Apple Cider Vinegar is a plant based product and it is often produced from the apples in the households or industrial zones.
Its main compound is ethanol, that is being converted to acetic acid which adds the specific aroma to this product. Thus, Apple Cider Vinegar is an aqueous solution of acetic acid produced by an alcohol fermentation.
The most common types of Apple Cider Vinegar are dark golden and translucent.
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Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
In vinegar there are numerous mineral salts, amino acids, polyphenolic substances (garlic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid) and nonvolatile organic acids (tartaric, citric, malic, lactic).
Polyphenols (flavanols, hydroxycinnamic acids, dihydrochalcones, flavonols and anthocyanins) in apples are secondary plant metabolites. They are responsible for its aroma, colour and the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular impairments
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Pectin in apple cider vinegar is a fiber substance that is effective in the reduction of digestive spasms and better stool formation. Thus, it is applied in case of diarrhea and gastrointestinal irritability
Due to its effect on the acidity, it leads to the reduction of the number of microorganisms in digestive system.
Researches have found that vinegar has anti bactericidal effects on food-borne pathogens, such as
enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) O157:H7. Thus, it is effective in food borne gastrointestinal infections, food poisoning as well its prevention.(2)
Cardiovascular Disorders
Vinegar apple cider consumption has been linked to the lower incidence of ischaemic heart disorders.
Varicose Veins
In a recent study, it has been shown a beneficial effect of apple cider vinegar topical application on varicose veins. It is regarded as an additional measurement to a local varices treatment. (4)
Hypertension
The application of vinegar apple cider is highly effective in individuals with high blood pressure. It has been shown that may reduce significantly the systolic blood pressure when mixed with an acetic acid solution.
Hypercholesterolemia
The use of vinegar apple cider has been implicated as beneficial factor in th reduction of high lipid and cholesterol levels. (6)
Diabetes
Pectin regulates glycemia levels due to inhibitory function on the digestive absorption of fructose. In healthy individuals, it has been shown that theuse of apple cider vinegar leads to the slower gastric emptying and decreases postporandial glycemia and insulin concentration. (7)
Bone Health
Apple cider vinegar is rich in calcium, thus has beneficial effect on the bone metabolism.
Skin Effect
Apple cider vinegar has been used as a domestic regimen for certain skin conditions such as dandruff. It has a potential to eliminate the unnecessary number of the fungus Malassezia furfur. It is able to control the pH level of the scalp skin.
Apple cider vinegar is applied as a skin tonic in dermatology.
Enhances Energy Level
Apple cider vinegar is used as energetic stimulator due to its alkalizing attributes. It aids to the faster body recovery in case of a numerous disorders.
Weight Reduction
Apple cider vinegar has been used as a product for weight reduction. It may inhibit the accumulation of fat deposits and hepatic lipids in the organism. It is also of benefit in increasing the satiety.
Antioxidative Effect
Due to high vitamin C levels and phenolic compounds, apple cider vinegar has the power to reduce the extent of formed free radicals in the human organism. Oxidative radicals cause the damage of cells and may lead to cancer and premature aging. (8)
Procyanidins are a major group of antioxidant flavonoids in apples. Its main representatives in apple juice are epicatechin and procyanidin B2.(9)
Immune System
Vitamin B6 is the most effective in stimulating the immune system reactions and protein catabolism.
Neuroprotective Effect
Due to high levels of vitamin B complex, vinegar is effective in reducing the level of stress. It enhances as well memory and cognitive functions.
Anticancer Effect
The application of vinegar apple cider has been shown to have positive effects in human leukemia cell HL-60. In such malignant cells, vinegar induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth.
The affected cells are colon adenocarcinoma cell lines (Caco-2), lung carcinoma (A549), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), bladder carcinoma (5637) and prostate carcinoma (LNCap) cells. (10)
Resipiratory Disorders
Since ancient times, oxymel has been the most popular cough treatment. It consists of honey and vinegar and was prescribed by Hippocrates. (11)
Antituberculotic Effect
Vinegar has been shown as a potent mycobactericidal regimen in individuals suffering from tuberculosis. (12)
Antibacterial Effect
The acetic acid in vinegar has been applied from ancient times as an antibacterial regimen. It is effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Antifungal Effect
Apple cider vinegar may be effective in the treatment of individuals with Candida species oral stomatitis. (13)