Widely used for cooking and household purposes, vinegar is also an ancient remedy with a variety of health benefits. In the natural health community, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is considered the best. Many of its benefits are actually supported by science. Sometimes, you may hear the word "cider vinegar", but are they the same?
Is Cider Vinegar the Same As Apple Cider Vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar and cider vinegar can be regarded as the same thing. The only difference is that cider vinegar can be made from apples as well as many other fruits such as raspberries, while apple cider vinegar is only made from apples. Here are the reasons why cider vinegar and apple cider vinegar are the same.
1. Processing
The process for preparing ACV is the same as for cider vinegar. Bacteria break down the fruit sugar and turn it into alcohol, and the alcohol undergoes another process to change into malic acid and acetic acid. How acidic the vinegar becomes depends on how long the bacteria stay in the fermenter.
2. Acidity
The acidity of both ACV and cider vinegar is quite high. In fact, it is possible to burn your throat when you consume very large amounts of them. Due to the acidity of both, they are a popular choice for salad dressings and marinades. You can use either one of them anywhere you need a strong, tangy flavor.
3. Nutrition Benefits
In terms of nutritional benefits, ACV and cider vinegar are the same with each other. They both do not have any calories, sodium, or preservatives.
Apple Cider Vinegar/Cider Vinegar Health Benefits
Is cider vinegar the same as apple cider vinegar? You already know the answer. The benefits they offer are also the same.
1. They Are Beneficial for Diabetics
Diabetics can use both of them because they can help decrease blood sugar levels. The acetic acid in them can lower blood sugar levels to some extent by changing the way complex carbs are digested by the body.
ACV and cider vinegar can also inactivate some digestive enzymes, which in turn slows down the process of converting carbs into sugar. This prevents quick spike in your blood sugar levels.
What's more, regular consumption of them may improve insulin sensitivity in people with type-2 diabetes.
2. They Improve Cardiovascular Health
ACV and cider vinegar contain polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid which has the ability to inhibit oxidation of LDL. This lowers your risk of developing heart diseases. AVC and cider vinegar also help lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels in the body.
3. They Help Lose Weight
They can help with weight loss by keeping you full and preventing hunger pangs. You are more likely to eat less food during the day if you consume a high-carb meal with a small amount of vinegar. In this way, you can cut up to 275 calories a day, which is going to help you lose up to 1.5 pounds in a month.
4. They Relieve Sinus Congestion
Taking ACV and cider vinegar may help relieve sinus congestion by breaking down mucus in the body, which will clear your sinuses and make breathing easier over time.
5. They Help Treat Your Sore Throat
Is cider vinegar the same as apple cider vinegar? Yes, and they both have antibacterial property and are quite effective against infections that cause a sore throat.
Mix one-third cup of ACV or cider vinegar in warm water and gargle with the mixture to soothe your sore throat.
6. They Improve Digestion
They can prevent indigestion by balancing pH levels in your stomach. They also help to prevent problems like acid reflux which is caused by an inadequate amount of acid in your stomach.
Simply mix a tablespoon of raw, unfiltered ACV or cider vinegar in a glass of water, and drink it daily to prevent acid reflux and soothe intestinal spasms.
7. They Can Treat Skin Irritations
You can use ACV and cider vineagr to treat different types of skin ailments. They are effective for anything from poison ivy to bug bites and sunburn.
You can add ACV or cider vinegar in your bathtub and soak in it for a while, or you can apply the vinegar directly on your affected area for relief.
8. They Help Remove Warts
ACV or cider vinegar can be an effective remedy for warts. Topical application helps remove warts, mainly because of the presence of acetic acid in apple cider vinegar and cider vinegar.
Simply soak a cotton ball in ACV or cider vinegar, and then apply the cotton ball directly to the warts and leave it there overnight.
9. They Can Boost Energy
Regular consumption of ACV or cider vinegar can provide your body with many enzymes that help improve your energy levels. They also contain amino acids that work amazingly well to prevent the accumulation of lactic acid in your body.
Other Usage of Apple Cider Vinegar/Cider Vinegar
Is cider vinegar the same as apple cider vinegar? Basically yes, but you may not know that ACV/cider vinegar has many other uses as well.
1. Non-Toxic Cleaner
You can use ACV/cider vinegar as a highly effective household cleaner. You can make a cleaning solution at home by mixing equal parts of ACV/cider vinegar and water.
2. Weed Killer
You can also use ACV/cider vinegar to help get rid of weed. When used properly, it proves more effective as compared to glyphosate which has a large set of side effects.
Make a solution by mixing ¼ cup of salt, ½ gallon of ACV/cider vinegar, and ½ teaspoon of dish soap. Spray it on your plants to get rid of weeds.
3. Odor Neutralizer
ACV/cider vinegar works great as an odor neutralizer. Just place some ACV/cider vinegar in a container and keep it near the area with the offensive odor to neutralize it.