it helps reduce the total amount of calories ingested, which promotes slow and steady weight loss.

It can even help curb cravings for sweets and other processed foods that can lead to weight gain. Its caloric intake is practically nil, it only contains approximately three calories per tablespoon, a value that is considered very low.

Helps digest protein

Acetic acid contributes to the hydrolysis of proteins and their breakdown into amino acids. This allows you to get even more benefits from the proteins you eat..

On the other hand, by improving digestion, it increases the absorption of nutrients and the elimination of toxins, which also affects one of the causes that causes the appearance of acne..

Increases iron absorption

The acetic, malic and ascorbic acids present in apple cider vinegar improve the absorption of non-heme iron; that is, the one present in foods of plant origin.

Dressing iron-rich dark green leafy vegetables with apple cider vinegar can increase the absorption of this nutrient.

Allows rapid recovery from fatigue

One of the reasons apple cider vinegar naturally increases energy levels is because it helps with iron absorption, as mentioned above..

Iron is necessary to help transport oxygen between cells, which promotes energy production.

People with iron deficiency suffer from continuous fatigue. So it makes sense that improving your body's ability to absorb iron can reduce fatigue and promote your body's sense of energy..

Boosts immunity

It has been suggested that it has protective antiviral effects and offers great benefits for the immune system when taken daily. In this way, it could help reduce the body's immune response and reactions to allergens..

Antihypertensive effect

Apple cider vinegar can help reduce high blood pressure because it causes blood sodium levels to fall.

Potassium together with sodium maintain blood pressure levels, but if the diet is high in common salt, an imbalance arises: sodium levels in the body increase and blood pressure levels increase.

Apple cider vinegar adds extra potassium to the diet, helps balance sodium in the blood, and reduces high blood pressure.

Balances blood sugar

Apple cider vinegar slows the digestion of starches, decreasing the body's insulin response after eating. It also slows the gastric emptying rate, which also reduces the insulin production response..

Helps reduce acid reflux and improves digestion

The pH of apple cider vinegar is similar to that of stomach acids (that of apple cider vinegar is 3.075 and that of the stomach ranges between 1.5 and 3.5), and this contributes to the correct digestion of food.

Acid reflux can also be a sign that the body does not have enough stomach acid to digest food properly. By increasing the acid necessary for the digestive process, the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux are reduced.

Apple cider vinegar may also help prevent gas and bloating..

Contraindications

Although vinegar is a dilution of a weak acid (acetic acid in water), its ingestion presents a risk of possible injury to the soft tissues of the mouth, throat, stomach and kidneys. That is why it is recommended to use it diluted.

Its use in topical treatments should be with caution. Acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can weaken tooth enamel and lead to cavities..

Apple cider vinegar can also interact with some medications, such as insulin and certain diuretics, so it is advisable to consult with your pharmacist or doctor before taking it systematically.

How to take it?

The conventional way to incorporate it into the diet is as a flavoring in salad dressings, or to make mayonnaise at home. 

Another possibility is to drink it diluted in water. It is best to start with small doses and avoid taking large amounts. The usual dose ranges from 1 to 2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) to 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) per day, mixed in a large glass of water.. 

Oral intake of a drink containing 750 mg of acetic acid per day significantly lowers blood pressure in people with high-normal blood pressure and in mild hypertensive patients..

To help with weight loss, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar can be consumed in a glass of water before each meal..

Protein digestion improves by taking apple cider vinegar at that time as well, but the dose required for this effect may be slightly less than that used to lose weight..

If you want to improve iron absorption, it is recommended to take 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water three times a day. In addition, it is convenient to add it to foods that contain sources of vegetable iron, such as beans, lentils or spinach.

References

  1. Apple cider vinegar (2018). Retrieved on May 3, 2018, in Wikipedia
  2. Bell B. (2017). What Is the Difference Between Cider Vinegar & Apple Cider Vinegar? Retrieved on May 4, 2018 at livestrong.com.
  3. Browm E. (2017). The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar & Dosage. Retrieved on May 4, 2018 at livestrong.com
  4. Budak N. H., Kumbul Doguc D., Savas C. M., Seydim A. C., Kok Tas T., Ciris M. I., Guzel-Seydim Z. B. Effects of Apple Cider Vinegars Produced with Different Techniques on Blood Lipids in High-Cholesterol-Fed Rats. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 2011; 59, 6638-6644
  5. Busch S (2017). Benefits of Drinking Water with Apple Cider Vinegar. Retrieved on May 4, 2018 at livestrong.com
  6. Commins J. (2017). What Is the Difference Between Cider Vinegar & Apple Cider Vinegar ?. Retrieved on May 4, 2018 at livestrong.com
  7. Halima, B., Sonia, G., Sarra, K., Houda, B., Fethi, B. and Abdallah, A. Apple Cider Vinegar Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Reduces the Risk of Obesity in High-Fat-Fed Male Wistar Rats . Journal of Medicinal Food. 2017 Aug; 21 (1), pp. 70-80.
  8. Nakamura, K., Ogasawara, Y., Endou, K., Fujimori, S., Koyama, M. and Akano, H. Phenolic Compounds Responsible for the Superoxide Dismutase-like Activity in High-Brix Apple Vinegar. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2010 Aug; 58 (18), 10124-10132.
  9. Palomo G, I., Yuri S, J., Moore-Carrasco, R., Quilodrán P, Á. and Neira E, A. The consumption of apples contributes to preventing the development of cardiovascular diseases and cancer: epidemiological antecedents and mechanisms of action. Chilean nutrition magazine. 2010 Jun; 37 (3), 377-385
  10. Smith F. (2017). Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar for Diabetics. Retrieved on May 4, 2018 at livestrong.com
  11. Sprintzler F. (2016). 7 Side Effects of Too Much Apple Cider Vinegar. Retrieved on May 4, 2018, at healthline.com
  12. Top 12 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar You Need to Know (Backed by Science) (n.d.). Retrieved on May 3, 2018 at yurielkaim.com.
  13. Wai Ho, C., Mat Lazim, A., Fazry, S., Kalsum Hj Hussain Zaki, U., Joe Lim, S., Varieties, production, composition and health benefits of vinegars: A review. Food Chemistry (2016).

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