With its almost cult status as a healthy diet trend, there are many facts and myths surrounding apple cider vinegar (ACV). Even A-lister celebrities are getting in on the debate. Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, and Victoria Beckham swear by the efficacy of apple cider vinegar in maintaining health.
Are these claims valid? Let’s look at some of the info you’ll find through an online search and determine if it’s fact or myth.
It has proven health benefits – Fact
According to some articles, apple cider vinegar has been used for more than 3,000 years for its health benefits. Historically, people have been drinking it to help with their digestion. The probiotics from the fermentation of apples add good bacteria to the gut leading to a good digestive system.
ACV was used as an antibiotic at one point in time.
For wellness, some studies show how ACV can suppress appetite. Taken before a meal, people claim it can make you feel fuller and not as hungry as usual. The appetite suppressant effect also leads to less snacking for ACV takers.
ACV can also improve the health of hearts and reduce blood pressures. It has also been proven to lower glucose levels of those who are pre-diabetic. But these benefits still need additional scientific verification.
It is a cure-all – Myth
Some of the claims in favor of ACV seem to imply that it is the elixir of life. People believe it can melt body fat and prevent fat deposits from developing. Some say it clears the arteries of blockage and detoxifies the blood. Some claim it shrinks cancer cells and tumors. Still, some say it can be an alternative to insulin for diabetics.
Although ACV has many proven and potential health benefits, it is still a type of vinegar. It does not cure all illnesses and diseases.
Also, many of the reports you will find on the Internet are anecdotal. This means the stories are from personal experiences. As noted above, these need scientific verification.
Studies on using ACV to fight off cancer cells or other illnesses are still inconclusive. So, don’t believe ACV curing cancer or diabetes just yet.
It helps as a beauty product – Fact
If you can get past the funky smell of ACV, it can be used as a natural facial toner or shampoo when diluted.
ACV has anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties. So, it can help fight off dandruff, acne, and toe fungi. It can even help to reduce itching from insect bites. Some use the diluted form as teeth whitener and alternative to commercial mouthwash.
It can’t harm you – Myth
As stated above, ACV is vinegar. The main ingredient of vinegar is acetic acid. If you ingest the liquid form undiluted, it can erode your teeth enamel. There is also a chance that it can damage your throat or burn your esophagus. It could also lead to low levels of potassium.
This is why many people recommend taking 1-2 teaspoons of ACV in at least 8 oz. of water. Still some say that adding it to food, for example, as a vinaigrette, is a better way of ingesting it.
If you can’t handle vinegar, fortunately, ACV now comes in various forms. You don’t have to drink the fermented form. You can now get the health benefits of ACV through capsule supplements. Better yet, you won’t get that sour taste or pungent smell while reaping the benefits of ACV.