What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is derived from the fermentation of apple juice thus forming the vinegar in a two step fermentation process. It is just as natural a product as the apple itself and like the famous saying goes “An apple a day keeps a doctor away” so does this fermentation by product of the apple have the similar beneficial effects and more. An apple is an essential source of good health and well being because it is rich in various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber and has negligible fats. On a more elaborate context a fresh juicy and plumpy apple consists sufficient amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, iron and copper. Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, contains all these essentially vital nutrients and in addition to these contains the organic acids and enzymes produced on account of fermentation.
This type of vinegar is commercially available in the form of crystal clear liquids. However, these clear solutions are the processed form of the vinegar and are devoid of certain ingredients that are present in the non-processed vinegar. The actual identification of higher grade vinegar depends on its opaqueness where in there are cobweb-like floating substances also known as the “mother of vinegar” which is a gelatinous substance formed during the last fermentation step. This type of vinegar is made by cold pressing naturally grown apples wherein no chemicals or preservatives are added. Such type of vinegar can be found in most health food stores or can be easily made at home. It contains major amounts of acetic acids and small traces of malic acid, lactic acid and a number of amino acids.
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar :
Following are the benefits of the Apple cider vinegar:
- The organic acids present in this vinegar gives antiseptic properties to the vinegar which when ingested prohibits growth of unwanted bacteria in the digestive tracts. It improves the stomach acidity thus favoring ease in digestion and nutrient uptake.
- It maintains the pH balance of the body fluids thus keeping the body at bay from common cold like infections as also reduce the pain or severity caused by asthma attacks, sinus or certain allergies.
- This vinegar has been found to act against cancer and protect the body from damage from potential chemical toxins because of its antioxidant properties exhibited by the presence of vital nutrients like vitamins, amino acids and bioflavonoids.
- The fiber content of the vinegar essentially absorbs water, fat, toxins and cholesterol from the digestive tract and gradually eliminates them out of the body. This is made possible due to the presence of one of its major constituents in the form of a water soluble fiber called pectin. Pectin is also known to lower blood pressure thus lowering the chances of heart disorders and also improves glucose metabolism thus reduces the chances of occurrence of diseases like diabetes.
- The mineral content of apple cider vinegar also has a lot of beneficiary health effects. Potassium that is present in considerably huge amounts together with the sodium in the vinegar maintains the electrolyte balance in the body fluids thus helping in enhancing the conduction of nerve impulses, contraction of muscles, maintenance of a normal heartbeat rate and finally aids in the storage of carbohydrate and its breakdown into energy.
- The mineral magnesium that is found in this vinegar has a role of a catalyst in the enzyme activities that are associated with the production of energy from food. It helps in the uptake of calcium and potassium that are essential for healthy bones and teeth.
Thus the above are some of the varied health benefits of the apple cider vinegar. It is recommended also for weight loss, pet care and cooking. It can be tropically used as a non-toxic household cleaner, deodorizer and disinfectant.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss :
Apple cider vinegar plays an important role to detoxify the liver, which results in considerable weight loss. History tells that old Egyptian people were using apple cider vinegar for weight loss. ACV not only improve your body’s metabolism but also help to burn the calorie resulting in weight loss. 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, mixed in water, before every meal is sufficient for weight loss.
So we can say that ACV is a good fat burner and help to improve metabolism and reduces excess weight.
