Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. It is made by fermenting apples with yeast and bacteria, resulting in acetic acid, which gives it its sour taste and strong odor. While some people swear by the benefits of ACV, others are skeptical about its effectiveness and safety. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of using ACV for general health as well as oral health.
Pros:
Weight loss: Some studies have shown that consuming ACV may help promote weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that participants who consumed ACV with their meals experienced greater satiety and consumed fewer calories throughout the day.
Blood sugar control: Several studies have found that ACV may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or insulin resistance. A review published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine concluded that consuming ACV may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce postprandial glucose levels.
Digestive health: ACV contains acetic acid, which may help promote digestion by stimulating stomach acid production. A study published in BMC Gastroenterology found that consuming diluted ACV before meals helped reduce symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
Oral health: ACV has antimicrobial properties that may help kill oral bacteria responsible for bad breath and tooth decay. A study published in PLoS One found that rinsing with diluted ACV reduced plaque buildup on teeth.
Acidic nature: The acetic acid in ACV can erode tooth enamel over time if consumed undiluted or too frequently, leading to increased sensitivity, cavities or even tooth decay.
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.
Not enough evidence: While some studies suggest potential benefits from consuming small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar, more research is needed to confirm these findings conclusively.
In conclusion, while there are some potential benefits to using apple cider vinegar for general health as well as oral health, it should be used with caution and moderation due to its acidic nature and possible negative side effects if not properly diluted or consumed excessively.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement or remedy into your diet to ensure it is safe based on your individual medical history.
Sources:
Johnston CS et al., "Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes", Diabetes Care (2004).
Khezri SS et al., "The Effects of Vinegar Ingestion on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)", International Journal of Preventive Medicine (2014).
Shishehbor F et al., "Apple Cider Vinegar Attenuates Lipid Profile in Normal and Diabetic Rats", Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences (2008).
FAQs
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.
How does apple cider vinegar affect the brain? ›
Supports Brain Health and Improves Mood
Research by the Arizona State University found that adding apple cider vinegar to your daily diet can lead to improvements in mood and mental wellbeing.
How much apple cider vinegar should I take a day? ›
Most research recommends a daily dosage of approximately 1–2 tablespoons of ACV, mixed in water. However, exact dosages vary according to the condition. Modest doses are generally safe to consume, though they may increase the risk of tooth enamel erosion.
Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar in morning or night? ›
Some studies have reported that drinking fermented beverages such as ACV before bed can help reduce weight. A lot of wellness bloggers and researchers suggest that sipping ACV before breakfast on an empty stomach has a good and equal effect. ACV has been used in the field of medicine for centuries.
What should you never do while taking apple cider vinegar? ›
DRINKING IT RIGHT BEFORE BED: Taking it before sleeping is definitely not a good idea. Health experts say that drinking apple cider vinegar right before bed can harm esophagus. You must keep a gap of 30 minutes, between drinking ACD and sleeping.
What does apple cider vinegar do to your stomach? ›
ACV is naturally acidic, and so for people with low stomach acidity, using ACV may help raise stomach acid levels to aid digestion. In theory, this could prevent gas and bloating, which a slow digestion can cause. ACV is also an antimicrobial substance , meaning it may help kill bacteria in the stomach or intestines.
Who should avoid apple cider vinegar? ›
If you have low potassium levels (hypokalemia), too much apple cider vinegar could make the condition worse. That's because large amounts can reduce potassium levels. Avoid overusing ACV if you have kidney disease, since your kidneys might not be able to handle high levels of acid.
What organ is apple cider vinegar good for? ›
What benefits does apple-cider vinegar provide for the body? While more data is needed to definitively say that ACV offers health benefits, some data suggests that it may help support healthy blood sugar levels, weight-management goals and heart health. It may also have antimicrobial effects.
What does apple cider vinegar do to the bloodstream? ›
Wohlford says research suggests apple cider vinegar may: support healthy blood glucose levels. lower cholesterol levels. support a healthy microbiome due to the probiotics it contains.
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.
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.
What are the 10 benefits of apple cider vinegar? ›
Here are 20 uses for apple cider vinegar (ACV) that will inspire you to incorporate it into your daily routine too.
- It helps in controlling the blood sugar level.
- It is anti-bacterial and prevents infection.
- It may aid in weight loss by changing the way the gut bacteria processes the fats.
While apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties, little evidence supports its use for arthritis pain management.
What happens to your body when you drink apple cider vinegar at night? ›
May cause nausea and indigestion
Apple cider vinegar has a pH level of 4.2. This means it is on the more acidic end of the pH scale, which goes from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic. Acidic foods can also cause indigestion and acid reflux in some people, especially when consumed before lying down.
Is apple cider vinegar good for gut health? ›
Raw apple cider vinegar contains: Acetic acid, which can kill harmful bacteria. ACV is about 5% to 6% acetic acid. Natural probiotics (good bacteria), which can improve your immune system and gut health.
Is apple cider vinegar good for overall health? ›
Yes, it would seem that apple cider vinegar does have some benefits to your health. Studies have shown this storecupboard staple may help to aid weight loss, reduce your calorie intake and even reduce waist size, as well as lowering blood sugar and insulin levels after eating carbohydrates.
Can apple cider vinegar reduce belly fat? ›
Apple cider vinegar isn't likely to be effective for weight loss. Proponents of apple cider vinegar claim that it has numerous health benefits and that drinking a small amount or taking a supplement before meals helps curb appetite and burn fat. However, there's little scientific support for these claims.
