Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the healthiest foods with many benefits. It helps in weight loss, and lowers blood sugar, making skin soft and smooth. One teaspoon of ACV daily can change your health. Apple cider vinegar is an acetic solution prepared from a fermentation process or combination of yeast and bacteria with the apple juice. Despite several health benefits, there are a few myths about apple cider vinegar among people.
ACV is known as a natural tonic, and it has proven to have healing and healthy properties. It is used in many food and beverages. Everything is good for the health if taken in moderation; the excess amount can be harmful.
Here are some myths about apple cider vinegar, which are debunked below. Before adding the ACV to your daily routine, learn about its side effects and myths associated with it.
10 Myths About Apple Cider Vinegar
1. It Helps In Losing Weight Fast
Apple cider vinegar is used to lose weight, and the research says that people who drink 1 or 2 teaspoons of ACV diluted in water lose weight faster than others. But this loss is temporary as the weight loss doesn’t mean losing some pounds. Weight loss can be achieved by increasing physical activity, which reduces calories. Therefore, apple cider vinegar assists in losing weight but isn’t wholly responsible for it.
2. It Helps In Curing Diabetes
ACV is proven as a savior for diabetes, but it doesn’t mean it can replace the medication. It has a short-term effect on blood sugar control. If people with type 2 diabetes consume vinegar in minimum quantity after the meal, it lowers their blood glucose levels and levels up insulin. Insulin resistance patients should consult the doctor before having it.
3. It Is Good For the Stomach
A large quantity of apple cider vinegar is not good for your gut and stomach. It keeps the food in the stomach for a longer period. Also, acetic acid in it can cause acidity problems with difficulty in emptying the stomach. It increases the chance of gastroparesis. Therefore, it is advisable to consume diluted apple cider vinegar only.
4. It Helps With Hemorrhoids
There is a myth that hemorrhoids can be cured by applying apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball. But it has only a temporary effect. At first, it provides a cooling and soothing effect, but it can burn your skin later because of its acidic nature. It will only worsen the condition.
5. It Regulates Blood Pressure
Apple cider vinegar does not help control your high blood pressure. Research shows that ACV helps regulate the rat’s blood pressure, but one cannot say the same about humans. Apple cider vinegar helps to absorb calcium, which is serious for blood pressure regulation. There is more room for studying ACV effects on blood pressure.Â
6. It Helps With Ear Infection
It is said that putting 2% diluted ACV in the ears can help with the ear infection. But ACV is acidic, causing damage to the sound detecting portion’s outer hair cells; it further can irritate the skin. Although apple cider vinegar shows strong antibacterial properties at a lower concentration, there aren’t enough studies to prove whether it will work for humans.
7. It Kills Some Germs
Apple cider vinegar has some antiseptic properties and might kill the salads’ E. coli, salmonella, and other microorganisms. But it is not effective on all the microorganisms. So, it is suggested to eat your veggies and foodstuff after washing it. Avoid using it to disinfect any wound, as the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can harm your skin.
8. It Helps In Dandruff
One can expect the acidic content in apple cider vinegar to get rid of dandruff at home, but it is a myth. It only removes the shampoo residue and build-ups of the products. There aren’t enough scientific claims that ACV helps in treating dandruff.
9. It Helps Combat Lice
Anciently, ACV was used in all home remedies for a cure. It was also used for combating lice. However, research shows that vinegar is the least effective home remedy in eliminating lice and hindering new lice eggs from hatching. Consult a doctor before using any products/ingredients that might damage your scalp.
10. It Whitens Your Teeth
Apple cider vinegar is used to whiten and brighten the teeth, but it is not advisable to continue. ACV has low pH levels. The acid content can erode your teeth enamel, the teeth’ outer layer. Use a whitening toothpaste on a doctor’s recommendation instead of apple cider vinegar.
Conclusion
These myths about apple cider vinegar are responsible for many health speculations. So, consult the doctor before consuming ACV daily. Also, you should limit your dose to 1 to 2 teaspoons per day. Consuming in larger quantities will not give you better results but can cause you critical conditions and side effects. You shouldn’t drink it if you have certain conditions as it can interact with the medications. Please take it in moderation for good results and avoid the side effects.
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