Vinegar is definitely a global favorite when it comes to salad dressings. Its variety of options and flavors allows us to create different dishes that indulge our palates and create a party in our mouth.
But there is much more about vinegar than just dressings …
More than just flavor and variety, vinegar brings many benefits to our body. Experts such as the doctors Jhonston and Gaas (2006) mention that
“for more than 2000 years, vinegar has been used to flavor and preserve food, heal wounds, fight infections, clean surfaces, and control diabetes”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
And the list goes on!
Depending on the type of vinegar you use, you will find different health benefits according to its ingredients. This time, we will focus on apple cider vinegar, the king of table vinegar.
How is apple cider vinegar produced?
The apple juice is put through a fermentation process, in which the yeast converts the fruit’s sugar into alcohol. Then, bacteria is added to the mixture, which converts the alcohol into acetic acid. The latter being the component responsible for the vinegar’s acidity, sour taste and strong odor.
Usually, when we think of ferments that benefit our health, wine is the first one that comes to our mind. This time, you will read about 3 of the many properties of apple cider vinegar, and in no time it will be your new favorite product.
1.- Reduction and elimination of bacteria
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is the substance responsible for keeping bacteria inside and outside the body under control.
Do you remember someone in your family cleaning the kitchen counter with vinegar? Now you know why!
Moreover, the bactericidal properties of apple cider vinegar are supported by studies such as the one from Yagnik, Serafin, and Shah (2018) Authors recognize the importance of this substance to fight bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida Albicans (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/ )
2.- Controlled blood sugar levels
Together with a balanced diet, vinegar can regulate blood sugar levels. Vinegar has proven to help for patients with type 2 diabetes. Along with a healthy diet, apple cider vinegar helps them to maintain their glycemic control rates regulated (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5426415/ ).
3.- Weight control
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar reduces the absorption of starches and delays the digestive process. This makes us feel “full” for a longer period of time (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16015276). Also, vinegar helps you eat fewer calories, which also helps you reduce your weight.
There are different apple cider vinegar presentations you will find on the market. One of them is the Bragg Org Raw Apple Cider Vinegar With The Mother 16oz. This particular product contains the “mother” of apple cider vinegar, which is constituted by the enzymes and bacteria that give this vinegar its distinctive turbid appearance and also add extra health properties.
The benefits of apple cider vinegar go beyond the ones we mentioned here! This type of vinegar even allows you to keep your skin healthy and relieve muscle pain after exercising! After reading all of this you are probably convinced that apple cider vinegar is the king of table vinegar!
