Apple cider vinegarー the name surely gives it a cozy fall vibe doesn’t it?
Vinegar in general has demonstrated numerous health benefits but apple cider vinegar (ACV) , which is made from fermented apples, in particular has been gaining attention from many health experts in recent years (And no, ACV is not seasonalー thankfully it is around all year).
If you were curious as to what makes ACV beneficial to our health, you have come to the right place!
Hyperglycemia, more commonly known as high blood sugar, affects countless people worldwide. This phenomenon is usually attributed to the lack of insulin in the body and is associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas that controls what the body does with the energy obtained from food; it determines if it wants to use or store the blood sugar.
Research suggests that ACV may assist with glycemic control- that is our blood sugar levels.
Studies have shown that ACV consumption is associated with the overall reduction of blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Therefore, the consumption of ACV may serve as an ally for diabetes management as well as prevention.
Now let’s talk cholesterol ー
Cholesterol travels throughout the bloodstream carried by “lipoprotein”, a type of protein.
There are two types of these lipoproteins: 1) LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol 2) HDL (high-density lipoprotein).
LDL is commonly referred to as the “bad” cholesterol while HDL is referred to as the “good” cholesterol. Since HDL, along with the liver, helps get rid of the cholesterol in the blood, higher HDL level can contribute to lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack and peripheral artery disease.
ACV consumption was associated with higher levels of HDL for people who do not have diabetes.
Furthermore, studies have found that for those with type 2 diabetes, ACV consumption was linked to an improved lipid panel- a blood test that serves as a screening for cardiovascular diseases.
This blood test is based on cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat in our blood) levels. The buildup of these fats in the blood will lead to a hardening of the arteries and increase the risks of cardiovascular diseases. A decrease in both triglyceride and cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes was seen with the consumption of ACV.
Overall, this suggests a positive association between our heart health and ACV.
ACV is said to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. There have been several studies that have linked such properties to the potential prevention and the remedy of kidney/urinary stones.
The kidney filters our blood, removes wastes from it and produces urine. It plays an important role in the body’s maintenance of the balance of fluid and minerals which is crucial for our physiological functioning.
Kidney stones are relatively common and may unfortunately lead to chronic kidney diseases. Although ACV should not be relied on as a sole treatment, its therapeutic effect says a lot about its defensive nature against oxidative stress and inflammation in our body.
Relatedly, ACV contains a phytochemical (compounds found in plants that can yield positive health effects) called flavonoid. Flavonoid have been found to have favorable effects on the following health complications:
If you would like to get more inspiration- whether it is about how to specifically incorporate ACV into your meals or anything related to concerns regarding PCOS and/or fertility struggles please feel free to check out our meal plans or any other services with our fertility dietician. We would love to provide guidance to your wellness journey!
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