Apple cider vinegar (ACV), also known as acetic acid, is a naturally occurring substance found in many plants. ACV is also produced by bacteria living in natural water that has been filtered through soil. The most commonly sold form of ACV is apple cider vinegar (ACV). There are also products such as apple cider vinegar for pickling and fermenting purposes. It can be used in a variety of ways depending on the product’s specific purpose.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV), sometimes called acetic acid, is a clear, thick liquid obtained from the purest apple cider or honey. Description of the product goes back to ancient times because of its purported health benefits. ACV is made by slightly crushing apples, pressing them, then squeezing the juice out. The resulting vinegar is used to flavor foods and as an added skin, though it is not considered a true vinegar.
One of the health claims of acv is for treating diabetes. In fact, some scientists have tried to show that it may help control blood-sugar levels. This is mostly due to the high concentrations of antioxidants in apple cider vinegar. Antioxidants have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may even help reduce the occurrence of diabetes. Many diabetics claim that taking ACV reduces the effects of insulin, thus preventing the disease from developing.
Skin and chemical burns are another area where apple cider vinegar is believed to be useful. Acetone, a chemical found in some industrial cleaners, can cause chemical burns if too much is ingested. ACV dilutes the acetone in the human body so that it does not have an effect. For this reason, it has been used to soothe burns on the skin and relieve dry, itchy skin.
Another purported benefit of the vinegar comes from the effect it has on acetic acid bacteria. Acetic acid bacteria cause skin infections, especially around the mouth and throat. The bacteria produce an undesirable sulfur when breaking down proteins. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which kills the bacteria.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative Medicine showed that apple cider vinegar can help lower the level of phagia (the scientific term for toothache) in people who consume it on a regular basis. Phagia refers to a condition where toothaches occur more often than would be expected in a healthy person. The aphasia level can be reduced by up to 40%. The researchers, led by Dr. Bernard Jensen of the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, believe that the vinegar contains L-glutathione, a compound that boosts the immune system and helps fight off diseases like diabetes.
Another research study published in the Journal of American Science showed that the acetic acid from apple cider vinegar helps kill certain types of bacteria in the digestive tract, thereby reducing the amount of harmful bacteria in the body. One of the most common conditions suffered by people with HIV is Crohn’s disease. The vinegar appears to help combat inflammation and pain associated with the disease, which may reduce the need for steroids and other drugs to treat it. It has also been shown to reduce fatigue caused by Crohn’s disease.
The alkalinity of apple cider vinegar may help support the function of the kidneys and decrease the level of acid in the urine. This would mean that it could potentially help treat and prevent the formation of kidney stones and lessen the symptoms of a sore throat. In the meantime, anyone with a fever or painful muscles should drink the concentrated form of acv as soon as possible. It could also be helpful for cold and cough symptoms.