The Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Purely Inspired

The Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Purely Inspired

Apple cider vinegar has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many purported health benefits. Proponents claim it can help with weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and improve heart health among other things. But do these claims hold up under scientific scrutiny? Let's take a closer look at apple cider vinegar and the evidence behind its use.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider, or the unfiltered juice from pressed apples. The fermentation process converts the sugars in apples into alcohol, which is then converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria. Traditional apple cider vinegar production takes about one month but some manufacturers significantly speed up the process so it takes only a day.

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is thought to provide many of its health benefits. Acetic acid makes up about 5-6% of apple cider vinegar. Some studies suggest acetic acid may promote weight loss, improve blood sugar control, and reduce cholesterol levels, among other benefits.

Studying Apple Cider Vinegar Purely Inspired

Purely Inspired is a popular brand of apple cider vinegar supplements and drinks. Their organic apple cider vinegar is made from pressed apples and aged in wooden barrels. It contains the mother - strands of proteins, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria that give vinegar a murky appearance.

Very few studies have looked specifically at the Purely Inspired brand. However, studies on regular apple cider vinegar supplements likely also apply to Purely Inspired products given their similar acetic acid content.

Below is an overview of what the research says so far about the potential benefits of apple cider vinegar like Purely Inspired. More large scale human studies are still needed.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss

Several studies suggest vinegar may promote weight loss by:

• Enhancing satiety. The acetic acid in vinegar may suppress appetite. One study found people who had vinegar with a high carb meal consumed 200-275 fewer calories the rest of the day.
• Improving insulin sensitivity. Vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity and support a healthy blood sugar response after meals.
• Reducing fat storage. Animal studies show vinegar may reduce fat storage by inhibiting several genes and enzymes involved in fat production.

However, the evidence is mixed. Some studies found vinegar improved weight loss while others found no significant benefit. Weight loss appears to be modest, around 2-4 pounds over 3 months.

Experts agree more research is needed to confirm vinegars role in weight management. But adding it to your diet likely wont hurt.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Blood Sugar Control

Several studies indicate vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar management, especially after carb-heavy meals. Potential mechanisms include:

• Slowing starch digestion. The acetic acid may delay gastric emptying and slow digestion of starchy foods.
• Increasing satiety. Vinegar may suppress appetite and reduce calorie intake following a meal.
• Altering gene expression. Animal studies show vinegar may alter expression of certain genes involved in glucose and fat metabolism.

Based on the current evidence, vinegar seems helpful for controlling blood sugar spikes after high carb meals. But it shouldnt replace standard diabetes treatment without medical supervision.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Heart Health

A few studies suggest vinegar may improve some heart health markers, including:

• Cholesterol levels. Animal studies indicate vinegar may reduce LDL bad cholesterol. The effect in humans appears small but it may provide some added benefit.
• Blood pressure. Vinegar may modestly reduce blood pressure, especially in people with existing high blood pressure. Effects seem greater in Asian populations that consume rice-based vinegar.
• Oxidation. Rice vinegar may reduce oxidative damage related to heart disease in animal studies.

However, this research is still in the early stages. More studies are needed to determine if daily vinegar intake can significantly improve long-term heart health.

Other Potential Benefits

Here is a quick look at a few other conditions apple cider vinegar is purported to help:

• Cancer: Lab studies suggest vinegar may slow cancer growth. But human studies are lacking.
• Skin health: The antimicrobial properties of vinegar may improve skin health and treat conditions like acne. But more research is needed.
• Digestion: Anecdotal reports claim vinegar eases digestion and heartburn. But scientific evidence is lacking.

Overall, many promising health claims about apple cider vinegar come from animal and lab studies. The evidence in humans is more limited. More research is needed.

How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar

Most studies examining apple cider vinegars health benefits use a dosage of 1-2 tbsp (15-30 mL) per day mixed with water. Its best to start with 1 tsp (5 mL) and gradually work up to avoid potential throat irritation if taken straight.

You can drink apple cider vinegar straight or diluted with water. Some people add it into salad dressings, soups, or other recipes too. It has a tart, acidic taste some people enjoy but others find difficult to tolerate.

Another easy way to take apple cider vinegar is through supplements like Purely Inspired. They provide concentrated acetic acid in pill form, making it easy to take a consistent dosage. Follow the dosage directions on the bottle.

Be aware apple cider vinegar tablets may interact with certain medications like diuretics, laxatives, and insulin. Check with your doctor before starting supplements if you take prescription medications.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar as part of a healthy diet is likely safe for most people. Potential side effects may include:

• Tooth enamel erosion due to the acidity
• Throat irritation
• Digestive issues like nausea
• Low potassium levels
• Drug interactions

There are a few groups who may want to exercise more caution with vinegar:

• People with diabetes or hypoglycemia should check with a doctor before using vinegar as a supplement since it may interact with blood sugar management.
• Anyone on medication like diuretics or insulin should talk to their doctor before using apple cider vinegar.
• Individuals with digestive issues like GERD or ulcers may experience aggravated symptoms from the acidity.
• People with osteoporosis should moderate use since the acid may weaken bones over time.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women haven't been widely studied using apple cider vinegar. It's best to exercise caution until more research is available.

Apple cider vinegar seems safe when used appropriately. But more studies are still needed on its long-term safety and side effects.

The Bottom Line

Early research suggests apple cider vinegar may offer various health benefits related to weight loss, blood sugar levels, and heart health. However, evidence is still developing, and human research is limited.

Apple cider vinegar appears generally safe when used in moderation. As with most supplements, it's smart to consult your healthcare provider before starting to use apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar like Purely Inspired makes it easy to incorporate into your diet. But it shouldn't replace medical treatment or lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor.

Apple cider vinegar is no miracle cure. But adding it to your diet may provide some benefits as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.