Apple cider vinegar, commonly found in domestic kitchens, could be the surprising hero for those dealing with a frequent health problem. Amidst the wealth of study into the potential benefits and drawbacks of this well-utilised staple, apple cider vinegar has long been noted for its food preservation properties.
Though not a panacea or a wonder cure, apple cider vinegar does boast therapeutic prowess for a specific ailment—the ability to reduce cholesterol, as highlighted by clinical research. This fermented apple product generates its active component, acetic acid, through the sugar and yeast fermentation process.
Shoppers will find both filtered and unfiltered versions on store shelves – the latter typically includes ‘the mother’, a culture of beneficial bacteria acquired during fermentation. Dr Cain Clark from Coventry University has conducted trials focused on the impact of apple cider vinegar on health issues related to higher lipid factors and sugar parameters. Blood contains various types of fats, or lipids, including cholesterol, where HDL is considered the “good” kind while LDL carries the “bad” reputation.
Another lipid, triglycerides, which are also essential for health, serve as an energy reserve housed within fat cells. Nonetheless, these levels can become problematic if influenced adversely by other health conditions or diet, reports Surrey Live. High cholesterol and raised triglyceride levels can put you at risk of heart disease. However, adding apple cider vinegar (ACV) to your daily diet could help lower total cholesterol and triglycerides while boosting “good” cholesterol (HDL).
The suggested daily intake is between half an ounce to one ounce of ACV, which may also be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes. It’s easy to incorporate into your meals – add it to salads, recipes or dilute it in a glass of water (one teaspoon to tablespoon of ACV in 6-8 oz of warm water before meals).
Dr Clark stated: “Blood markers can provide information about a person’s risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases.” Clark and his team reviewed nine other studies on the effects of ACV to identify any consistencies. They concluded that regular consumption of ACV could assist with certain ailments and alleviate some health conditions.
The study revealed “we found that ‘normal’ healthy adults can improve their lipid profile, while when we looked further into the data and participants, we found that people with type 2 diabetes (not insulin dependent) had specific and significant improvements in total cholesterol and triacylglycerol.”
Research has indicated that apple cider vinegar (ACV) can lower cholesterol and improve the health of those with type 2 diabetes. This evidence is supported by various global studies, including one from The National Library of Medicine which investigated ACV’s impact on lipid profiles and glycaemic parameters.
In their published paper, they stated: “Elevated lipid profiles and impaired glucose homeostasis are risk factors for several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which, subsequently, represent a leading cause of early mortality, worldwide. The aim of the current study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of apple cider vinegar (ACV) on lipid profiles and glycaemic parameters in adults.The National Library of Medicine looked at “.
The National Library of Medicine examined “all clinical trials which investigated the effect of ACV on lipid profiles and glycaemic indicators”. Their findings revealed that “ACV consumption significantly decreased serum total cholesterol”, and the study also discovered a “significant favourable effect of ACV consumption on FPG (fasting plasma glucose) and blood lipid levels.”
Total cholesterol refers to all the cholesterol in your blood, comprising both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol. Triglycerides are lipids or fats stored in the body, and higher levels of these can be detrimental to health. Just a single tablespoon of ACV taken daily for a couple of months can make a real difference to your lipid and cholesterol levels, especially if you’re managing type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that all subjects involved experienced a boost in their “good” cholesterol after introducing apple cider vinegar into their diet.
The NHS does not recognise Apple cider vinegar as a recommended treatment for any health conditions.