L’apple cider vinegar helps you lose weight? Does it really lower the risk of diabetes? So is it really good for your health or not? There are many beliefs around this food and many small studies. Now scientific research has arrived to analyze the effects of apple cider vinegar. You can read the results in the magazine British Medical Journal.
The researchers analyzed data from 120 people – 74 women and 46 men – aged between 12 and 25, all overweight or obese. None of them suffered from chronic diseases and had not taken apple cider vinegar in the 8 weeks before the start of the study. The participants were divided into three groups:
for 12 weeks the first took a 250 ml cup of water with 10 ml of vinegar, the second drank lactic acid instead of vinegar, the third a placebo.
The experts measured fasting blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels after 4 weeks, after 8 and at the end of the trial.
The results showed that the first group, that is, the one who drank apple cider vinegar, he lost weight, fat and saw his waistline decrease, as well as cholesterol, glucose and blood sugar levels. The most significant changes occurred around the twelfth week.
Diabetes
This is the most widespread cliché. Some studies by the dietician Carol Johnston, professor at Arizona State University, tried to clarify. Her research has shown a decrease in blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, in those suffering from metabolic syndrome (considering pre diabetes) and also in those who are healthy. New research also claims that it decreases blood sugar levels.
Actually the glycemic response is not only low, but common to any type of vinegar, therefore not just apple cider vinegar. «What any vinegar does is to slow down the absorption of carbohydrates – explains Johnston – so in effect if we take a little vinegar before eating pasta or bread, we will have an effect on blood sugar, but only if we eat carbohydrates. For example, if we drink a sugary drink we will not have this effect. We won’t have it even if, for example, we eat eggs and bacon.”
So can it be said that it prevents diabetes? No. It is one thing to say that it lowers blood sugar levels, another that it can prevent a serious disease such as type 2 diabetes. In this case, a healthy and balanced diet should be followed, in addition to regular and moderate physical activity.
Cardiovascular diseases
If you are a mouse worried about your heart health, use apple cider vinegar. Various research has shown that in rodents it lowers blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol. But there are no studies on humans.
The American College of Cardiology explains that there may be some benefit due to the presence of antioxidants, but it is the same effect that we will have by eating other fruits and vegetables, such as berries and cabbage.
However, the new study confirms that cholesterol and triglyceride levels are also lowered, which are two risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Fights sore throat and cough
The first to promote apple cider vinegar for sore throats and coughs was Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. Actually We now have more effective drugs and even among natural remedies, they are certainly more useful ginger and the propolis.
Even in this case the advice is to be very careful. The Academy of American Pediatrics advocates using it heavily diluted with water and adding honey or salt. In reality the relief is mild.
Cleans and whitens teeth
This benefit is also very famous on the internet. In fact, the American Dental Association strongly advises against it: Vinegar is an acid and like all acids it ruins tooth enamel. Don’t do it.
Improves the skin
Again there is a vast literature on the internet. According to many sites, it cures skin infections, fights acne and is an anti-wrinkle treatment.
According to theUS Academy of Dermatology can be helpful in clearing blackheads or, diluted in water, can be used instead of tonicbut many products on the market are more effective.
And instead useful against mosquito bites but even in this case there are more effective products.
Fights lice and dandruff
Another belief that has no scientific value is that it fights lice. A study from the University of California has shown that it is the least effective among natural remedies.
However, it is useful against dandruffbecause acidity increases the skin’s ability to regenerate and also has some antifungal properties.
Fights some infections of the nails
It is useful in the treatment of paronichiawhich is the infection of the skin surrounding the nails and which can be of bacterial or fungal origin. The advice is to mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water and soak your fingers.