Vinegar of all kinds, and particularly apple cider vinegar, has been ascribed a wide variety of miraculous health benefits for a long, long time. Though there is relatively little science to support most of the claims, there is growing evidence that the main components of vinegary might indeed have significant cardiovascular and other health benefits. The American Diabetes Association recommends vinegar as a way to increase insulin sensitivity for type-2 diabetics. Dr. Mercola recommends consuming murky organic, unfiltered, unprocessed apple cider vinegar with the mother.
Consult with your physician before attempting to self-treat any medical condition.
Inhibition of Lipogenesis
In 2006 the "British Journal of Nutrition" published a study that found lipogenesis was significantly inhibited in rats fed acetic acid, the main component of vinegar. Lipogenesis, which occurs in the liver, is the process by which simple sugar produced by digestion is converted into fat for storage. Compared to rats that were fed a diet without acetic acid, those who received acetic acid had significantly lower serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. It's not clear, however, whether this same effect occurs in humans.
Reduced Hypertension
A 2001 study published by the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry, reported on the potential long term benefits of dietary vinegar for hypertension. It's data revealed that acetic acid directly lowered blood pressure. It also lowered levels of renin, an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure by causing blood vessels to constrict. The affect on acetic acid on renin function is the likely means by which apple cider vinegar lowers blood pressure over the long term.
Substitution
According to an article published by nutritionist Gayle Povis Alleman on the TLC website, another important way apple cider vinegar can reduce cholesterol is to help you limit your intake of saturated fats, salt and calories. Because of its strong flavor and relatively low caloric content, apple cider vinegar is a healthy alternative to creamy dressings and sauces. It can be added in place of salt in beans and other prepared dishes, and can add flavor and tenderness when used to marinate lean meats.
Member Comments