Apple cider vinegar is an age old folk remedy that has been used for over a 1000 years for treating a variety of disorders. The first records of its use as a medicinal aid dates back to about 400 B.C when Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used it to treat coughs and infections. Today, the use of apple cider vinegar for treating ailments has seen a resurgence among the health conscious and there are now many organic unprocessed apple cider vinegars available on the market.
Diabetic Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, and all vinegars for that matter, can help reduce the spike in blood sugar after a meal. The malic acid in vinegar has an inhibitory effects upon the enzymes that digest complex carbohydrates in the gut. This helps slow down the rate at which sugars enter the blood stream and therefore reduce the post meal blood sugar spike.
An Italian study tested out the effects of vinegar upon healthy subjects. 4 teaspoons of vinegar was added to a salad that was part of a high-carbohydrate meal containing white bread. Researchers discovered that the subjects experienced a 30% reduction in glycemic response compared to those who were given a placebo (neutralized vinegar) with their meal.
Apple Cider Vinegar Aids Personal Hygiene
The strong acidity of apple cider vinegar can help eliminate some bacteria and aid in some personal hygiene routines. Used in different concentrations this vinegar can help clear out dandruff, help with acne, aid in wart removal and improve skin tone. It can also help to eliminate foot odor and help clean out bacteria between the toes.
Apple Cider Vinegar – A Gout Remedy!
Many people have reported that apple cider vinegar benefits their gout symptoms. It can reduce the intense pain of gout and even completely remove it. How does that work? Gout is caused by a build up of uric acid in the body that eventually gets deposited into the joints in a crystalline form. This sharp crystalline structure sticks into the joints and causes the inflammation, swelling and pain that is gout. Amazingly, when digested, apple cider vinegar lowers the PH of our bodies which in turn reduces the amount of uric acid in the body. If taken regularly apple cider vinegar can continue this process and actually heal gout in many cases. Apple cider vinegar benefits gout also as a topical treatment. Applying it to the affected joint can help relieve some of the pain. Juicing can also help with gout, you can read more about that at juicing for gout remedies.