What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a natural product made by the fermentation of apple cider. During the fermentation process, sugar in the apple cider is broken down by bacteria and yeast into alcohol and then into vinegar. Like many types of vinegar, apple cider vinegar contains a substance called acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar also contains natural acids made throughout the fermentation period and the nutritional goodness of the apples from which it was made. The result of all these ingredients gives apple cider vinegar the health benefits associated with it.

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits.

The benefits of apple cider vinegar are supposedly far reaching, and can help health conditions such as acne, diabetes, weight loss, sunburn, cholesterol and dandruff amongst others, however it is important to know that due to the lack of supporting research and evidence, apple cider vinegar cannot be recommended for treatment or prevention of any health problem.

Apple Cider Vinegar weight loss.

The claim that apple cider vinegar helps weight loss may be slightly misleading as there is little evidence to support this, however, one small study (published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in 2009) found that obese people who consumed acetic acid daily for 12 weeks experienced significant decreases in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference, and triglycerides. In tests on mice, another 2009 study (published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry) found that acetic acid may help prevent the buildup of body fat and certain liver fats.

It's unknown whether these studies tested the use of acetic acid derived from apple cider vinegar or from other vinegar types, and therefore one must assume that the claims have little foundation.

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Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

A home remedy for dandruff is to mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. The vinegar solution is thought to restore the restore the pH balance of the scalp and discourage the overgrowth the yeast-like fungus thought to trigger dandruff. The vinegar mixture is usually poured into a spray bottle and spritzed on the hair and scalp, avoiding the eye and ear area. A towel is then wrapped around the head and left on 15 minutes to an hour. After that, the vinegar can be washed from the hair. Alternative practitioners often recommend it once or twice a week for dandruff.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne.

When using apple cider vinegar to treat acne, some alternative practitioners recommend mixing one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water. The solution is then dabbed onto the affected area. Since there have been case reports of skin damage and burns from using full-strength vinegar on the face, it's important to take caution when using this remedy.

Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects

Undiluted apple cider vinegar, in liquid or pill form, may damage the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract. Apple cider vinegar drinks may damage tooth enamel if sipped. People with osteoporosis, low potassium levels, and those taking potassium-lowering medications should use caution, and obviously people with allergies to apples should avoid apple cider vinegar.

Vinegar applied to the skin may cause burns and scarring, and excessive doses of apple cider vinegar have been found to cause damage to the stomach, duodenum, and liver in animals.