There are many myths of apple cider vinegar for health circulating in the community. In fact, not a few people believe in it. However, before you use apple cider vinegar to treat certain conditions, first know the facts from the circulating myths.
Apple cider vinegar is made by squeezing fresh apples to extract the juice. Furthermore, the apple water will go through a fermentation process using the help of bacteria and yeast. From this process, an acidic, pungent-smelling, clear brown liquid is produced called apple cider vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar Myths
Not a few people who consume apple cider vinegar because it is believed to have many health benefits. However, not all claims of apple cider vinegar are supported by sufficient scientific evidence. Here are some apple cider vinegar myths and the facts behind them:
1 Mlose weight
One of the most common apple cider vinegar myths is that it can help you lose weight. This is because apple cider vinegar is believed to suppress appetite and burn fat faster, so it is good for consumption when you are losing weight.
However, the claim that apple cider vinegar is beneficial for weight loss is still a myth. In fact, various studies show that the results of the diet of people who consume apple cider vinegar are different, so further research is needed.
2. Lowering bad cholesterol levels in the body
Cholesterol levels that are too high are one of the triggers for an increased risk of several diseases, such as narrowing of blood vessels, hypertension, and heart disease.
Well, apple cider vinegar is believed to lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. However, the evidence for the benefits of apple cider vinegar is still limited to laboratory tests, so its effectiveness and safety for humans is not known for certain.
3. Control blood sugar levels
The next apple cider vinegar myth is controlling blood sugar levels and increasing insulin levels in the body.
This benefit is supported by research showing that apple cider vinegar can suppress increases in blood sugar levels and HbA1c, which is a marker of long-term blood sugar levels in the body. However, the decline that occurred was only slight and not too significant.
Therefore, apple cider vinegar to control blood sugar levels should only be consumed under the supervision of a doctor and not used as the main treatment for diabetes.
In addition to some of the myths above, apple cider vinegar is also believed to be able to get rid of acne, treat bacterial nail infections, and freshen breath. However, just like any other myth, this claim still needs further investigation.
Apple cider vinegar is generally safe to consume as a food flavor enhancer, for example added to salad dressing or used as a mixture of mayonnaise sauce.
Although fairly safe, excessive consumption of apple cider vinegar can actually cause health problems. This is because apple cider vinegar has a very high acid content, so it can trigger gastrointestinal problems, cause throat irritation, and damage tooth enamel.
Not only that, apple cider vinegar can also cause drug interactions, when taken together with other drugs, such as diabetes drugs and diuretic drugs.
Therefore, if you want to inquire further about the myths of apple cider vinegar or want to consume apple cider vinegar to treat certain health problems, you should consult your doctor first to ensure its benefits and safety.
