Apple cider vinegar is a staple in the modern kitchen and a time-honored folk remedy for dandruff, acne and sunburn. More recently, apple cider vinegar has been touted to promote weight loss and improve vascular insufficiency. Although the acetic acid content lends apple cider vinegar antimicrobial properties, there is little scientific proof to support its use in weight loss. There is, however, clinical evidence that apple cider vinegar may help to prevent vascular disease. Be careful about your vinegar consumption if you have a history of esophageal disease or gastric ulcers.
Description
Apple cider vinegar is a tart liquid produced from apple mash, but each new batch is made from a "mother," a gelatinous concentration of acetic acid bacteria that kick-starts the fermentation process. Most store-bought vinegars are filtered. If the cider vinegar on your table has a cloudy appearance, though, it is likely unfiltered and contains pieces of mother material.
Historical Use
Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician also known as the father of western medicine, recommended the use of vinegar to cleanse and speed the healing of wounds. Sung Tz'u, the ancient Chinese lawyer and death investigator credited with developing the foundation of modern forensic medicine, advocated rinsing the hands with a solution of vinegar and sulfur while performing autopsies to avoid spreading disease.
Vascular Effects
Apple cider vinegar may reduce the risk of vascular diseases by helping to prevent the buildup of arterial plaque. In the Dec. 1, 2008 issue of the "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences," scientists report testing the effects of apple cider vinegar on glucose and lipid profiles in normal and diabetes-induced rats. After four weeks of supplementing the diet of both groups with apple cider vinegar, the researchers observed reduced serum triglyceride levels in the diabetic rats and a significant decrease of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in the non-diabetic group. At the same time, both groups exhibited an increase in high-density lipoprotein, the "good" kind of cholesterol. The study authors concluded that apple cider vinegar may help people manage diabetes-related complications, namely impaired vascular function and heart disease. Another study published in the June 22, 2011 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" showed that apple cider vinegar reduced triglyceride levels and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in rats fed a high cholesterol diet.
Safety Issues
A therapeutic dosage of apple cider vinegar for the prevention of vascular disease has not been established, so you'll have to be satisfied with an extra helping of salad for now. Some people advocate drinking small amounts of vinegar or taking vinegar tablets. However, neither is recommended if you have ulcers or a disorder of the esophagus because of the acetic acid content. Also, a report in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" reveals that some tablets contain little or no vinegar components, while others are associated with esophageal injury.
References
- Medscape General Medicine: Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect; C.S. Johnston, C.A. Gaas; 2006
- "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences"; Apple Cider Vinegar Attenuates Lipid Profile in Normal and Diabetic Rats; F. Shishehbor, et al.; 2008
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Effects of Apple Cider Vinegars Produced with Different Techniques on Blood Lipids in High-Cholesterol-fed Rats; N.H. Budak; 2011
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Esophageal Injury by Apple Cider Vinegar Tablets and Subsequent Evaluation of Products; L.L. Hill; 2005
Member Comments