Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apples and microorganisms that turn alcohol into acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar is often used for cooking but is purported to have many medicinal uses as well. People have used apple cider vinegar for everything from diabetes to weight loss. Unfortunately, while many people swear by its benefits, there is little to no scientific evidence to support these claims. There have been a few small studies, but none has provided enough proof. Still, people continue to extol the virtues of apple cider vinegar, and various home remedies abound.
Weight Loss
This is perhaps the most common use for apple cider vinegar. People have been using vinegar for centuries as a weight loss tonic. While there is no evidence to support the idea that apple cider vinegar affects metabolism, it may affect how much you eat. In a study conducted by Carol Johnston, a nutrition professor at Arizona State University, some vinegar drinkers consumed fewer calories, reduced their waist/hip ratios and lost body fat. However, the results of that study are not fully conclusive because of the size and length of time of her study. More people need to be studied to provide an accurate cross section. The standard weight loss remedy is 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar in one 8 oz. glass of water before each meal.
Cholesterol
A 2006 study by F. Shishehbor, A. Mansoori, A.R. Sarkaki, M.T. Jalali and S.M. Latifi on the effects of apple cider vinegar on blood lipids showed a marked decrease in cholesterol levels. However, this study was done on rats, which have different metabolism than humans. There have been no studies that break down fats in a way that is more similar to humans. If using apple cider vinegar to lower cholesterol, do so under the supervision of your doctor and do not use apple cider vinegar to replace your regular medication. The standard remedy for cholesterol is 2 to 3 tsp. of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz. of water, once per day.
Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association Journal of Diabetes Care reported a 2004 study by Carol Johnston, Ph.D., Cindy M. Kim, M.S. and Amanda J. Buller, M.S., which shows that vinegar improves insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels when administered after a high-carbohydrate meal. However, these results are preliminary because the study had only 10 subjects. If using apple cider vinegar to control blood sugar levels, do so under the supervision of your doctor. Do not stop taking your medication and do not attempt to use apple cider vinegar in lieu of proper diet, exercise and medical care. The standard remedy for diabetes is 2 or 3 tsp. of apple cider vinegar in eight ounces of water, once per day.
A Myriad of Uses
Apple cider vinegar has been touted for fungal infections, burns, wound healing and controlling body odor. There are even those who claim apple cider vinegar fights osteoporosis by promoting bone growth, has cancer fighting phytochemicals, and cures dandruff and acne. All of these claims are unfounded. However, it is OK to consume small amounts of apple cider vinegar as a supplement to conventional care.
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