What is apple cider vinegar?
It is a cider that has been fermented.
Under the action of bacteria and yeast, the exposure of the liquid to the air promotes the production of acetic acid in particular.
To make the most of its benefits, choose organic, unpasteurised cider vinegar produced in the traditional way.
It must be aged in oak barrels for at least 10 months to retain the maximum amount of active ingredients.
What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar?
- Its antibacterial properties prevent the build-up of microbes in the gut and reduce bloating.
- Long used as a 'detox' or 'flat stomach' cure, especially by women in North Africa, the benefits of taking apple cider vinegar as a cure have never been scientifically proven.
- To try cider vinegar as a detoxifier, add 2 teaspoons to a glass of warm water with 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey.
- Drink this mixture every morning, preferably on an empty stomach, for one month.
Thanks to its antiseptic properties, apple cider vinegar can be used to treat sore throats.
Pour 4 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a tall glass of warm water and gargle.
A 2010 study showed that adding a certain amount of vinegar (about 15 ml to 30 ml) to a carbohydrate-containing meal reduced blood glucose and insulin responses 30 to 60 minutes after the meal.
It is the acetic acid in vinegar that would be the source of the observed effects, since increasing the amount of acetic acid in vinegar leads to a greater reduction in blood glucose and insulin levels.
Taking apple cider vinegar helps to stimulate digestion and renew the intestinal flora.
Diarrhoea causes the body to lose vital fluids and minerals.
Apple cider vinegar, a mild bactericide and remineraliser, promotes the development of intestinal flora and regulates transit.
For digestive problems, dilute 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a large cup of hot water.
You can also add 2 teaspoons of honey.
Drink this mixture half an hour before a meal.
Apple cider vinegar, which has a pH close to that of the skin, soothes skin irritations. Apply it directly to mosquito bites or stings, for example.
To compensate for the loss of mineral salts
The American doctor DeForest Clinton Jarvis, author of the best-selling book "Those old remedies that heal", was so convinced of the benefits of apple cider vinegar that he created the "Jarvis Cocktail".
The recipe is simple:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 250 millilitres of sodium-rich mineral water.
- Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey.
As apple cider vinegar is rich in mineral salts, this cocktail would allow athletes to replenish the mineral salts lost in sweat during exercise.
The Jarvis cocktail can also be used for illnesses that cause heavy sweating, such as measles.
What are the risks of apple cider vinegar?
As apple cider vinegar is very acidic, it should always be diluted with water if taken orally.
Also, excessive and prolonged use of apple cider vinegar can cause a lot of harm.
It should be used in moderation, as a remedy or occasionally in response to a problem.
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Sore throat
- Stomach or oesophageal upset may occur when apple cider vinegar is taken as a liquid or as a supplement.
- Irritation and rashes may occur when applied to the skin.
- Interaction with other medicines:
- Apple cider vinegar may interact with certain medications, such as diuretics and insulin.
- It is therefore best to consult your doctor before using apple cider vinegar if you are taking any medication.