Apple cider vinegar is a staple of many people’s homes and is used for a wide variety of household applications from cooking to being used as a hair product. Apple cider vinegar is made from apples and contains healthy probiotic enzymes. It has around 5 percent acidity which makes it a favorite for making salad dressings or using as a facial toner.

Some of the most popular claims include that Apple Cider Vinegar is good for;

• Soothing and relieving dry throats.
• Cleaning toxins from the body.
• Maintaining healthy skin.
• Helps with weight loss and weight control.
• Promotes a healthy immune system.
• Relieves hiccups.
• Fights yeast infections.
• Relieves muscle aches and pains.
• Soothes and cleans skin.
• Helps keep you looking youthful.
• Improves digestion.
• Stops Hiccups.
• Keeps away bugs and fleas.
• Soothes sunburns.
• Makes hair shiny.

But has there been any actual research on any of these ideas?

Sadly most of the health claims are results of anecdotal word of mouth. One person’s experience might not produce the same effects for another person. Very little evidence is out there on apple cider vinegar and the few studies need more intensive reviews.

But the evidence that has been collected on apple cider vinegar supports the claims that it might be beneficial to improving insulin sensitivity and helping reduce blood glucose spikes after meals. This could be valuable for people who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels.

A smaller body of evidence also supports the claims that consuming vinegar can help increase satiety and cause people to eat fewer calories. The causes of why this happens and what the role vinegar plays needs further investigation. Could be that people did not like the taste of vinegar and it put them off to food! Or they were drinking more water with the vinegar and feeling fuller.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the majority of research on apple cider vinegar is not conducted on humans but rather in labs on animals or in test tubes. But it is safe for human consumption and to be used as a cleaning product so continue to enjoy as a household staple!

[Image via Getty]