What you need to know about apple cider vinegar (2024)

Can drinking apple cider vinegar cure diabetes, normalize yeast overgrowth or rid you of toe fungus? Can it promote weight loss?

The apple cider vinegar industry is booming these days and clever marketing tactics have made even its acronym (ACV) popular! Proponents of ACV claim it can burn fat, ease leg cramps, cure foot fungus, arthritis, vagin*l infections, blood pressure, bug bites, skin tags and yeast overgrowth. And these are just a few of the many ACV claims out there.

Not surprisingly, only two of the claims actually have evidence behind them and before you get too excited, the studies on these two claims are minor and the outcomes pretty insignificant.

  1. ACV and Blood Sugar Control. Research has shown that consuming acetic acid—the active ingredient in ACV—affects the way starches are broken down during digestion. The delayed absorption of sugar from carbohydrates improves the insulin response to blood sugar and thus promotes better blood sugar control. Though the main study was small (only 21 participants), the results were pretty significant. Vinegar increased insulin sensitivity by 34% in participants with type 2 diabetes. Combined with the fact that ACV is cheap, readily available and relatively harmless, it seems like an easy way to try to improve a disease like diabetes.
  2. ACV and Weight Loss. In a 12 week study of 144 Japanese adults, those who consumed 1 tablespoon of vinegar each day lost 2.6 pounds, decreased their body fat percentage by 0.7% and lost a ½ inch around their waist. Those who consumed 2 tablespoons of vinegar each day lost 1 more pound in the 12 week period, decreased their body fat by 0.9% and lost ¾ of an inch around their waist. These are not newsworthy results, but if combined with a healthy diet and exercise pattern, could be a perfectly acceptable way to promote additional body fat and weight loss.

Are there any risks?

In most cases, ACV is relatively harmless, but there are some risks to be aware of. Consuming more than 1-2 tablespoons in a day can cause irritation of the esophagus, erode tooth enamel and most dangerously, decrease potassium levels. Those taking diuretics and/or insulin should consult their doctor before changing any dietary practices. Low potassium can cause weakness, constipation, nausea, muscle cramps and abnormal heart rhythms.

How to safely add vinegar to your diet:

  • Consume only 1-2 tablespoons per day.
  • Dilute vinegar by mixing with oil and using as a salad dressing on leafy greens or other veggies. Try mixing 1 Tbsp. of vinegar with 1 cup of water and split into three doses, one before each meal.
  • Avoid ACV pills. They don't seem to have the same effect and in one case, a woman experienced throat burns after a tablet became lodged in her esophagus.

The main take-away here is that no one food can cause or prevent an illness. All vinegars contain acetic acid, not just apple cider vinegar. So whether you use ACV, distilled, rice or any other kind of vinegar keep it moderate and dilute it for safest consumption.

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What you need to know about apple cider vinegar (2024)

FAQs

What you need to know about apple cider vinegar? ›

It contains acetic acid and nutrients such as B vitamins and vitamin C. Apple cider vinegar is popularly used in salad dressings and cooking. But it's also been used traditionally as medicine. It might help lower blood sugar levels after a meal by changing how foods are absorbed from the gut.

Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar at night or morning? ›

While apple cider vinegar may offer some health benefits, there is a lack of research on consuming it before bedtime versus at other times like the morning. That said, to avoid side effects like indigestion or acid reflux at night, consume it at least 2-3 hours before bed.

What are the pros and cons of taking apple cider vinegar daily? ›

Apple cider vinegar might have some health benefits, such as improving blood sugar and cholesterol levels. But there are also some potential side effects of taking apple cider vinegar or using it topically, including weakening tooth enamel and skin irritation or burns.

What medications cannot be taken with apple cider vinegar? ›

A few medications may interact with apple cider vinegar:
  • Diabetes medication. People who take insulin or insulin-stimulating medications and consume vinegar may experience dangerously low blood sugar or potassium levels.
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin). This medication lowers your blood potassium levels. ...
  • Certain diuretic drugs.

What are the benefits of starting the day with apple cider vinegar? ›

Taking a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning on an empty stomach is one practice that many wellness gurus claim helps you lose weight, reduce hunger, and remove toxins from your system.

Can apple cider vinegar reduce belly fat? ›

In one study involving 175 human participants, researchers noted that after 12 weeks, those who took either 1 or 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar saw a small decrease in weight, belly fat, and blood fat levels.

How does apple cider vinegar detox your body? ›

There's a popular belief that apple-cider vinegar can “cleanse” or “detox” the liver, helping it to function more efficiently. Some proponents of this theory suggest that the acids in ACV can bind to toxins and help the body eliminate them more effectively.

What are the negatives of apple cider vinegar? ›

Negative Side Effects:

Consuming large amounts of undiluted ACV can cause digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea or heartburn. Interference with medications: People taking certain medications like diuretics or insulin should avoid consuming large amounts of ACV due to potential drug interactions.

Is there a downside to apple cider vinegar? ›

In most cases, ACV is relatively harmless, but there are some risks to be aware of. Consuming more than 1-2 tablespoons in a day can cause irritation of the esophagus, erode tooth enamel and most dangerously, decrease potassium levels.

What are the negative effects of apple cider vinegar? ›

Apple cider vinegar can cause side effects. For example, applying undiluted vinegar to the skin for long periods can lead to burns and irritation. Regularly consuming large quantities of the vinegar, especially in an undiluted form, may cause digestive issues, damage the teeth, and affect potassium levels.

What can apple cider vinegar do for females? ›

BENEFITS OF ACV ON WOMEN'S BODIES
  • ACV Helps Improve Metabolic Syndromes by Lowering Insulin Resistance. ...
  • ACV Lowers Cholesterol. ...
  • Use ACV as a Digestive Aid for Producing Stomach Acid. ...
  • Hemorrhoids. ...
  • ACV as a Tooth Whitener. ...
  • ACV Can Eliminate Bad Breath and Body Odor. ...
  • Shampoo Rinsing With ACV. ...
  • ACV Tones Skin.
Mar 3, 2023

Can apple cider vinegar clean out your liver? ›

When it comes to home remedies, apple cider vinegar is a preferred choice since it has amazing detoxification properties. Apple Cider Vinegar works by helping the liver flush out the toxins that can interfere with the body's normal functioning.

Can someone with high blood pressure take apple cider vinegar? ›

Studies show that apple cider vinegar may play a role in keeping your blood pressure low. However, it should be used alongside other treatments and lifestyle changes as well. It's not a “cure-all,” but it may help.

How long does it take for apple cider vinegar to start working? ›

'Some people may notice digestive benefits, like decreased bloating, quite quickly, often in a few days. For other benefits, such as weight loss or improved blood sugar control, it can take several weeks to months of consistent use to observe noticeable changes. '

What does apple cider vinegar do for your hair? ›

Benefits for the hair may include: Cleansing hair of product and oil buildup. Restoring shine and protecting color. Adding volume, relieving itch and dandruff.

Do apple cider vinegar help with inflammation? ›

Possible benefits of apple cider vinegar. ACV may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could be important for RA symptom management. There are several phytonutrients, or plant-based compounds, in ACV. Examples include polyphenols and acetic acid.

What is the best time of day to drink apple cider vinegar? ›

While there's no research to support the best time of the day to have it, drinking it empty stomach remains to be the most recommended way to have ACV. Doing so may maximize health benefits, boost digestion and may even help promote fat loss if followed regularly.

What happens to your body when you drink apple cider vinegar at night? ›

Bedtime isn't an ideal time to take apple cider vinegar

“Because apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, some people experience acid reflux after consuming the liquid (or foods containing the vinegar),” says Carla Rodriguez, M.D., internal medicine specialist at Palisades Medical Center.

What is the best time to drink apple cider vinegar? ›

Drinking ACV right after a meal can delay digestion. Thus, it's best to have it before a meal or empty stomach to maximise its health benefits. Breathing ACV can cause harm to your lungs, One must avoid sniffing it that can cause a burning sensation in your lungs.

What should I drink before bed to lose belly fat? ›

Drinking water before bed like lemonade contains polyphenols that help to get rid of accumulated fat. Grape juice contains resveratrol, which converts white fat to brown, which is easier to burn. Apple juice, ginger tea or strawberry juice are also effective choices.

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