With a medium or light amber color, if not pasteurized or raw, it contains the "mother of vinegar", a filamentous sediment that gives the vinegar a cloudy and dense appearance, consisting of a real bacterial colony.
Apple cider vinegar is widely used in cooking to dress raw vegetable salads, marinate meats or fish, in vinaigrettes, as a food preservative and in chutneys.
Apple cider vinegar boasts several healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. In addition, some recent studies suggest it may offer health benefits, such as promoting weight loss, lowering cholesterol, lowering blood sugar levels and improving the symptoms of diabetes.
Apple cider vinegar: how to use it and quantity
The best way to add apple cider vinegar to your diet is to use it in the kitchen. It is a simple addition to food as a condiment. For some people it is thirst-quenching when diluted in water (1 teaspoon in a large glass of water ) and drunk as a drink. Dietitians and nutritionists recommend using organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
Common dosages range from 1–2 teaspoons to 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) per day.
It is best to start with small doses and avoid taking large amounts. Too much vinegar can cause side effects, including erosion of tooth enamel and potential drug interactions.
are transformed into alcohol. Next, starter bacteria are added for a second fermentation and convert the alcohol into acetic acid, the main active compound in vinegar.
Acetic acid gives the vinegar its persistent odor and sour taste. Researchers believe this acid is responsible for the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Cider vinegars contain 5-6% acetic acid.
, the treatment of onychomycosis (fingernail and toenail fungus), lice, warts and ear infections.
Vinegar is also a food preservative and studies show that it inhibits bacteria such as E. coli from the growth and deterioration of food.
. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels caused by insulin resistance or the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. Apple cider vinegar contains the chrome, which can alter insulin levels in the blood. For this reason, it is recommended that people with type 1 diabetes mellitus consult their doctor before making significant and systematic use of apple cider vinegar in their diet. On the other hand, the beneficial effect of apple cider vinegar is to the advantage of those suffering from hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes mellitus. It does not block the absorption of starch 100%, but significantly reduces its entry into the blood. moderating blood sugar.
However, people without diabetes can also benefit from keeping their blood sugar levels in the normal range, as some researchers believe that high blood sugar levels are a major cause of aging and various chronic diseases. Although the most effective and healthiest way to regulate blood sugar levels with nutrition is to avoid refined carbohydrates and sugar, apple cider vinegar can have a beneficial effect.
Research suggests that vinegar offers the following benefits for blood sugar and insulin levels:
- Vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity by 19-34% during a high-carbohydrate meal and significantly reduce blood sugar and insulin response: In a small study of 5 healthy people, vinegar reduced blood sugar. 31.4% blood sugar after eating 50 grams of white bread.
- Numerous scientific studies have shown that vinegar can improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels after meals.
It remains imperative that people do not replace medical care with similar products. If you are taking blood sugar lowering medications, consult your doctor before personally increasing your vinegar consumption.
per spoon and could help people lose weight. It is not clear whether the mechanism hypothetically responsible for this property could be of a chemical, metabolic or nervous nature. Researchers suggest that apple cider vinegar may activate some genes involved in the breakdown of fats.The only study that attempted to test for any weight loss effects of apple cider vinegar was developed in Japan. The researchers looked at 175 obese and healthy people, divided into two groups following a similar diet: one took some apple cider vinegar, the other some water every day for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, those who used the vinegar lost slightly more weight than those who consumed only water. On average, the group that consumed the apple cider vinegar lost 450-900g in the 3 months of testing. The weight, however, was suddenly regained after the interruption.
That said, simply adding or subtracting individual foods or ingredients rarely has a noticeable effect on weight. It is the whole diet or lifestyle that creates long-term weight loss.
such as dry skin and eczema. The skin is, of course, slightly acidic. Topical use of apple cider vinegar could help rebalance the skin's natural pH, improving the skin's protective barrier. On the other hand, soaps and cleansers alkalis could irritate eczema, making symptoms worse.
Given its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar could, in theory, help prevent skin infections related to eczema and other diseases. Apple cider vinegar diluted in a facial cleanser or toner could act as an antibacterial and reduce skin spots and discolorations. Before applying vinegar to the skin (never apply pure vinegar) consult your dermatologist, especially in case of damaged and hyper sensitive skin. Topical use undiluted may cause skin burns.
