Tulsa World: Apple cider vinegar: Could it be a cure for what ails you?

Newspaper View Print this story

Comment

RSS

Bookmark

Apple cider vinegar: Could it be a cure for what ails you?

By SUZY COHEN
Published: 10/24/2009 2:24 AM
Last Modified: 10/24/2009 5:33 AM

Dear Pharmacist: My neighbor swears by apple cider vinegar, and every time I complain about my health, she rants about the vinegar. I haven't tried it, but I have to say she looks fairly healthy and never gets sick. Do you think there's something to it? — P.B., Lodi, Calif.

Vinegar has been used for centuries for many purposes including cleaning, killing weeds and pickling. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is sold as a bottled vinegar and a dietary supplement in the United States.

Apple cider vinegar is a fermentation product of pulverized apples. Its primary active ingredient is "acetic acid" and many holistic practitioners believe that a little acid can relieve symptoms of reflux disease and heartburn. Nevertheless, I wouldn't take ACV without your doctor's approval because it could damage the delicate lining of your digestive tract.

Here are some other sweet uses for the vinegar:

High cholesterol: An animal study published in the British Journal of Nutrition (2006) showed evidence that vinegar could lower cholesterol. The scientists gave rats some acetic acid, and their cholesterol ratio improved. But they had permanent puckers on their face afterwards, go figure.

Arthritis: ACV is derived from apples which give us "malic acid." This substance helps fight infections and also relieves pain. Malic acid may ease joint pain, fibromyalgia and gouty arthritis by dissolving uric acid deposits that form around joints.

Diabetes: This is ACV's most promising effect. Several studies have concluded that it may help control blood glucose. A 2007 study published in Diabetes Care concluded that people with type 2 diabetes experienced about a 5 percent reduction in morning blood glucose levels.

To use ACV, just add 2 teaspoons to water each day and drink it or use it as salad dressing. Look for organic; I prefer "raw and unfiltered."

info@dearpharmacist.com By SUZY COHEN

Newspaper View Print this story

Comment

RSS

Bookmark

Reader Comments

Show: Most Recent Comment First

Add your comment

0 comments have been made on this story so far. Tell us what you think below!

Reporting Comments

If you see a comment that violates our terms and conditions, please help us by clicking the "Report this Comment" link next to a comment. That will alert the web staff to review the comment. Thank you. -- Web Editor Jason Collington

Add Your Comment
In order to post a comment on this article, you must sign in to Tulsaworld.com. If you do not have a site account, you can create an account for free.

Post Your Comment