Apple cider vinegar is considered an old household remedy for the prevention and treatment of various ailments. Not only on the blood sugar level it should have a positive effect, the daily drinking of apple cider vinegar should also strengthen the immune system. Thanks to its antibacterial effect, it can also help with cystitis. We explain what all is in apple cider vinegar and reveal a recipe for the drink.
Healthy effect of apple cider vinegar
Drinking apple cider vinegar daily can help provide your body with vitamins, trace elements and minerals. In addition, the vinegar is said to make awake, strengthen the immune system, help against headaches and asthma. In addition, apple cider vinegar is considered a remedy for healthy skin, hair and nails. Also, apple cider vinegar is said to lower blood sugar levels and therefore can support treatment for diabetes. In addition, it is said to help against high blood pressure and lower cholesterol and blood fat levels. An apple cider vinegar diet is even said to boost digestion and metabolism, making it easier to lose weight. In addition, apple cider vinegar applied externally is said to help against warts and reduce fever in the form of apple cider vinegar compresses. Lose weight with the apple cider vinegar diet
Vinegar acts against bacteria
Apple cider vinegar has an antibacterial effect, so it stops bacteria from multiplying. Drunk, this vinegar should therefore help, for example, with a bladder infection and promote wound healing in open wounds. Applied externally, apple cider vinegar helps, among other things, against the smell of sweat, stings and sunburn. To do this, simply dab the corresponding area with the undiluted liquid. Against sweaty feet and athlete’s foot, a 15-minute foot bath with diluted apple cider vinegar in a ratio of 1:4 is recommended. By the way, its disinfecting effect also makes apple cider vinegar a natural cleaning agent that can be used to remove limescale and bacteria. Sweat stains in clothing are also easier to wash out after pre-treatment with apple cider vinegar.
Rinse for oral hygiene
A mouth rinse with half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water is recommended to treat inflammation and injuries in the mouth and throat. Gargling with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water is also often recommended for sore throats. By the way, such a rinse is also considered a means of whitening teeth. However, this effect is due to the fact that apple cider vinegar attacks tooth enamel – so this bleaching method is not recommended.
Apple cider vinegar – good for digestion.
Apple cider vinegar has an antibacterial effect and prevents putrefactive bacteria from spreading in the intestines. Drunk regularly, it should therefore act as a gentle intestinal cleanser and relieve digestive complaints such as constipation and flatulence. In terms of digestion, many other positive effects are also attributed to it. Among other things, it is said that apple cider vinegar helps against heartburn and reduces the feeling of fullness in case of gastric acid deficiency. Because of its positive effect on digestion and metabolism, apple cider vinegar is also popular as a means of losing weight. This is because the drink is said to detoxify, boost fat burning and at the same time curb appetite.
Effect on the acid-base balance
Even though apple cider vinegar tastes sour, it is a slightly alkaline food. The organic acids in apple cider vinegar are used by the body to produce energy, leaving only the alkaline minerals such as potassium after the metabolic process. Therefore, apple cider vinegar is considered a remedy for heartburn, which can calm the acid-base balance and prevent hyperacidity.
Drinking apple cider vinegar – tips for use
When and how often to drink apple cider vinegar is a matter of taste. Some drink the acidic drink before or after every meal, others only once or twice a day as refreshment in between. The apple cider vinegar cure even involves drinking apple cider vinegar drinks exclusively, in addition to water and tea. The following recommendations apply to the use of vinegar drinks:
- A glass of the apple cider vinegar drink in the morning before breakfast can help boost metabolism.
- Between the drink and a meal should be 15 minutes.
- If you take apple cider vinegar for heartburn, it is better to drink it after a meal.
- To preserve tooth enamel, you should rinse your mouth with water after each apple cider vinegar drink and wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth.
Recipes for apple cider vinegar drink
There are different recipes for the apple cider vinegar drink. Sometimes the vinegar is mixed with mineral water, sometimes with hot water, apple juice and honey.Apple cider vinegar can also be drunk in smoothies or pure – although it is much more digestible for the throat, stomach and intestines when diluted. A possible recipe for the apple cider vinegar drink includes the following ingredients:
- 1 glass of lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
Those who plan to take the vinegar for a long time, should vary different recipes. Incidentally, apple cider vinegar can also be used in salad dressing, cooking meat and fish dishes and as a natural preservative.
Nutrient content of apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is traditionally made from apple cider, i.e. fermented apples. Acetic acid bacteria are added to this alcoholic beverage, fermenting the alcohol into acetic acid. In the process, the vitamins and minerals found in apples are retained to a much lesser extent. In addition, the fermentation process adds further nutrients. However, the vinegar variant does not come close to the nutrient content of an apple. Found in apple cider vinegar are:
- The minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine and sulfur.
- The trace elements iron, fluorine, copper, copper, manganese, silicon, zinc and boron.
- Vitamins B1, B2 and B6, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene (provitamin A).
- Dietary fiber
- The tannic acid tannin
- Flavonoids with antioxidant activity
- Amino acids
- Enzymes
- Organic acids such as citric and acetic acid
Buy apple cider vinegar – what to look for?
When buying apple cider vinegar should pay attention to good quality. Ideal is unpasteurized (ie not heated) naturally cloudy (ie not filtered) organic apple cider vinegar, made from whole fruit. Even if the vinegar is available in supermarkets, health food stores often offer better quality. This is because industrially produced apple cider vinegar is often made from apple residues and contains artificial additives, so it usually contains significantly fewer nutrients. Incidentally, apple cider vinegar can also be made yourself with a little patience. If you want to make the drink yourself, you should use organic apples or apple cider for it.
Effectiveness in the criticism
Even though apple cider vinegar is considered an old household remedy for a wide variety of ailments, much of the effect attributed to it has not yet been scientifically proven. Only its antibacterial effect is considered proven. Although one study provided evidence of a possible influence of vinegar on insulin metabolism, the study had only a few participants and is therefore not considered conclusive. Apple cider vinegar is also offered as a dietary supplement. For the effectiveness of the usually expensive capsules and tablets with apple cider vinegar powder, however, there is so far also no scientific evidence.
Side effects of apple cider vinegar
Side effects can occur when drinking apple cider vinegar mainly because of the acid it contains:
- If you have a sensitive stomach or intestines, you should first discuss with a doctor whether apple cider vinegar drinks are recommended.
- To avoid irritation of the throat, one should not drink apple cider vinegar pure.
- Since the vinegar attacks the enamel, it is important to always rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking the drink and wait half an hour to brush your teeth.
- If you have sensitive skin, the external application may irritate and dry the skin.
During pregnancy, the use of apple cider vinegar is generally allowed, but the recommended amounts are better to clarify in advance with a doctor. Diabetics as well as people with high blood pressure should also consult with a doctor before drinking apple cider vinegar and clarify possible disadvantages, because apple cider vinegar can affect insulin levels and potassium absorption. Apple cider vinegar – tips for skin and hair
