The internet is riddled with stories promoting various home remedies claiming to have detoxifying value, weight loss and overall natural health benefits. One of these popular remedies is apple cider vinegar. This vinegar's alleged healing properties have been around for decades and have been promoted as an effective means to cure and treat a variety of sicknesses, diseases and disorders. Is there any merit to these claims? Well, we are going to look further into the mystery of apple cider vinegar and determine if it is good for you, what health advantages and disadvantages it may provide, and how to properly use it within the scope of a healthy diet.

3 Advantages of Apple Cider Vinegar

Studies have shown that apple Cider Vinegar may have some medicinal properties that can help promote a healthier lifestyle; below are 3 of the most popular advantages of this home remedy.

Fights Type 2 Diabetes

Although one cannot find extensive studies conclusively proving that apple cider vinegar can help fight Type 2 Diabetes there have been some studies that showed positive results. Within these studies there existed evidence indicating an improvement in blood sugar levels. Specifically the acetic acid within the vinegar seemed to block the absorption of starch. With that said, it is important to note that although the presence of apple cider vinegar may block starch absorption it has no other proven beneficial properties for the prevention of harmful food byproducts such as those found in bacon.

Reduces Heart Disease

Studies have been completed on mice demonstrating that a reduction in total cholesterol and blood pressure develops when a subject consumes apple cider vinegar. Another study completed in Japan on 175 Japanese subjects produced results showing that subjects demonstrated lower body weight, visceral fat and triglyceride levels. Both these studies have illustrated promising results, correlating the consumption of apple cider vinegar with the reduction of heart and circulatory conditions related to high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

When the use of apple cider vinegar is recommended for the control of cholesterol and blood pressure reduction, it's use in one's vision system is to improve conditions such as glaucoma; where the pressure within the eye increases to a point that could damage the eye's optic nerve.  Controlling one's blood pressure can delay, or even avoid such eye disorders.

Cancer Preventive Properties

Apple cider vinegar contains antioxidants, similar to those found in vegetables and fruits like broccoli and blueberries. These antioxidants help to manage and maintain free radical cells that can become cancerous.

By consuming cancer fighting foods a person could prevent intraocular melanoma or melanoma of the eye from developing. Although this type of cancer is rare it is still a threat where the risk of developing it can be lowered by simply consuming antioxidants rich foods.

3 Disadvantages of Apple Cider Vinegar 

Although there might be beneficial properties to the consumption of apple cider vinegar it would be irresponsible to overlook the negative aspects of this vinegar. For example, although red wine may contain some cancer fighting molecules such as cancer fighting antioxidants it does not necessarily trump the harmful affects of the ethanol (alcohol) present within it. With that said, let's now review a more complete view of apple cider vinegar, including any possible harmful affects it may introduce into one's body.

Decreases Potassium Levels

Some studies have shown that consuming too much apple cider vinegar can result in the decrease of potassium levels. Potassium is a mineral crucial for life and critical in promoting optimal heart, kidney and other organ functionality. By lowering potassium consumption or absorption it may impact these organs preventing them from working efficiently.

May Adversely Affect Certain Medications

According to WebMD, consuming too much apple cider vinegar may also adversely affect certain medications that treat diabetes, heart disease and laxatives, to name a few.

Negative Impact to Those With Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Some studies have demonstrated that apple cider vinegar may directly slow the rate at which food and liquids leave the stomach ultimately slowing the overall digestive rate. This reduced rate in digestion could exacerbate blood sugar level management making it more difficult to control.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar

While apple cider vinegar does have some proven benefits it is important to note that many of the benefits stem from the vinegar component within it. For instance, all vinegars such as red and white wine vinegar, and even distilled vinegar have  antiglycemic properties. However, although there are obvious benefits to the consumption of vinegar, and particularly apple cider vinegar, it is important to consume it in moderation. Adding it as a condiment for additional flavoring or even diluting it with water before drinking it are perfect examples as to how one should consider introducing apple cider vinegar to their diet.

After a comprehensive review of both benefits and drawbacks of this home remedy, it is clear that if consumed in moderation the drawbacks of apple cider vinegar can be reduced while still benefiting from its medicinal properties. In spite of the fact that many studies have illustrated that apple cider vinegar can offer health and vision benefits, it is important to note that it isn't a cure for these ailments and should only be considered as a natural calorie free addition to a healthy diet regimen.