Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits of Vinegar

I believe that apple cider vinegar, or just cider vinegar, can be found in the kitchen of everyone of us. We use it when we cook meals like mushroom stews, or for dressing our vegetable salads. However, what do we know about vinegar health benefits? Apple cider vinegar has been known and used for ages since the epoch of Hippocrates, who mentioned this natural remedy is a very effective and powerful antibiotic. Later on, it was found out that apple cider vinegar has a very rich content of nutrients, including minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, fluoride, and others, many vitamins, pectins, organic acids, and so on. Therefore, high nutritional value is among the primary health benefits of vinegar.

From the chemical point of view, apple cider vinegar is a substance of very high acidity which can be produced as a result of alcoholic fermentation process. Two of the most known vinegar health benefits are related to managing type 2 diabetes and speeding up weight loss. During the study carried out by a group of experts by the American Diabetes Association, it was discovered that vinegar consumption is linked to lower blood sugar levels, therefore, it was suggested that vinegar could relieve the condition of those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Further studies have proven that consuming a glass of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of cider apple vinegar before the bedtime results in lower sugar levels in blood (a study was published in 2007).

Besides, health benefits of vinegar include such properties of this natural product as promoting healthy digestion and firing up metabolic processes in our body, this way assisting weight loss and helping us shed extra pounds in a safe and natural way. However, the most valuable vinegar health benefits for weight loss are considered the properties of this natural product to suppress appetite and make us feel full for a longer period of time. Thus, by adding a few drops of vinegar to our foods we can postpone our hunger and this way consume less calories. Some experts suggest that combining apple cider vinegar with the foods rich in vitamin B6 and lecitin can substantially increase these powers of vinegar.

Other therapeutic properties and vinegar health benefits embrace the following actions of this natural product:

• Lowering blood pressure
• Supporting healthy cholesterol levels in blood
• Boosting the immune function
• Preventing and relieving arthritis related joint pains
• Preventing and treating fungal and yeast infections
• Preventing urinary and bladder problems
• Preventing food poisoning
• Preventing constipation
• Reducing the symptoms of respiratory system infections
• Toning facial skin and preventing various skin infections
• Reducing the effects of sunburn
• Treating dandruff

As preliminary studies have shown, apple cider vinegar has very good potential for being a scientifically proven natural remedy for cancer control and preventing such common disease as osteoporosis. However, further research on these issues is necessary. Keep in mind that in order to enjoy the mentioned health benefits of vinegar, you should talk to your doctor or a competent health care specialist, as well as use only high quality vinegar.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

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