Apple cider vinegar is being used and studied for several diseases, including diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Many of the benefits come from the complex acidic nature of raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. With apple cider vinegar becoming more popular as a natural health tonic, it's important to determine the pros and cons of raw versus tablet form.
History
Apple cider vinegar has been used throughout history for many ailments. Hippocrates used vinegar as medicine for wounds. The creator of forensic medicine, Sung Tse, recommended use of vinegar and sulfur to avoid infection while working with cadavers. Late 18th century medical providers used vinegar to treat poison ivy, stomach aches and dropsy.
Identification
Vinegar is made through the breakdown of sugars by bacteria and yeast, or fermentation. Sugars are first turned to alcohol, then, as the alcohol ferments further, you get vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is made from pulverized apples. The fermentation process is characterized as fast or slow. The slow fermentation process proceeds over the course of weeks or months and allows for accumulation of cellulose and acetic acid bacteria, or "mother of vinegar," which is believed to be the component that makes apple cider vinegar effective.
Types
Claims for apple cider vinegar tablets range from treating arthritis to aiding weight loss. One of the main benefits of the tablet form is you don't have to taste it. Swallow the pill and it dissolves in your stomach. A significant drawback to the tablet form of apple cider vinegar is that the composition of the tablet might not even contain apple cider vinegar. If you choose to take the tablets, research and find a reputable brand.
A difference exists between the clear apple cider vinegar readily available at the grocery store and raw apple cider vinegar. The raw product is unpastuerized and unfiltered, so it contains the mother. The liquid is cloudy, so shaking the bottle before dosing is recommended. The main benefit of using raw apple cider vinegar is that the processing is minimal. You are getting what you pay for. There's no variability in the composition. One of the drawbacks to using the raw product is that the acidity can cause burns to esophageal tissue and deterioration of tooth enamel. It is recommended to dilute raw apple cider vinegar to decrease the acidity.
Dosage
According to the Global Healing Center website, you can make a large batch of raw apple cider vinegar tonic or smaller individual servings. The recommendation is 1 tbsp. of raw product to 32 oz. of purified water or 2 tbsp. of raw product to 1 gallon of purified water for larger portions. Shaking the bottle or jug before drinking is recommended to disperse the mother throughout. Organic honey or agave nectar may be used to sweeten your tonic.
Warning
A study by the American Diabetes Association indicates that apple cider vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity in patients with diabetes. It is recommended to discuss the use of alternative methods with your health care provider. The use of apple cider vinegar may change blood chemistry and thus the effect of prescribed medications.
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