Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are rapidly becoming a major worldwide problem. There has been a steady increase in the number of pathogens that show multiple drug resistance.

(Read more: What is antibiotic resistance)

Vinegar may help to kill such pathogens and harmful bacteria. It has been in use for a long time for cleaning, preserving and disinfecting. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine is known to have used apple cider vinegar along with honey to clean open wounds and dress them to prevent further infection. A study done in the UK concluded that apple cider vinegar can suppress the growth of several bacteria including E.coli, S. aureus and C. albicans, which cause infections in humans.

Similar observations were made in a recent study, where the scientists noted the potent antimicrobial effects of apple cider vinegar on MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) and a drug-resistant variety of E. coli.  

According to a study published in Natural Product Research,  ACV is a strong antibacterial even at 25% concentration. However, the activity against fungi like Candida, may not be as potent. Also, the vinegar is highly cytotoxic (toxic to living cells) The study authors pointed that more research is still needed to weigh the benefits and side effects of regular ACV usage. 

(Read more: Infectious diseases symptoms)

Type 2 diabetes is a condition characterised by abnormally high blood sugar levels. Diabetics often look for remedies and ways to keep their blood sugar in check. 

The most effective way to regulate blood sugar would be to avoid refined carbohydrates and sugar, but apple cider vinegar can also have a very powerful effect to keep the blood sugar levels under check.

A research study showed that having vinegar post-lunch or dinner has significant effects in reducing blood sugar levels. Further studies also proved that having vinegar at bedtime decreases fasting glucose levels by 4% in diabetic people.

In a study done in Iran, about 70 people with diabetes type 2 were either given a placebo or 20 mL ACV per day for a period of 8 weeks. The researchers found a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in all patients who took ACV. 

However, overconsumption may lead to side effects. So, if you are a diabetic, it is best to consult your doctor before adding ACV to your daily routine.

(Read more: Diabetes diet)

Daily intake of vinegar might be useful in the prevention of obesity and reduction of body fat.

Acetic acid (AcOH), the main component of apple cider vinegar, was recently found to suppress fat accumulation in the body. A research was conducted to analyse the effects of vinegar intake on the reduction of body fat in obese Japanese people. It was inferred that body weight, BMI, waist circumference, visceral fat area, and serum triglyceride levels were significantly lower in people who consumed apple cider vinegar.

More clinical studies had similar results with regular use of apple cider vinegar with or without a calorie-restricted diet.

Apple cider vinegar is said to be helpful in suppressing appetite, which leads to weight loss. However, a study reported that ACV may not be tolerated well as an appetite suppressor because of the amount of nausea it causes.

(Read more: 7 common weight loss mistakes)

If you are tired of dieting and exercising and are not able to lose weight, then use myUpchar Ayurveda Medarodh Fat Burner Capsule, it has no side effects, order it today and avail the benefits.

However, despite the research researchers say that ACV might not be a good way to lose weight in the long term, especially since the right dosage and timing for consumption is not well known.

(Read more: Diet chart for weight loss)

Cancer is a disease characterized by an uncontrolled growth of body cells.

Various studies show that vinegar possesses anticancer properties and can kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. It is also indicated that topical application of acetic acid may be a possible approach for the treatments of gastric cancer and possibly other cancers. However, all the studies and researches conducted so far have been in laboratory-based or animal models.

One study even indicated that the acidic pH of ACV may make certain cancer cells more invasive.

Due to the absence of clinical studies, it is hard to confirm the anticancer efficiency of apple cider vinegar in humans.

(Read more: Difference between tumour and cancer)

Bacteria don't grow in acidic conditions, so a vinegar mouthwash may help reduce the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. Acidity is measured in pH. Environments with pH values below 7.0 are considered to be acidic, whereas those with pH values above 7.0 are known to be basic. Bacteria are generally neutrophiles, which means they grow best at a neutral pH level close to 7.0. Since vinegar is acidic in nature, it creates an unsuitable environment for the bacteria to grow. This may help reduce or get rid of bad breath.

Though there isn't any study to show the effects of ACV on bad breath, this vinegar is shown to have potent antimicrobial properties, which may be helpful in reducing oral bacterial load. Also, a study indicated that rinsing the mouth with vinegar for about 5 seconds may help reduce the bacterial load from teeth. This may in turn aid in getting rid of bad breath.

Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water to make a vinegar mouthwash at home.

(Read more: How to get rid of bad breath)

Most premature deaths in the world are caused due to heart diseases. Numerous biological factors like obesity, lifestyle, and diet are generally linked to these heart diseases. An animal-based study demonstrated that dietary acetic acid reduces serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triacylglycerols in a cholesterol-rich diet. 

High cholesterol is a known risk factor for heart disease. Accumulation of fats in blood vessels leads to a condition called atherosclerosis. The latter, if not treated on time, can lead to heart attack and stroke.

(Read more: Foods to reduce and control high cholesterol)

Furthermore, ACV is suggested to possess antioxidant properties, which may be beneficial in reducing the risk of metabolic problems such as obesity and high blood pressure - two more risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. 

Studies also show that apple cider vinegar can lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and help fight diabetes. These factors also lead to a reduced risk of heart diseases.

But these studies only show an association and are not proof enough. 

(Read more: Best cardio exercises for heart health)

Vinegar is traditionally used as a home remedy for acne. However, currently there is no evidence to prove this claim. ACV does have antimicrobial properties and succicnic acid present in it has been shown to inhibit the growth of the acne causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Succinic acid has also been shown to be helpful in reducing the redness and swelling associated with acne and in reducing acne scarring. 

However, it is also indicated that direct topical application of ACV may lead to skin burns.

So, it is best to check in with your doctor before using ACV for acne.

(Read more: Home remedies for acne)

There has not been enough research to prove that apple cider vinegar is good for hair. A study on the pH levels of various shampoos' has proved that highly alkaline shampoos can cause hair friction, dryness, and breakage resulting in damage to the hair follicles. The study argued that most shampoos tend to be alkaline. Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, is acidic and may not cause damage to hair. It is said to be helpful in providing shine, smoothness, and strength to the hair by increasing the acidity and lowering the pH level of scalp and hair.

Apple cider vinegar also possesses antimicrobial properties. It can help keep the scalp free from bacteria and fungus, thereby preventing itching. Again, there is not enough research to prove that apple cider vinegar can prevent dandruff or dry scalp.

(Read more: Home remedies for thicker hair)

In its raw form, apple cider vinegar is said to be an excellent digestive tonic. The main ingredient in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid which enables the first step of digestion to work effectively. Stirring up those digestive juices helps with the rest of the digestive processes. However, there is no evidence to prove the benefits of ACV for digestion. 

On the contrary, ACV consumption is shown to increase the time food takes to empty out of the gut, which may lead to gas and bloating.

(Read more: How to improve digestion)