Apple Cider Vinegar has a variety of food and non-food uses. It’s used in salad dressings. You can kill weeds with it. Some even use it to clean coffee makers. It’s benefits as a health remedy has been talked about for centuries. Recently, Apple Cider Vinegar has been seen as a health tonic and something that can help detoxify the body and help the body to release weight. While these claims are not seen as absolute fact, many women swear by apple cider vinegar as part of their overall weight loss plan and studies have been done on the benefits.
(Note: ACV is just a supplement. It’s not a quick fit diet aid. I don’t recommend for people with serious health issues and it can be harsh on the teeth due to acid. See all the disclaimers below*)
How Could Apple Cider Vinegar Help You? Here are some of the most common health claims.
- It may help control blood sugar.
- Drinking a bit of vinegar may help you feel full if you drink it before a meal, causing an appetite suppression affect.
- Vinegar has also been shown to affect insulin secretion.
- Helps regulate the pH of your skin and can help with acne and warts. The pH affect is also what causes your body to detox and maintain a healthy alkaline pH level
Natural News: “In a 2005 study in the “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” scientists fed bread plus low, medium or high amounts of vinegar to twelve healthy subjects, while the control group ate plain bread. Those who received the vinegar felt fuller than the control group, and the effect increased with the amount of vinegar ingested. While vinegar soaked bread may not be your favorite dish, you might try sipping vinegar in water along with your meal or having a salad dressed with vinegar and oil. Be sure to brush your teeth after sipping vinegar as it can be hard on tooth enamel.”
Mind Body Green: “In a 2009 study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, it was found that subjects that consumed acetic acid for 12 weeks experienced significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides. Triglycerides contribute to the bad cholesterol that we want to avoid.”
How do you use it?
Add 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar to 16 oz of water or drink it straight, as a shot (followed by a cup of water), before each meal (2 times per day). Start with 1 teaspoon in 16 oz of water for a few days to see if you have an adverse reaction. Raw, organic, unfiltered and unpasturized apple cider vinegar is what you want to use. I suggest the Braggs brand of ACV. Also, do not drink daily for more than 2 months straight. You should take a rest for at least 2 months or more.
Apple cider vinegar can be very harsh on the teeth and throat, so you want to dilute it with lemon water or just use 1-2 teaspoons, that’s ok too. Use a straw to avoid contact with teeth. Brush your teeth 30 min or so later (not right after drinking). Online, you will hear that most people do 1-2 teaspoons or 1-2 tablespoons, but it’s up to you and your needs. I suggest that you do your own research and see what works for you. If you’ve ever had a bad reaction to vinegar of any kind, then don’t use ACV.
| “The weight loss claims hinge mostly on a 2009 clinical trial of obese Japanese adults that found those who consumed a beverage containing one or two tablespoons of vinegar every day lost two to four pounds after 12 weeks, while a comparison group given a plain beverage did not lose weight. (The researchers in this study used apple cider vinegar, considered to be a relatively palatable form of the liquid.” Source: NYTimes |
Apple Cider Vinegar should be treated like a nutritional supplement, similar to taking vitamins or fiber. This is not a weight loss quick fix or cure. It’s not a sure thing and drinking apple cider vinegar alone will not cause you to lose weight. You still need to eat right and embrace regular exercise if you’re looking to achieve weight loss or greater wellness, but apple cider vinegar can be a tool. I’ve heard from people who said that apple vinegar didn’t agree with them and their stomach was upset. There are medical conditions for which drinking vinegar is an absolute no no, so be aware that this is not for everyone.
*Warning: Talk to a doctor or do your own research. There are potential negative effects! I would not suggest you drink it for more than 2 months straight. After that then stop drinking it for at least 3 months because of the high acid content. If you experience any negative side affects, stop drinking it (it’s that simple). Apple cider vinegar, vinegar or any high acid food is not recommended for people who have esophagitis, ulcers, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. If you have these conditions, your doctor may have already given a warning about foods like this.
If you have any serious health concerns like diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, are pregnant, or have been advised to avoid high sodium foods, this may not be the right supplement for you. Always keep any health issues in mind and check in with your doctor before incorporating any health supplement into your daily routine.
Side note: ACV diluted with water makes a great hair rinse for those of you who have natural hair. I’ve used it on my locs (shampoo, ACV rinse, conditioner).
