apple cider vinegar

modern-day folk remedy

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a common household product that has a long history of use. Made by fermentation of apple cider, ACV has a variety of uses, including as a food preservative, household cleaner, culinary ingredient, therapeutic, and beauty remedy. Many people choose raw ACV over pasteurized because it contains natural bacteria and yeasts, referred to as “the mother,” in the vinegar. You can find ACV in tonic beverages, salad dressings, marinades, supplements, and in cosmetics.

Benefits of ACV

Blood Sugar. This is one of the most promising areas of use for ACV. The journal Diabetes Care reported two studies looking at ACV and blood sugar. One study found that vinegar improved insulin sensitivity after a high carbohydrate meal by as much as 34 percent in those with insulin resistance, and by 19 percent in those with Type 2 diabetes. The second study found that people with Type 2 diabetes who consumed 2 tablespoons of ACV before bed with a small snack had lower blood sugar levels the next morning, compared to when they ate the same bedtime snack with 2 tablespoons of water. Other studies have demonstrated that vinegar may help improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels following meals. ACV use should be discussed with a qualified health care provider prior to use, especially if you are taking any medications.

Digestive Health. ACV is rich in acetic acid, so it is naturally acidic. This fact could explain how ACV may benefit digestion, reducing bloating and gas in those with low stomach acidity. Some people who experience gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux, find ACV to be a helpful remedy. The acetic acid in vinegar also works as an antimicrobial substance that can help reduce bacteria and yeast in the stomach and intestines. While ACV is a fermented food and is considered to be probiotic, it is unclear if it provides the same benefits as probiotic bacteria. Evidence does suggest there may be a role for ACV in treating yeast and fungal infections.

Weight Loss. ACV is touted as a remedy to help with weight loss. While evidence is not clear, small studies point to a potential role for ACV in weight control. One possible mechanism of action is that ACV may enhance feelings of satiety, which in one study resulted in participants eating 200-275 fewer calories in a day. Another study showed that daily consumption of ACV (1 or 2 tablespoons per day) resulted in weight loss of up to 3.7 pounds over 3 months. Benefits appear to be modest, but as a low calorie food that may also help with blood sugar control, ACV could be a positive addition to a weight control program.

While much of the information on ACV is anecdotal and research is somewhat limited, this folk remedy continues to enjoy the spotlight in the world of health, and its use will likely continue for years to come. ●

Nature’s Answer Apple Cider Vinegar + Ginger Gummies

Healthy weight management and gut support.* Provides 500 mg apple cider vinegar plus ginger, pomegranate, and beetroot. Tasty pectin gummies. Vegan. Enzymedica Apple Cider Vinegar

Supports digestion and promotes healthy weight loss.* Contains the Mother for maximum benefit.

Convenient: 1 dose is comparable to 1 ounce of liquid apple cider vinegar.

healthy hair

comes from within *

Visit www.rcherbals.com

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS