We all know that apple cider vinegar is a healthy food. It’s good for your gut bacteria and helps with digestive issues. It’s one of those things that’s just seems to have made it’s way into every health “nut” out there’s pantry. And for good reason.
Health benefits of Apple Cider vinegar
1.Apple Cider Vinegar is Rich in Acetic Acid: Results of a research study in Japan suggest that acetic acid may help control blood pressure and fat accumulation. Investigators in Europe looked at the influence of sodium acetate and acetic acid on blood glucose and other biological responses to a mixed meal in healthy subjects.
2.Has Cancer-Fighting Properties: A study was done in China, where they discovered that vegetable and vinegar consumption reduced the risk of oesophageal cancer. However, it’s effectiveness seems specific to certain types of cancers as it can increase the growth of bladder cancer by 4.4x.
3.It is a Proven Disinfectant and Bacteria Killer: Need to balance out your external body bacteria? Perhaps you have a yeast infection, or are suffering from athlete’s foot. A bath with ACV can help with that.
4.Lowers Bad Cholesterol and Prevent Cardiovascular Disease: Apple cider vinegar can help lower because it contains chlorogenic acids that help lower LDL or bad cholesterol, preventing it from accumulating and crystallizing in the bloodstream. This study was only on rodents, though, so it’s also a good idea to balance a healthy diet to keep low LDL levels.
When shouldn’t you use Apple Cider Vinegar?
I mentioned above that ACV isn’t for everyone all the time. It does affect bladder cancer patients negatively; it can also impact other people. People who should NOT use apple cider vinegar include:
A general all-around warning is that consuming 8 ounces of apple cider vinegar per day, long-term might lead to problems such as low potassium. One person developed osteoporosis after consuming 8 oz. of ACV every day for 6 years.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers: Not enough is known about how ACV interacts with the body, and it is definitely better to play it safe than sorry when it comes to the life of the baby inside your body. Take a pass on ACV until after your baby is weaned.
Diabetics: People with both types of diabetes, but the especially type I diabetics need to watch ACV as it can impact and lower your blood sugar. Your blood sugar will have to be monitored far more closely and medications adjusted if you plan to use apple cider vinegar.
Insulin may also lower potassium levels. Large amounts of apple cider vinegar might also decrease potassium levels in the body. Taking apple cider vinegar along with insulin might cause potassium levels in the body to be too low.
People on other drugs such as Digoxin (Lanoxin), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide) should be wary of the combination of the drugs above, which lower potassium levels, and apple cider vinegar, which can also lower potassium. Potassium shortage can cause an increase in side effects from the drugs above.
