Source: dailyburn.com
In a recent interview for the Daily Burn, we were asked a few questions about apple cider vinegar’s benefits and potential damages. Here’s what we had to say:
What are the nutritional/health benefits of adding apple cider vinegar to your diet?
Vinegar comes from Latin meaning “sour wine” and, for thousands of years, has been used for its health and cleansing properties. Hippocrates found a variety of medicinal uses for it back in 400 B.C. and more recently, we have some scientific studies pointing to apple cider vinegar improving insulin resistance . Apple cider vinegar contains B vitamins, vitamin C and acetic acid. Acetic acid is known for increasing the absorption of minerals from the foods in our diet.
I’ve seen some “cleanses” and diets suggest that we all take shots of apple cider vinegar? Is it better to consume it with food/in the form of recipes or is it okay to shoot straight?
‘Straight shooting’ is likely to expose your tooth enamel to vinegar’s acetic acid, potentially causing damage to the enamel. Even though apple cider vinegar can provide several health benefits, dilution and dosage are important in safely consuming it. People often consume vinegar in the form of salad dressings or in a drink, which helps dilute the acetic acid. Dosage should always be considered as there’s a tendency to think that more is better. There’s a study that linked a daily glass of apple cider vinegar to tooth erosion in a teenage girl, for example, and a glass is far more than the suggested 1-2 tablespoons typically suggested in literature.
Are there any populations that should avoid apple cider vinegar?
According to one study, apple cider vinegar may cause digestive issues in those with type I diabetes. Again, in most cases, the amount of apple cider vinegar used in a medicinal manner equates to 1-2 tablespoons per day. Having too much apple cider vinegar can cause lead to safety concerns and side effects – including decreased potassium levels, which could be life threatening. Vinegar may also interact with diabetes and heart medications (i.e. Digoxin) as well as diuretics and laxatives. If you want to drink vinegar as a health tonic, consult your physician or pharmacist to ensure any medication you take won’t have negative interactions with the vinegar. To consume apple cider vinegar safely, it is important to limit and monitor your daily intake, dilute it and to avoid it if you have undesired side effects.
What is your favorite way to add apple cider vinegar to your diet?
Using undistilled apple cider vinegar in the Organic Vinegar Tonic recipe and also in home-made salad dressing, egg-less baking, or even adding some into tea. Outside of dietary uses, apple cider vinegar makes an inexpensive and effective multi-purpose household cleaner.
Read the article with additional recipes here
onebitewellness 