Apple cider vinegar (ACV) seems to be the star “super drink” when it comes to home health remedies. Many tout that this sour solution can work wonders for a multitude of health problems, from regulating blood pressure and diabetes to supporting weight loss.
What Science Says
There are many uses for ACV, but does science have anything to say about its health benefits? There are proven benefits of raw, unfiltered ACV, with “the mother,” a cloudy substance at the bottom of the bottle which is full of probiotics. The benefits of ACV include the ability to kill harmful bacteria, lower blood sugar and cholesterol, fight diabetes and help with weight loss.
Apple cider vinegar can help control blood sugar in those with diabetes. The vinegar blocks some digestion of starch, helping to raise blood sugar levels. What about ACV and weight loss? In one study, participants who used vinegar lost slightly more weight than those who didn’t. The researchers suggest that vinegar may activate specific genes designed to break down fats.
In addition to these health benefits, we know apple cider vinegar is a friend to fruits and veggies. Not only does it complement any homemade salad dressing, but it can clean your produce. Vinegar’s antibacterial qualities can reduce bacteria such as salmonella. Try this home hack: Fill a spray bottle with diluted ACV and spritz to clean.
ACV and Your Teeth
Some mommy blogs and YouTube videos advocate for apple cider vinegar’s ability to whiten your smile, but acid and teeth can be a dangerous duo. Apple cider vinegar may have many beneficial uses, but it also has a pH level of 3.075—making it as harmful to your teeth as stomach acid. If you choose to use it, make sure to take precautions for your pearly whites.
Apple cider vinegar’s high acidity level can wear down enamel, eventually exposing dentin—the sensitive layer of a tooth. To make up for ACV’s pH level, dilute it with water. Try mixing 1-2 teaspoons vinegar with 8 ounces of water.
This may sound crazy, but wait at least 30 minutes to brush. Your enamel is in a tender state after sipping something acidic. Brushing immediately after consumption can actually rub the acid deeper into your pearly whites.
Is there a point to jumping on the apple cider vinegar train? There is scientific evidence to support the benefits of ACV. Just take the necessary precautions to prevent tooth damage. And remember: there is no quick-fix to a healthy mouth and body. Like everything else, apple cider vinegar is just one piece of your overall health puzzle.