Apple cider vinegar has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and currently, it’s very popular. However, there are many misconceptions about apple vinegar cider that can actually harm your health. Can drinking apple cider vinegar help encourage weight loss or deliver on the other popular rumors about this product? In this article, you’ll find out some myths about apple cider vinegar and science-backed benefits of raw, organic, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
3 Useful Properties of Apple Cider Vinegar
1. It may lower blood sugar levels
According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, participants who consumed apple cider vinegar each day for three months had lower blood sugar levels. Of course, studies are a good way to learn about many subpopulations, however, unless the study is large-scale and designed to apply to many groups, it doesn't tell you about the general population.
That's not to say apple cider vinegar can't help decrease blood sugar. It may have an effect in terms of lowering blood sugar levels that increase after eating fast carbs in people who are predisposed to high blood sugar, despite the fact that the mechanism of this isn't completely clear.
Vinegar is an acid that changes the pH of the food and impacts its absorption. It may also impact the enzymes responsible for metabolizing and absorbing the nutrients of various foods.
2. It can help fight foot odor
Since apple cider vinegar possesses antibacterial properties, it can help kill the bacteria on your feet that cause an unpleasant odor. Foot odor usually occurs due to an imbalance of the skin microbiome which causes bacteria overgrowth. When the body produces sweat, this bacteria overgrowth feeds on the sweat and releases smells.
According to one research, apple cider vinegar has powerful bacteria-eliminating properties. Researches also found that apple cider vinegar can disinfect various strains of bacteria, including those that cause odor, like Staphylococcus aureus.
3. It may combat fungal infections, like athlete's foot
In addition to bacteria overgrowth, your body may suffer from fungal overgrowth (Candida albicans, trichophyton, epidermophyton, and Microsporum). This can cause tinea pedis also called athlete's foot. The fungus is also an essential part of your skin's microflora, but the problem occurs when the balance of it is thrown off.
Apple cider vinegar has antiviral and even antifungal properties which are all important in maintaining our microbiome balance. Apple cider vinegar destroys the fungus' cell structure and specific enzymes that the fungus needs to survive. Therefore, if you have fungal overgrowth and suffer from athlete’s foot, talk to your podiatrist about adding apple cider vinegar to your treatment.
3 Things About Apple Cider Vinegar You Should Also Know
1. It’s not recommended to drink too much of apple cider vinegar
Specialists recommend consuming no more than two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar a day, otherwise, it can negatively affect your health. Consuming too much apple cider vinegar can provoke gastritis, enamel damage, and even bone loss.
2. You shouldn’t use it as an appetite suppressant
Actually, apple cider vinegar hasn't been shown to suppress appetite and is not a good option for healthy weight loss. It’s unhealthy to suppress your appetite when you feel hungry. If you feel hungry between meals, an appetite suppressant isn’t an option. You need to take a look at what you’re eating to see if your calorie consumption is correct.
You may also try other healthy ways to suppress excessive hunger like eating more protein and healthy fats, drinking more water between meals, consuming more fiber-rich foods, and eating plenty of veggies and fruits.
3. Apple cider vinegar can provoke nausea in some people
Drinking apple cider vinegar diluted in water might be "health neutral" for lots of people, however, it can cause nausea in people with a sensitive stomach or acid reflux. According to a study on the potential for the vinegar to control the appetite, many participants had nausea and indigestion after drinking vinegar with breakfast.