Sometimes it can be hard to know if what you read on the internet is actually true. Since the internet is a public platform, anyone can publish anything that rings with a grain of truth, and suddenly it’s accepted as a proven fact. In this world of expensive snake oils, miracle weight-loss drugs, and all of the other remedies that play on insecurities, there are just a few things that live up to the hype.
Of course, finding the truth amidst the exaggeration is insanely difficult. Today, we’re going to be looking at one infamous alternative health elixir, apple cider vinegar. Does it actually deliver such amazing results? Read on to find out the real story behind this smelly tonic.
What exactly is ACV?
It makes sense that you would want to know exactly what you’re eating, drinking, or putting on your body. Things like coconut oil are simple, an oil extracted from the meat or kernel of mature coconuts. ACV, on the other hand, isn’t necessarily as straightforward.
ACV is incredibly sour, (which you will quickly find out the first time you try to drink any) due to the presence of acetic acid. The process of making ACV involves yeast digesting the natural sugars in apple and converting them into alcohol. Next up is the all-star bacteria known as acetobacter, which finally transforms this fermented alcohol into the final product, the aforementioned acetic acid.
If you’ve ever heard that you need to make sure to buy raw ACV with “the mother,” you’ve probably wondered what’s so special about those strands of floating brown stuff at the bottom of the bottle. Though it’s not the most visually appealing thing, the “mother” is the combination of yeast and bacteria that is formed during fermentation, which means that it is loaded with critical probiotics. Plus, ACV is full of other nutrients along with acetic acid and probiotics, including B-vitamins and polyphenols.
Real benefits of ACV
May boost weight loss
One randomized, controlled trial published in the Journal of Functional Food found that people who drank apple cider vinegar along with a healthy meal lost a significant amount of weight in a 12 week period. Keep in mind that participants were also on a lowered calorie diet and following a daily exercise regimen. Experts suggest that weight loss benefits of ACV come from its ability to reduce appetite. This is not a magical weight-loss elixir that will instantly shrink your waistline, but it could be a helpful tool for managing your cravings and keeping you full longer.
Help control blood sugar
Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, is incredibly common in the United States and is tied to many unhealthy lifestyle habits. ACV may be beneficial in helping regulate blood sugar, particularly following a meal. One study in the Journal of the American Association of Diabetes discovered that ACV could help lower blood glucose levels better than a placebo. Of course, ACV should not take the place of regular treatments for diabetes, but it may be a beneficial supplement.
How to enjoy ACV
Remember, more isn’t always better. This is particularly true when it comes to ACV. Chugging tons of ACV every day could actually prove detrimental, and your body can only process so many of the available nutrients. Use ACV along with olive oil for a healthy salad dressing or add a splash to a glass of warm honey and lemon water.
Rather than focusing on particular remedies, cultivate a healthy lifestyle overall and maintain a proper, well-balanced diet and exercise regularly. You’ll be surprised at how much small, long-term changes can benefit your body.
Dangers of ACV
Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not a great idea to down “shots” of ACV for maximum health benefits. In fact, though this is an incredibly safe natural remedy, failing to dilute it could cause digestive and corrosive issues in your body. For instance, long term use of ACV could erode your teeth enamel, so it is important to always drink (diluted) ACV through a straw and rinse your mouth with water after consuming. ACV is an acidic food, so it is best to avoid it if you have kidney or acid reflux issues.
How do you enjoy apple cider vinegar? Let us know in the comments below!
-The Alternative Daily
