Naseerah Nanabhai

22-10-2020

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries and has a long history as a home remedy. It is made from crushed, distilled and fermented apples. Acetic acid is the active component of apple cider vinegar and is responsible for its unique smell and taste.

Numerous health benefits of consuming apple cider vinegar have been reported by its users. Some include reducing appetite, lowering blood sugar levels, and improving insulin sensitivity. Despite many of these benefits not being scientifically proven, research does back that the acetic acid may help with a variety of conditions.

It can serve as an anti-bacterial which prevents infection, helps regulate the body’s PH level, improves cardiovascular health and is believed to diminish the process of ageing.

The main constituents of apple cider vinegar are acetic acid and citric acid. The nutritional components of apple cider vinegar include pectin, vitamin B1, B2, B6, biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin C and potassium.

However, when consuming apple cider vinegar make sure you take the correct dosage, this is dependent on the user’s age, health and other conditions. Before consuming apple cider vinegar for medicinal purposes, consult your physician to be sure of its risk and side effects on your health.

Some side effects of consuming apple cider vinegar include erosion of tooth enamel, the worsening of acid reflux when eating acidic food and in chronic kidney disease, the kidneys may not be able to process the acid contained in apple cider vinegar.

Although apple cider vinegar can promote good health as part of a healthy diet. Do not exceed the daily recommended consumption of one diluted tablespoon.