Apple Cider Vinegar - Benefits And Misconceptions

Apple cider vinegar has earned the reputation of a cure for everyone and everything - its fans claim that it can be useful for weight loss, for more beautiful hair, and its high content of pectin soothes intestinal cramps, fights fungus, lowers cholesterol. , unclogs inflamed sinuses and even protects against cancer. But is that so?

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apples. During the first phase, the sugar in the apples nourishes the bacteria Saccharomyces cerevisiae (sugar fungi), which in the process of feeding and reproduction convert it into alcohol. of another bacterium - Acetobacter. It converts alcohol into acetic acid and it is she who is credited with the fame of apple cider vinegar as a universal remedy.

However, many researchers and experts are skeptical of the astringent liquid. "The effects are modest - there is very little science to support them," said Dr. David L. Katz, founder of the Prevention Research Center at Yale Medical School in New Haven, Connecticut. "In my opinion, the main myth about apple cider vinegar is the idea of ​​'dealing with problems quickly,' not solving them in the long run," said Dr. Katz. He is adamant that acidic liquids in large quantities are not safe at all for everyone - especially for those who suffer from heartburn, diseased teeth or people with diabetes. 

Increases the risk of hypoglycaemia in diabetes

Extremely popular is the claim that apple cider vinegar is a "boon" for people with type 2 diabetes because it lowers blood sugar . But a review published in May 2018 in the Journal of Evidence - Integrative Medicine , notes that several small studies identify its effect as controversial.

Rather, people with diabetes should be wary of apple cider vinegar and not rely on its "miraculous powers." Because another study shows that taking vinegar every day reduces the rate of gastric emptying among insulin-dependent patients and those with diabetic gastroparesis. Delayed gastric emptying can make it difficult to control blood sugar dangerously.

Stomach problems

The effect of apple cider vinegar to suppress appetite comes from the fact that it slows down the process of emptying the stomach, notes another document published in May 2014 in the International Journal of Obesity.

That is why apple cider vinegar is often the main character in numerous diet regimens for weight reduction. But in patients with gastroparesis - a disease known as "lazy" stomach, which affects the normal spontaneous contractions of the stomach and disrupts digestion, can be dangerous.

Burns of the esophagus

Apple cider vinegar is very acidic and can often cause irritation in the throat or even burns of the esophagus if consumed in moderation. A study tells of a woman who takes apple cider vinegar tablets daily, but one of them gets stuck in her throat. As a result, she experienced pain, difficulty swallowing and injuries to the esophageal mucosa.

Therefore, experts are adamant that apple cider vinegar can be present in the daily menu of anyone, but balanced and necessarily diluted with water.

Interactions with other drugs

Some studies suggest that taking apple cider vinegar may interfere with the absorption of certain medications. In particular, in patients taking diuretics, laxatives and insulin.

Decreased potassium levels

Consumption of large amounts of apple cider vinegar can lead to low potassium levels. Symptoms include weakness and fatigue, constipation, muscle cramps or irregular heartbeat. This is especially worrying for people with hypertension.

Tooth erosion

A study published in 2014 in the journal Clinical Laboratory notes that acidic diets can lead to tooth erosion. Eroded tooth enamel makes teeth more sensitive over time. Therefore, experts do not prohibit the consumption of vinegar, but recommend diluting it with water.

Skin irritation

Apple cider vinegar is sometimes applied topically to the skin as a home remedy for acne, for example. Such an approach poses a number of dangers because the acidic liquid often carries with it instead of fresh skin - the risk of irritation and wounds.

Apple cider vinegar undoubtedly has beneficial health benefits, but only when consumed in a balanced and informed way. Out of extremes, experts recommend limiting the daily dose from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of vinegar, necessarily diluted with a glass of water.