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Apple Cider Vinegar – Bridgeford’s Best Bites: Nutrition Tips

ACV is a natural product made by crushing apples and squeezing out the liquid. Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, and the sugars are turned into alcohol (cider). In a second fermentation process, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria. Acetic acid and malic acid give vinegar its sour taste. ACV is used in salad dressings, vinaigrettes, marinades, food preservatives, and chutneys, amongst other things.

Centuries Old Remedies

Although there is very little science to support the benefits of ACV, people have been using it and swearing by its benefits for centuries:

A hair rinse for increased body, smoothness and shine, for easing dandruff and itchy scalp
A skin toner to regulate pH, reduce blemishes or left on overnight to fade age spots or acne scars
A natural aftershave
For warts, put a soaked cotton ball on overnight for a few nights
Rub on teeth then rinse with water to remove stains
To ease sunburn soak in a bath with a cup of ACV
Rib on hands and feet to relieve tired hands and feet
To aid weight loss
Helps to balance the entire body system and maintain a healthy pH, creating an overall detoxification, helping to stimulate cardiovascular circulation and detoxify the liver; reduce heartburn (except in ulcers!)
Helps to break up mucous and cleanse the lymph nodes, easing sinus congestion and related allergies, headaches and sore throats
Its natural enzymes help combat Candida and its symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings
As a fleas repellant on pets
As a household cleaner for toilets, microwaves, surfaces, windows

What Studies Show

Studies on malic acid supplements have shown benefits for skin pigmentation, energy and sports performance and fibromyalgia patients. These were not studies on ACV, though it does contain malic acid.

Cholesterol and Diabetes

ACV improved the serum lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats by decreasing serum triglycerides (TG) LDL and increasing serum HDL and may be of great value in managing the diabetic complications.
In healthy people ACV delays gastric emptying and lowers blood glucose and insulin levels. In people with insulin-dependent diabetes, this may be a disadvantage regarding their glycaemic control.

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