Category: Health Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits & Health Risks

Abstract

Apple cider vinegar is basically made out of fermented apples along with water and it consists of 5 percent acidity. You might have also noticed that there are different kinds of Apple cider vinegar available in the market. There are studies suggesting that apple cider vinegar is responsible for burning the extra fats in the body. Due to this reason it has become very popular among the people and has zero calories without any fat, protein, fiber or carbohydrates. Other than losing weight there are many other health benefits of Apple cider vinegar but there is a limit to everything because too much leads to some risks. So, through this article we are going to discuss the health benefits as well as risk of taking Apple Cider Vinegar.

Introduction

Apple cider vinegar has a really high status in the market and it is said that there many properties that are helpful for health but few know about it. Everything has their own pros and cons, so Apple cider vinegar is no exception.

apple cider vinegar

Here are the Benefits

1. Type 2 Diabetes

There are many studies that have shown that apple cider vinegar has many health benefits including type 2 diabetes too. As published by the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, including 2 teaspoons of vinegar is helpful in reducing blood sugar levels if you include complex carbohydrates in the diet. Other studies published by the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition have shown that people who included vinegar in their diet were able to improve their insulin levels. Much of the evidence also shows that drinking water mixed with vinegar was not only able to control glucose levels but also reduce the craving of carbs as well.

2. Acid Reflux

It is seen that vinegar contributes to decreasing the production of acid and that is why it is recommended to have apple cider vinegar. Along with that it also reduces the symptoms related to acidity including heartburn. According to some studies published by the Journal Current Gastroenterology Reports in the year July 2019 it has been found that apple cider vinegar has a significant help in decreasing the acid reflux.

3. Yeast Infection

Other than weight loss Apple cider vinegar also has properties for treating any kind of infection in the body. As published in the Alternative therapies in Health and Medicine, a doctor was able to successfully treat the 32 year old female patient of chronic yeast infection with only applying it topically. It should always be applied in the supervision of a doctor as it can affect the pH balance of the vagina.

4. High Cholesterol

Apple cider vinegar is also very beneficial in controlling the levels of cholesterol in the body. One of the experiment done on the obese rat showed that apple cider vinegar helped in lowering down the total cholestrol as well as LDL Cholesterol levels. As they are packed with antioxidants which makes it natural for treating people who suffer from high levels of cholesterol.

5. Reducing Inflammation

Some of the studies suggested that apple cider vinegar has helped in managing the symptoms caused by inflammatory disease like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis as well as ankylosing spondylitis. As discussed above, Apple cider vinegar helps in gastrointestinal symptoms by improving the gut bacteria so in turn it naturally affects the inflammation.

6. Reducing Stress

Any patient suffering from HIV, Hepatitis C and mental health disorders has a significant effect on managing the stress. In case of HIV it helps in controlling symptoms to some levels and in Hepatitis C it controls the disease by removing toxins from the body. It is very effective in improving the overall health of the organs.

7. Skin Condition

In the studies published by the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in the year of 2015.

Here are some of the skin disease it is found to be effective including

1. Psoriasis

In this condition  that skin becomes very itchy and the skin always appears very scaly. Anyone suffering from it is suggested to apply it directly on the skin by diluting the vinegar in water as it effectively reduces bleeding as well as itching.

2. Eczema

According to the studies of Annals of Dermatology published in the year December 2016 it was found in the experiment while treating mice with eczema that contains acidic creams which includes vinegar creams also. This leads to less flare up and naturally improves the function of the barrier by providing hydration to the skin.

Side-Effects

Here are some of the Health Risk of Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Lowering the Potassium Levels

It is seen that consuming too much vinegar can affect the levels of potassium in the blood as well as bone. A 28 year old woman who consumed apple cider vinegar for almost 6 year was reported to have low levels of potassium. She was also diagnosed with the brittle bone condition known as osteoporosis.

2. Erosion of the Enamel present in Teeth

As it is commonly known that beverages that are high in acidic are very effective in damaging the tooth enamel. As acetic acid present in the apple cider vinegar is dangerous for the tooth enamel. As vinegar has relatively high pH levels that results in 20 percent loss of the minerals present in the teeth. There was a test conducted which largely proved about vinegar affecting the enamel.

3. Burning in Throat

Apple cider has the potential of causing burning in the throat and is especially harmful for children. Its high acetic acid level has proven to be the cause resulting in burning as well as pain in the throat.

Side-effects in Digestion

People who consume too much apple cider vinegar are seen with unpleasant digestive problems. As many studies have proven that acetic acid as well as apple cider vinegar leads to feeling of fullness and also decreasing appetite. This then results in eating less and also leading to indigestion.

Conclusion

Apple Cider vinegar is quite useful if taken in a minimum amount as mentioned above in the article. Taking it too much can lead to many other health problems so, it is very important to consult a doctor before including it in your diet. It is also important to take apple cider vinegar in a diluted form instead of taking directly and always take the one that is healthy as well as safe.

What are the uses of Mukta pishti? – How is it made??

The beauty of the world is inexhaustible..! The sunrise, the sunset, the mountains, the landscapes, the plains, the deserts, the glaciers, the cherry blooms, the wonderful edifices, the islands, the rivers, the oceans, the deep sea wonders, the coral reefs, the jewels and what not…. !! Their mere existence prevents life from being prosaic. At least one among all these splendours must be experienced by all, to symbolise a meaningful life.

The beauty of the world is inexhaustible..! The sunrise, the sunset, the mountains, the landscapes, the plains, the deserts, the glaciers, the cherry blooms, the wonderful edifices, the islands, the rivers, the oceans, the deep sea wonders, the coral reefs, the jewels and what not…. !! Their mere existence prevents life from being prosaic. At least one among all these splendours must be experienced by all, to symbolise a meaningful life.

What do you know about the formation of pearls?!!

Basically, pearls are natural constituents found in the environment. When an irritant works its way into a specific species of  oyster, mussel or clam, a natural pearl (often known as Oriental Pearl) is formed. The mollusk exudes a fluid to coat the irritant which acts as a shielding mechanism. Layer upon layer of this covering is accumulated on the irritant, until it results in the formation of a dazzling pearl.

Since the archaic times, muktas (pearls) have been known for their healing properties. Permeated with amino acids, calcium & trace minerals, pearls have numerous profits claimed for skin and health. As per Ayurveda, pearls are an unequivocal antidote for all – be it in curing psychological issues, bringing down body heat, cooling the digestive tract, improving the skin lustre or yielding solace from stress.

mukta pishti

Let’s try making Mukta pishti, a fantastic Ayurvedic formulation!!

Mukta pishti also called Moti pishti, is an Ayurvedic formulation which is prepared from sterilised & scarcely seen freshwater pearl paste immersed in clear rosewater. It is generally white in color and is the innate & most refined form of calcium. It has no distinct taste but has a pleasant odor. The ancient Ayurvedic literature has detailed the use of this formulation which has been instilled with anti-inflammatory, antacid, anti-microbial, anti-stress, antidepressant and other innumerable properties.

How To Make Mukta pishti?

  • Take 10 parts of purified mukta or pearl (using buttermilk for 3 days). After drying it thoroughly, crush the muktas into a very fine powder with the help of a mortar and pestle. Add rose water to it and stir it well.
  • One should continue to grind the mixture for 3-4 days till a thick, paste-like consistency is attained. For future use, they are stored well in sealed glass bottles.
  • Essentially, Mukta pishti constitutes 10-15% of Conchiolin, 82-84% of Calcium carbonate and 2-5% of water. Hence, Mukta pishti is a preparation simple in its outlook, but immensely elaborate in its benefits.

A panacea to elevate general health?!!

Ayurveda – the perpetual science of life! The main aim of this system of medicine is

प्रयोजनं चास्य स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणं आतुरस्य विकार प्रशमनं च |

To maintain one’s health and to relieve one who suffers.

Mukta pishti helps in relieving diarrhoea accompanied by bleeding & other bleeding disorders, immoderate burning sensation, dyspepsia, fever, diabetes, bone disorders, various eye disorders and so forth. It can be moderately used in treating the mentallly ill, comprising individuals suffering from psychosis, mania and depression. It acts by normalising kapha and pitta doshas which maintains serotonin level under control, thus lessening uneasiness and agitation related to anxiety.

The numerous beneficial features of Mukta pishti do not end here..! It goes on to include its functioning as a cardiac tonic, an aphrodisiac, a natural anti-hypertensive agent & enhancer of appetite. It is easy to digest, provides a cooling effect, promotes lustrous & flawless skin and even cures fever occurring at the time of teething in kids.

Mukta Pishti

mukta pishti

How effective is Mukta pishti in a psychological disorder?!

As a strong adaptogenic formulation, Ayurvedic Treatment with Mukta pishti is a very fruitful remedy for epilepsy, nerve fragility, hemorrhage, tuberculosis, other cognitive conditions like mental shock, short temperedness, tinnitus and so on. For these cases, it is prescribed along with few other restoratives like Brahmi ghritham, Saraswatarishtam, etc.

Mukta pishti can even stabilize the insobriety of deliriums such as dope, alcohol, datura, etc. Aside from healing psychological illnesses, it also gives efficacious results in sweating during the night. On the whole, Mukta pishti maintains a delicate balance between rakta and pitta. Special reference has been given to it in Ayurveda, in the treatment of raktapitta, rakta pradara, etc.

How is it administered? Does it have any side effects??

  • Mukta pishti is taken in a quantity of about 60-120 mg, either once or twice a day (before / after food) as suggested by the Ayurvedic physician. It is usually consumed along with honey, butter or milk.
  • The dosage is determined based on age, physical strength, appetite & condition of the patient and severity of the disease. One should refrain from consuming Allopathic & Ayurvedic medication at the same time. Not all constituents of both the systems of medicine may be compatible.
  • This is considered a very effective therapeutic administration that reportedly is devoid of side effects when used in proper dosage. It gets properly absorbed by the body when taken along with milk. ‘ ‘ ‘ Anything, when taken in excess, causes damage. Hence, Mukta pishti overdose can lower the blood pressure. Take extra care to keep this formulation away from children and to store it in a cool & dry place. One must resolutely avoid self medication and strictly follow the instructions given by Ayurvedic physicians, since wrong dosage may prove fatal.

As an incredible formulation in the Rasashastra, Mukta pishti has been given sufficient importance in Ayurvedic scriptures, owing to its elaborate health benefits. It is considered an amazing adaptogen that helps in stabilizing kapha and pitta doshas, which in turn aids in controlling your emotions. Mental health, improved digestive power, glowing skin and enhanced immunity are merely a few among the benefits that constitute the tip of this gigantic ‘ iceberg ‘.

Thus, quite literally, discover the hidden gems in Ayurveda through Mukta pishti !!