Apple cider vinegar , also called apple vinegar, is made from fermented apple cider. Like any fermented food, it contains little sugar and probiotics and enzymes that are extremely beneficial for our digestion. Apple cider vinegar has been consumed for thousands of years and has historically been used to stimulate the secretion of gastric juices in the stomach , detoxify the liver, purify the blood, and boost immunity .
And if it was then forgotten, today cider vinegar is regaining popularity and is starting to be consumed again for its powerful properties. Here are the main ones:
It regulates blood sugar and prevents diabetes
Studies show that consuming apple cider vinegar reduces blood sugar levels by 30% on average after consuming foods with a high glycemic index, also called fast sugars. This is because apple cider vinegar improves sensitivity to insulin which is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the blood to the cells where it can be used as fuel. Because conversely, when cells become insensitive, or resistant to insulin, blood sugar levels remain dangerously high, leading to hyperglycemia and long-term diabetes.
In practice: to maintain stable blood sugar levels, dilute one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and consume before meals. Furthermore, be sure to limit your consumption of carbohydrates with a high glycemic index (refined sugar, white cereals and flours, processed products), to increase your consumption of fiber and protein foods rich in good fats, and to practice physical activity. regular.
It relieves heartburn and acid reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called acid reflux, is a condition characterized by acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, belching and nausea.
Contrary to what one might think, heartburn and gastric reflux are often linked to a lack of acidity in the stomach! Because when it is sufficiently acidic, it disinfects and breaks down food properly, and then lets it pass into the small intestine where the nutrients will be absorbed. Conversely, when the stomach lacks acidity, it tends to retain food that it considers incompletely digested and slows down its emptying. It is therefore common for the contents of the stomach to overflow “from the top” and burn the esophagus because of its acidity which, although insufficient, remains harmful to the esophagus whose mucous membranes are fragile.
Consumption of apple cider vinegar , because it stimulates the production of gastric juices, stimulates intestinal motility and gastric emptying. Thus, food no longer stagnates in your stomach and no longer rises towards the esophagus. Be careful though: if you suffer from gastric ulcer esophagitis or gastritis (irritation of the walls of the intestine), it will be necessary to restore the mucosa and walls of the esophagus and stomach to the Using aloe vera, raw cabbage juice (yes!) or suitable food supplements, before consuming vinegar.
In practice: dilute one to two tablespoons of cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it just before meals. You should not only see a reduction in heartburn but also feel less heavy and bloated because food will be better broken down and digested and less fermented by bacteria in the small intestine which produces gas and increases intra-abdominal pressure.
It reduces bad cholesterol (LDL)
LDL cholesterol is a fat-like substance that can build up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. High blood cholesterol puts strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. Daily consumption of apple cider vinegar may promote cardiovascular health by helping to keep “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels low while increasing “good” cholesterol (HDL).
In practice: In addition to including a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar in your diet each day, other ways to quickly lower cholesterol include minimizing your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, including a good variety of healthy fats in your diet and eat fatty fish 2-3 times a week.
It improves skin health
When applied directly to the skin, apple cider vinegar helps fight acne and reduces scarring. Thanks to Epycure, you can accentuate these changes with our clear skin hydration treatment . Certain strains of bacteria are often the cause of acne development. Apple cider vinegar contains specific components like acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, and citric acid, all of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of these harmful strains. These beneficial components also help improve the texture, pigmentation and appearance of the treated skin, as well as lighten scars.
In practice: combine regular consumption of cider vinegar with that of foods which are also a source of natural probiotics such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha or miso, but also that of probiotic fibers contained in fruits and vegetables , in order to maintain your microbiota in good diversity and balance. Additionally, be sure to maintain stable blood sugar levels to avoid hormonal acne. That’s good, apple cider vinegar also regulates your blood sugar!
It reduces blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. It forces the heart to work harder, causing the heart muscle to weaken and deteriorate over time. Apple cider vinegar inhibits the action of certain enzymes responsible for increasing blood pressure and constricting blood vessels. The risk of the arteries stiffening (arteriosclerosis) decreases, and thus the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disorders.
In practice: for optimal results, combine apple cider vinegar with other natural ways to lower blood pressure such as consuming magnesium and potassium, consuming fiber, avoiding refined salt and substituting foods transformed by whole foods.
It stimulates detoxification of the body
Apple cider vinegar helps balance the body's pH, encourages lymphatic drainage and improves blood circulation, making it an excellent tool to help the body get rid of accumulated waste and toxins.
In practice: the typical dose of apple cider vinegar is one to two tablespoons diluted in a glass of water and consumed 2 to 3 times a day. For optimal detox, add additional detoxifying practices to your routine, such as dry brushing or exposure to the cold and take a look at our detox range .
It helps fight against fungal infections
Fungal infections like nail fungus or yeast skin infections can be easily treated thanks to the anti-fungal action of apple cider vinegar.
In practice: create an antifungal spray by diluting apple cider vinegar in water. Combined with other anti-fungal ingredients, such as tea tree essential oil, for example, it can reduce symptoms and provide rapid relief.
You will have understood, cider vinegar has multiple virtues. But it is not a miracle food! To maximize its benefits, it should always be combined with a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle to achieve real lasting results.
Sources:
- https://www.mariefrance.fr/equilibre/nutrition/les-vertus-des-aliments/vinaigre-de-cidre-10-vertus-sante-409310.html#:~:text=En%20raison%20de%20ses %20virtues, drink%20just%20before%20a%20meal.
- https://www.doctissimo.fr/sante/diaporamas/remede-naturel-brulure-d-stomach/du-vinaigre-de-cidre
- https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Actualites/Nouvelles/Fiche.aspx?doc=vinaigre-cidre-bienfaits-digestion-graisses-ronflement-pellicules
- https://reflux-gastro-esophagien.com/vinaigre-de-cidre-et-reflux-gastrique/
- https://www.santemagazine.fr/alimentation/alimentation-et-sante/le-vinaigre-de-cidre-un-allie-pour-bien-digerer-171772
