Organic cider or apple cider vinegar is made by the fermentation of apple cider. Organic apple cider vinegar is generally light yellow to light brown and is not filtered. Some types may contain strands of a brown cloudy yeast sediment used to produce the vinegar called the "mother." During the process of distilling vinegar, yeast and bacteria break down the sugars in apple cider, as explained by the alternative health website, National Standard. Organic cider vinegar is a popular health tonic and a remedy for various maladies due to its many health benefits.
Nutrients
Organic apple cider vinegar contains no preservatives and is less processed than other types of cider vinegar. It is also rich in essential nutrients that are necessary for healthy digestion, metabolism and oxygen transport in the body. The nutrients found in apple cider vinegar include the B vitamins and vitamins A, C and E. Organic cider vinegar also contains minerals that are important for overall cardiovascular, muscle, nerve and body health including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sodium.
Acidity
Another health benefit of organic cider vinegar is restoring a balanced pH or acidity level in the body. National Standard recommends 1 to 2 tsp. a day of organic cider vinegar to balance pH. High acidity in the body can lead to such illnesses as arthritis, infections, headaches, gout and allergy reactions. Though apple cider vinegar, like all types of vinegar, is acidic, it is thought to have an alkalinizing effect in the body. Though there is not yet substantial medical research to confirm this benefit, it is thought to reduce the symptoms of certain illnesses.
Reduce Cholesterol
Organic apple cider vinegar contains pectin, a soluble fiber that helps reduce high and unhealthy cholesterol levels in the body. According to a 2001 study by el-OA Mohamed and colleagues and published in the "Journal of the Egypt Public Health Association," this occurs because the fiber binds to cholesterol, helping to remove it instead of being absorbed by the body. Organic cider vinegar and other vinegars also contain acetic acid, which helps to increase fat metabolism in the body. For this reason, apple cider vinegar pills are often sold to help weight loss.
Insulin Resistance
According to the American Diabetes Association, ingesting apple cider vinegar may help to increase insulin sensitivity in individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus or insulin resistance. This is apparent after a high-carbohydrate meal when blood glucose levels are more stabilized because the vinegar helps to lower the glycemic index of foods. In some high-risk individuals, taking one to two spoonfuls of organic cider vinegar may help to prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes
- "Journal of Egypt Public Health"; The Effect of Cider Vinegar on Some Nutritional and Physiological Parameters in Mice; el-OA Mohamed, et al; 2001
- BioMed Central: Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar on Delayed Gastric Emptying in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
- Natural Standard: Apple Cider Vinegar
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