Written by Dr. Sanjana V.B Bhms,dbrm,cdn

Founder & medical director of siahmsr wellness.in

Reviewed by SIAHMSR

all rights reserved with siahmsr digital healthcare[siahmsr wellness]

Apple cider vinegar

   Apple cider vinegar is one of the three most common types of vinegar, produced by fermenting apples. Apple cider vinegar is prepared by fermentation of crushed apples. Apple cider vinegar is used in salad dressings,  making sauces and marinades and as a home remedy for various health issues. It is used as preservative agent in foods. Apple cider vinegar is consumed in small quantities or taken as a supplement.

Preparation 

  The preparation of apple cider vinegar is a two-step process.

1.It is made by crushing apples, then squeezing out the juice.

2.Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, which converts the sugars to alcohol.

The first step occurs relatively rapidly and involves the conversion of sugars to alcohol (cider) by yeast. The second step is slower the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria Acetobacter. Acetic acid and malic acid combine to give vinegar its sour taste.

  Health benefits of apple cider vinegar

 1. Antioxidant properties 

 It has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Apple polyphenols are mainly polyphenolic acid derivatives and other flavonoids.  Maceration and other production methods can significantly affect the chemical composition, total antioxidant activity, acidity, and phenolic content of apple cider vinegar.

Chlorogenic acid is the most abundant phenolic substance produced by fermentation and maceration process.

Gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid are present in low levels.

2. Blood sugar lowering effect

    According to Harvard health publishing, a few studies suggest that apple cider vinegar might prevent spikes in blood sugar in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

There are some recommendations given, regarding the intake of apple cider vinegar.

·       Apple cider vinegar [ACV] should be taken in the diluted form in small amounts. Its high acidity can damage tooth enamel while sipping.

·       It can lower potassium levels. So people suffering from low potassium or heart diseases related to it should not consume apple cider vinegar.

·       Apple cider vinegar may cause untoward drug interaction with drugs lowering blood sugar such as insulin.

3.Cholesterol and fat lowering effect

Is apple cider vinegar consumption safe?

Restrict overconsumption for better health outcome. Always use it in the diluted form.

Low amount of diluted apple cider vinegar consumption is associated only with low risk of health effects and is safe for consumption. But adverse results are reported with over consumption in undiluted forms. The adverse effects include esophageal damage, tooth enamel erosion, and excessive burping, flatulence, and bowel movements.

Be cautious about allergy

People having allergies to apples may experience allergic reactions to apple cider vinegar.

Be aware about drug interaction

The use of apple cider vinegar may cause drug interactions with insulin or diuretics.

References

1.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8243436/

2.    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/apple-cider-vinegar-diet-does-it-really-work-2018042513703

3.    Ulbricht CE, ed. (2010). "Apple Cider Vinegar". Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide: An Evidence-Based Reference (1st ed.). Elsevier. p. 59. ISBN 978-0-323-07295-3.

4.    https://www.drugs.com/npp/apple-cider-vinegar.html

5.    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/apple-cider-vinegar-for-weight-loss/faq-20058394