Is apple cider vinegar actually good for you?
Apple cider vinegar has long been a home remedy for all sorts of ailments from dandruff to diabetes. But how much of this is fact? A few studies do suggest that apple cider has health benefits, assisting in lowering blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and aiding in weight loss. Read on to find out more.
Apple cider vinegar is made from apples that are crushed, distilled, and then fermented. Many swear by its healthful properties. Most apple cider vinegar is clear, filtered, and pasteurised. You can also buy raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar which has a cloudy appearance caused by sediment called the “mother”, which consists of “good bacteria” and yeast.
Apple cider vinegar has been found to offer the following health benefits:
1. It may help blood sugar levels
Type-two diabetics and pre-diabetics may benefit from a 1.5 – 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar a day. A 2019 study suggested that it may have beneficial effects on the glycemic index and oxidative stress in diabetics, as did a 2021 review of clinical trials. Other studies found that apple cider vinegar may lower blood sugar levels if taken after meals.
2. It may aid weight loss
Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar consumed with a meal may result in appetite suppression for 120 minutes after eating and that participants were less likely to snack for 3 to 24 hours after taking apple cider vinegar.
3. It may benefit your heart
Reviews of research conducted in 2020 and 2021 found that apple cider vinegar may assist in lowering total cholesterol levels, increasing “good” cholesterol while lowering levels of triglycerides.
4. It may assist with gut health
Raw apple cider vinegar containing the “mother” includes good bacteria which may assist in cultivating healthy gut flora.
How to use apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be used in salad dressings but if you want to drink it, always dilute it in water otherwise its acidity can damage the enamel on your teeth. The suggested dosage is between 1-2 tablespoons per day in a large glass of water. If you suffer from certain medical conditions which result in low potassium, or you have kidney disease, taking apple cider vinegar is not advised, so always check with your doctor before taking anything new.
Where to find apple cider vinegar at Hill Street
We stock many types of raw apple cider vinegar including a newcomer, Tassie brand Wild Mother, which you will find on top of the deli in most of our stores. Wild Mother makes a fantastic range of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegars all made from local organic apples and they don’t contain any additives, colours or concentrates. Wild Mother also produces a black cherry vinegar made from Huon and Derwent Valley cherries, as well as three premium barrel-aged apple cider vinegars aged in whisky, port or bourbon casks. These fine vinegars can be used in a vinaigrette, to baste or deglaze or to splash on an oyster!
