You’ve probably already heard about apple cider vinegar — from a friend, the news or the constant social media chatter. It’s been growing in popularity for some time now, and people are making themselves ACV-based drinks in an attempt to make use of its potential health benefits. For some, it’s just another part of a morning routine, right alongside brewing coffee or putting on a favorite playlist. None of this is particularly new, though. Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a medicine and food preservative, but that doesn’t make it a miracle cure for every ailment or every person. We asked experts to break down what it really can — and can’t — do.
What is apple cider vinegar?
When you combine apples, sugar and yeast and allow it to ferment, it creates apple cider vinegar. Over several weeks, the yeast will digest the sugar to make alcohol. Once this happens, natural bacteria will turn the alcohol into acetic acid, which gives apple cider vinegar its pungent odor and taste.
You have two options when you buy apple cider vinegar: filtered and pasteurized, or raw and unfiltered. The cloudy sediment that collects in the bottom of the bottle is “the mother,” which is a combination of bacteria and yeast. Some speculate that the mother is what provides the health benefits, as it contains trace amounts of healthy bacteria and probiotics.
Apple cider vinegar can be used in the kitchen, around the home and for your health as a:
- Cleaner
- Dandruff treatment
- Denture cleaner
- Deodorizer
- Dressing or vinaigrette
- Facial toner
- Fruit and vegetable wash
- Hair rinse
- Marinade
- Mouthwash
- Preservative
- Weed killer
4 potential apple cider vinegar health benefits
Although more research is needed, several small and medium-sized studies show the benefits of apple cider vinegar for some health issues and as a potential weight loss aid.
1. May help control blood sugar and diabetes
Up to 95% of diabetics have type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type 2 diabetes occurs from insulin resistance, which is “when cells in the body don’t respond properly to insulin, which leads to increased levels of sugar or glucose in the blood,” according to Amelia Ti, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator in NYC.
Even if you don’t have diabetes, it’s best to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can improve insulin response and lower blood sugar levels after meals.
Consuming apple cider vinegar before going to sleep has also been shown to reduce fasting blood sugar after waking. Make sure to talk with your doctor before consuming ACV if you have diabetes, especially if you’re on medication because of potential side effects.
“ACV alone will not lower blood sugar levels and should not be considered a substitute for diabetes medications,” Ti said.
2. Kills harmful bacteria
Those looking to preserve food naturally may want to consider using apple cider vinegar. It is a known pathogen killer, which includes microbes like staph and candida.
Vinegar is a popular preservative in Korea because it can prevent E. coli and norovirus from growing in food. E. coli can cause food poisoning when consumed but the bactericidal effects of the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can prevent it from occurring.
3. Could lead to weight loss
Another benefit of apple cider vinegar that may be useful is its ability to help with weight loss. When taken before or during a meal, ACV has been shown to help with satiety (the feeling of fullness).
In one study, participants ate approximately 200 to 275 fewer calories when apple cider vinegar was combined with a meal. In three months, participants taking one to two tablespoons of ACV per day saw up to 3.7 pounds in weight loss and a reduction in body fat.
4. Might improve cholesterol levels
High cholesterol and triglyceride levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
Incorporating up to an ounce of apple cider vinegar into your day, along with a lower-calorie diet, may reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides while also increasing HDL “good” cholesterol.
Those with type 2 diabetes may also see positive results on their total cholesterol and triglyceride levels when adding a half ounce of ACV to their diet.
Potential apple cider vinegar side effects
Although there are benefits of apple cider vinegar use, there are also potential side effects to consider. The high acidity can strip tooth enamel, which won’t come back once it’s gone. If you drink it undiluted, it may cause damage to your esophagus or throat.
Here are some other potential side effects of apple cider vinegar:
- Can cause esophageal (throat) burns or ulcers when consumed in excess
- Can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
- Can cause nausea or vomiting
- Can interact with diuretics, insulin and other medications
- Can weaken tooth enamel
Watering it down with water or juice not only makes ACV more palatable but it can also reduce the risk of damaging your throat and teeth. Combining one or two tablespoons with either may also cure an upset stomach.
Marisa Moore, a registered dietitian nutritionist, also advises, “It’s important to remember that no one food is a silver bullet. If you choose to incorporate apple cider vinegar, do so safely and with a focus on maintaining a balanced whole diet for your overall health and well-being.”
How much apple cider vinegar should you drink daily?
Apple cider vinegar dosage depends on the reason you’re using it. In general, Ti says, “I recommend 1 teaspoon to tablespoon ACV diluted in 6-8 ounces of warm water before meals.”
If you want to drink it, dilute it with water or your favorite juice or tea. You can also eat it by incorporating it in your favorite foods, especially dressings, vinaigrettes and even when making your own mayonnaise.
There are also premade apple cider vinegar drinks, which may make ACV more pleasant to taste. You can find these drinks from brands such as Bragg, Poppi, Remedy and Sidekick Sodas. Local health stores and even grocery stores may carry these, so keep an eye out if you’re interested in apple cider vinegar drinks.
You can also add a cup or two to a bath for skin issues. Mixing a tablespoon of ACV with a cup of water, and then soaking gauze or cotton in the solution can make a wet wrap.
To use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse, combine up to two tablespoons with a cup of water, then pour over the hair after shampooing. Wait five minutes, then rinse. It can be drying, so use it sparingly. ACV can also irritate the scalp, so a weaker dilution may be better.
The bottom line
Some studies have found the benefits of apple cider vinegar but we need more research to definitively prove how beneficial it is. It may help with weight loss, controlling type 2 diabetes, blood sugar and cholesterol and it can also prevent harmful bacteria growth on foods. Drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause tooth enamel erosion or throat damage. Mixing ACV with water or juice before consuming it can prevent damage to the teeth and throat. As with any natural remedy, speak with your doctor before trying apple cider vinegar and do a skin test before using it on your skin.
“Remember that the advantages of adopting an overall healthy lifestyle (e.g. nutritious and balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular physical activity/movement, good sleep, stress management, etc.) are far greater than those of any single food, drink, or supplement,” Ti said. “There is no quick fix and ACV is definitely not a miracle solution.”
