Apple Cider: Benefits and Side Effects For Health

What is an Apple Cider?

Apple cider is a drink that is made by using apples. The name Apple Cider is originated in the United States and Canada. It is a non-alcoholic, unsweetened, and unfiltered drink which is considered to have amazing health benefits like treating infections in your ear, helps in disinfecting wounds, helps in preserving food by killing harmful bacteria. It can be prepared at home itself and can be used to maintain diabetes as it decreases blood sugar levels. People use it as a weight-loss remedy as well because it gives the feeling of fullness in your stomach and it is completely safe to consume apple cider vinegar until it is consumed in large amounts. You can consume up to 2 tablespoons daily either in a glass of water or by mixing in cooked food.

Benefits of Apple Cider

Apple cider is used as a medicine in food and water in the daily lives of people. It has its healing properties in terms of antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Its properties are known for:

• Helping with weight loss
• Controlling cholesterol
• Decreasing blood sugar level
• Helping in balancing the symptoms of diabetes

It cannot be considered to be a therapy until or unless any evidence is provided with proper research.

There do exist a few positive health benefits that we observe after consuming apple cider vinegar and they are:

• Healthy: It is a two-step procedure. It is made by exposing the apple to yeast as it ferments the sugar present in it and later modifies that sugar into alcohol. After modifying into alcohol, bacteria are added which further ferments the alcohol and turns it into acetic acid which is the most important compound in vinegar. As we know vinegar is known for its sour smell so acetic acid helps it in giving a sour smell as well as flavor. According to the research, this acid is the only reason behind the benefits that apple cider vinegar gives. Apple cider vinegar is nothing but 5% to 6% acetic acid only. Apple cider is full of potassium as it does not have vitamins and minerals in it. Known brands or healthy brands apple cider vinegar contains amino acids and antioxidants as well.

• Kills harmful bacteria: Vinegar is well known for killing germs. During covid times we have been using it to wash our vegetables before storing them which means it helps in killing pathogens including bacteria. Vinegar has been used in a vast range due to its healing properties. Thus, it is used in treating infections like ear infections, fungus, etc. The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, used vinegar to clean wounds more than 2,000 years ago. It is also used as a preservative in food items as food items contain bacteria E COLI which is terminated from growing inside food and spoiling food. Apple cider is the most natural way to preserve your food. Apple cider also helps in getting rid of acne when applied to the skin according to anecdotal reports.

• Decreases blood sugar level: Till today, there is nothing as beneficial as apple cider vinegar which helps in decreasing blood sugar levels and helps in treating type 2 diabetes (caused due to insulin resistance). Sugar is the main cause behind early aging and other major diseases so consuming apple cider vinegar lowers down sugar levels. It also helps in insulin levels. It is advised not to skip your medicine until it is prescribed by your doctor.

• Weight loss: Consuming apple cider vinegar with high carb food makes you feel full hence helps you survive on low calories. A study of 175 people showed that consuming apple cider helps in reducing belly fat. This study was done for 3 months only so it does not show the same effect on everybody. Apple cider does not contain many calories. To be accurate we can say one tablespoon contains only 3 calories which are null in total. Relying totally on apple cider is not recommended until you attain a healthy lifestyle.

• Healthier skin: Apple cider helps in nourishing dry skin as our skin is a bit acidic. To make balance the natural pH level of the skin it is recommended to use apple cider vinegar as it also has antibacterial effects.

Side Effects

Along with health benefits, apple cider has its side effects which can vary from person to person-

1. Trouble in the washroom- it slows down the process of absorption as it helps in reducing blood sugar levels hence leads to the formation of gas which further blocks the mainstream to flush out toxins.
2. Digestion problems- it creates digestion problems as it gives you the feeling of fullness thus makes your body absorb more and fulfill its requirements in whatever you put inside your stomach. People also feel nausea when they drink apple cider.
3. Dental problems- acid harms you in many ways and one of them is tooth enamel. Apple cider destroys your tooth just like soft drinks do. You can easily feel these drinks on your teeth. So, it is advised not to take an overdose of apple cider.
4. Ulcers- apple cider causes throat burns that are ulcers. Apple cider is acetic so keep it out of reach of children. If apple cider is stuck to your throat, it can cause severe burns.
5. Skin burns- skin burns can be very disheartening. Apple cider has acidic properties hence making it naturally acidic and it is said acid destroys your skin so keep it out of reach of children.

Reaction to medicines: It can react to people who use insulin for lowering sugar as using both insulins as well as apple cider can lead to low sugar. Drugs used to control potassium are also a big alarm so medications that have the same effects as that of apple cider should be kept in mind.

Apple Cider Vinegar Dosage: How Much Should You Drink Per Day?

The best way to consume apple cider is through water or food as it makes it simpler to add in food and consume. The basic dosage that is recommended is 1-2 tablespoons a day. Do not overdose on it as it may result in severe side effects like constipation, digestion problems, affect your bones, dental problems, ulcers in the mouth, skin burns, and may affect your health overall when it reacts with any medicine. It is hence recommended to take natural apple cider vinegar.