Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been a folk remedy for a very long time. There is a large amount of anecdotal evidence for its efficacy in treating numerous ailments. The medical community, too, recognizes some intriguing evidence of ACV’s health benefits. However, as with a lot of natural substances, there is a lack of controlled studies proving how well it works. The scientific and medical communities look to controlled studies as the gold standard when deciding whether or not to recommend anything as a cure or treatment for an ailment. The result is a conflict between proponents of ACV’s benefits—who point to years of experience—and the medical establishment, which advises you to stay away until the studies are done. In the meantime, here is a little more about ACV.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the fermented juice of apples. As bacteria and yeast break down the sugars in the apple juice, alcohol is formed. This is the first fermentation. The resulting juice undergoes a second fermentation process where the alcohol turns into vinegar, whose primary ingredient is acetic acid. Some processors add sugar and yeast to help the process. Others insist that using wood barrels for the fermentation process improves the overall quality.
Pure, natural, unfiltered ACV also has something called the “mother.” This is a wispy, web-like substance that usually floats on the bottom of the bottle and is made up of beneficial enzymes that are part of the fermentation process.
Many commercial solutions of ACV are filtered and pasteurized in order to remove the mother and provide a more palatable taste for consumers. Health advocates insist on selecting organic ACV that is non-filtered, non-pasteurized, and has the mother in the bottle. This form of ACV retains all the health benefits that ACV is known for.
What Makes Apple Cider Special
The primary factor that makes ACV healthy is, of course, the fact that it is made from apples, one of the more nutritious and beneficial fruits. Many of the nutrients found in whole apples are retained in ACV, including phosphorous, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulphur, iron, and many trace elements. In addition, there are extra beneficial acids and enzymes in ACV that are the result of the two fermentation processes. Finally, pure ACV includes the mother, which makes it a “live” food. In fact, some people remove parts of the mother and transfer it to other batches of vinegar to impart the same nutritional benefits.
Apple Cider Vinegar Folk Remedies
ACV has been used since the time of Hippocrates, who recommended a mixture of vinegar and honey as a tonic and for treating illnesses. In more modern times, various proponents have championed ACV for the same purposes. Dr. D.C. Jarvis, a Vermont country doctor, is widely credited with bringing ACV into the mainstream with his Folk Medicine series of books. Paul C. Bragg and Patricia Bragg are also notable advocates of ACV.
Externally, ACV is often used to treat dandruff, bring shine to dull hair, sooth insect bites and reduce the pain and damage of sunburn. When taken internally—always diluted with water or juice—it is said to cure heartburn, promote digestion, act as an immune system booster, reduce pain, and act as an overall health tonic. Many people routinely consume ACV either alone (diluted), or with other ingredients such as honey, maple syrup, lemon, fruit juice, and small amounts of cayenne.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Modern Medicine
Scientists are intrigued by the promise of ACV for controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics, as well as possible uses in lowering cholesterol levels, helping with weight loss, and even killing cancer cells. But medical experts are quick to point out the lack of large-scale controlled studies in these areas. Lack of studies does not mean that ACV is not effective as a curative, but simply that the gold-standard studies the medical community counts on have not been done yet.
Apple Cider Vinegar Cautions
ACV is a powerful acid, so it should be diluted before applying to skin surfaces or ingesting it. Undiluted ACV has been linked to irritation and possible damage of the esophagus and tooth enamel. Some reports have suggested it can burn sensitive skin when applied at full strength. Make sure you mix it with water or juice before drinking it.
ACV can interfere with medications you may be taking as well as upset the balance of potassium levels in your system. Always consult with a knowledgeable health care provider who takes a holistic approach to your health and treatment regimens, especially if you are considering taking ACV on an ongoing basis. As with any substance that may be taken to treat illness or promote health, prudence and common sense dictate that you consider the other foods and medicines you may be taking.
ACV has been used for centuries to treat illness and promote good health. Its good reputation would not have lasted all this time if there was not something to all the anecdotal history. The lack of formal studies should not be taken as a reason to avoid ACV in your overall health regimen. On the other hand, you should always be cautious when self-medicating or taking any natural substance to promote health. Balance is the key.
Sources:
http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/
http://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/acvinegar.html
http://lacetoleather.com/wonderdrug.html
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