Knowledge of the cleansing and curative properties of apple cider vinegar spans thousands of years. And even today, most natural health enthusiasts consider vinegar to be an irreplaceable curative that belongs in every household. However, because pasteurization destroys the nutrients and enzymes found in apple cider vinegar, only raw, organic and unfiltered vinegar is recommended for health purposes. Although scientific evidence of the efficacy of apple cider vinegar is limited, interaction with other drugs such as diuretics and insulin is possible. Always consult with a health care provider before ingesting apple cider vinegar.
Blood Sugar
Evidence suggests apple cider vinegar suppresses a rise in blood sugar levels when consumed immediately before or during a meal. In the January 2004 issue of the "Diabetes Care" journal, published on the American Diabetes Association website, University of Arizona researcher Carol Johnston, PhD., states that test subjects who consumed vinegar before eating a high carbohydrate meal showed a significant reduction in the fluctuation of glucose and insulin levels. Supporting research by the Japanese food manufacturer, Mizkan Group, may have important implications for further research in metabolic diseases, according to a Jan.10, 2006 press release by Japan's Corporate News Network.
Candida
Because apple cider vinegar helps to balance the body's pH levels, a daily dose of 1 to 2 tsp diluted in a glass of water may help to cure yeast infections, according to the Natural News website. Researcher Elizabeth Walling explains the naturally occurring enzymes present in apple cider vinegar foster the growth of the healthy bacteria that can help eliminate candida. Walling warns that symptoms of candida may worsen before getting better, a typical response when the yeast begins to die off. (See References 4)
Antimicrobial Action
The anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar make it a popular natural cleaner. However, the same acids that help disinfect household items also help to eliminate bacteria and fungus from the body. Elizabeth Walling suggests that vinegar improves gastric health by fostering thorough digestion of food and rapid elimination of toxins. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, although unproven, the antimicrobial action of apple cider vinegar may help serve as a preventative for food poisoning. The recommended dose is 1 to 2 tsp in 8 ounces of water. (See References 5)
References
- PubMed Central: Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect
- Diabetes Care: Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes
- JCN Network: Mizkan Group Confirms That Vinegar Helps Suppress Rise in Blood Sugar Level
- Natural News: Apple Cider Vinegar is Effective Treatment for Candida
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Poisoning
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