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Reasons apple cider vinegar is good for you and how to mask its sour taste
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Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a common cooking ingredient that millions of people drink for various health benefits. Some have used it to aid digestion. Others claim it boosts their immune system. Diabetics even consume it to help regulate their blood sugar levels. Though research is conflicting on the exact reasons ACV is healthy, consuming it regularly provides your body with plenty of rich vitamins like calcium and phosphorus. [1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Plus, adding a little into your diet each day can help your body detox, cleansing it of harmful bacteria. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Whether you want to drink it plain or use other yummy and nutritious ingredients to boost its flavor, this article will give you a step-by-step on how and why to drink ACV!
Things You Should Know
- Drink 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of apple cider vinegar 20 minutes before each meal 3 times daily to help regulate your appetite.
- Always dilute your apple cider vinegar in 1 c (240 ml) of water. Drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar can harm tooth enamel and your throat.
- Mix other spices like cinnamon, cayenne, and black pepper to help enhance apple cider vinegar's sharp, acidic flavor.
- Use unpasteurized apple cider vinegar (called "the mother") instead of filtered products. The mother contains helpful probiotics to aid digestion.
Steps
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Get fresh, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Look in the vinegar section at your local supermarket for natural apple cider vinegar. Buy ACV with sediment settled on the bottom of the bottle. This is known as “the mother” and contains helpful enzymes and probiotics. Avoid getting pasteurized ACV since it won’t have the same properties as unfiltered vinegar and therefore won’t provide the same health benefits. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- You can also make your own apple cider vinegar at home by fermenting apples and sugar.
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Dilute the apple cider vinegar in 1 c (240 ml) of water. By itself, apple cider vinegar is extremely acidic and could harm your teeth and throat if taken alone. [4] X Expert Source Adrienne Youdim, MD
Board Certified Internist Expert Interview. 11 September 2020. To prevent these risks, shake your bottle of ACV before measuring out 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml), pouring it in a glass, and adding 1 c (240 ml) of water. [5] X Research source- You can use water of any temperature for your ACV. However, cold to room temp water will probably be the easiest to swallow.
Tip: Drink your apple cider vinegar solution through a straw if you have sensitive teeth or weak enamel. In addition to hurting your throat, the acidity in ACV can easily erode tooth enamel over time. [6] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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Drink ACV 20 minutes before meals to regulate your glucose levels. Consume apple cider vinegar before your meal to help stimulate your digestive system and regulate your blood sugar levels as you eat. As you age, your body’s gastric juices deplete, making digestion more and more difficult. ACV contains probiotics. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Probiotics can boost gut health and serve as a substitute for these lost juices if you drink it on an empty stomach.- Consult with a doctor before starting an ACV regimen if you’re prescribed insulin or diuretic medications. Apple cider vinegar may weaken the medicine. [8] X Research source
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Continue taking apple cider vinegar 2-3 times daily. Drink 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of ACV a few times a day to maintain the health benefits it provides. Evenly spread your intake of ACV throughout the day, taking it before each meal and giving it proper time to digest. A common ACV schedule is drinking once when you wake up, once mid-morning, and once at night, but choose what works best for you. [9] X Research source- Some people use ACV exclusively as a detox regimen to help cleanse their gut of unhealthy bacteria. If you are using ACV for this purpose, drink 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) 2-3 times a day for two to four weeks 3-4 times a year.
- Stop your ACV regimen if you experience repeated nausea or indigestion. [10] X Research source
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Mix in 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of sweetener to hide ACV’s acidity. Measure out a pinch of your favorite sugar or sweetener and stir it into the apple cider vinegar to make your drink taste less sour. Mix the drink until the sugar is completely dissolved.- Replace the sweetener with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey for a natural sweetener. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Add cinnamon or cayenne pepper for added nutritional value. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) ground cinnamon or cayenne pepper into your ACV and stir until the drink is thoroughly mixed. Cinnamon and pepper will add a spicier flavor to your drink and assist in lowering your blood pressure. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source- For a wider array of tastes, try making an apple cider vinegar tea with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of ACV, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of raw honey, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lemon juice, and 12 ounces (340 g) of hot water. Then, stick a cinnamon stick into this hot drink to steep the flavor.
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Put in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lemon juice to make the ACV more tart. You can either squeeze the juice from raw lemons or use prepackaged lemon juice. Adjust the amount of lemon juice you put in your drink depending on how sour you want it to taste. [13] X Research source- A combination of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice also reduces harmful bacteria on various foods. [14] X Research source
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Incorporate apple cider vinegar into a salad dressing. Mix together 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of olive oil, 1 ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of apple cider vinegar, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 0.5 teaspoons (2.5 ml) of salt in a bowl. Stir the dressing together until it’s well-combined. Dress the salad with about a third of your dressing and refrigerate the rest. [15] X Research source- Use apple cider vinegar on salads to kill some of the harmful microorganisms (such as salmonella) that can be found on salad greens. [16] X Research source
- You can also mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of ACV into your favorite store-bought dressing.
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Marinate meats and vegetables in apple cider vinegar. Create a mixture with a ratio of 2 parts cooking oil and 1 part apple cider vinegar in a resealable plastic bag. Stir in spices of your choosing like cayenne pepper, salt, and garlic powder. When the marinade is well-combined, put in your choice of meat or vegetables and let them soak in the bag for 3-4 hours before cooking. [17] X Research source- Experiment with different flavors. If you want a saltier marinade, add in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) each of Worcestershire and soy sauce.
- Just avoid adding whole grains like oats, stocky root vegetables like sweet potatoes, and other watery foods. While these items are great for treating acid reflux, they may lower the acidity and health benefits of ACV. [18] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
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Put apple cider vinegar in your soups or stews. Soups and stews are filled with a variety of flavors that will mask the acidity of your apple cider vinegar. Put 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of ACV when you cook your next homemade bowl of soup and stir it thoroughly. When you’ve finished your soup, make sure to drink the broth to get all of your ACV’s nutrients. [19] X Research source- Apple cider vinegar can be added to store-bought or homemade soup.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionDo I have to take it with a whole glass of water, or is 1/4 cup of water enough?Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.Apple cider vinegar can be quite acidic, so you should take it with a full glass of water.
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QuestionWhat is going to happen if I drink just the apple cider vinegar, without mixing it with anything?Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.Well, it is high in acetic acid and has a very sour taste. Most people cannot drink ACV all by itself, or at least not very much. It may upset your stomach and give you diarrhea.
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QuestionCan you just drink it straight up, shooter style, or is it better to dilute it?Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.It is always better to dilute the apple cider vinegar. For most people, the taste of it is just too much!
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Warnings
- Since it’s very acidic, pure apple cider vinegar could erode tooth enamel. Make sure to dilute the vinegar before ingesting it. [20] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to sourceThanks
- Apple cider vinegar can erode the lining of your gut, which could potentially cause bodily harm and digestive issues. Consult with your doctor before beginning to take ACV. [21] X Expert Source Adrienne Youdim, MD
Board Certified Internist Expert Interview. 11 September 2020.Thanks - As of October 2018, there is not much research to back up certain health claims of apple cider vinegar, like its effect on weight loss. [22] X Expert Source Adrienne Youdim, MD
Board Certified Internist Expert Interview. 11 September 2020.Thanks - Apple cider vinegar could affect how insulin or diuretic medication works if you’re diabetic. Consult with your doctor before starting a detox regimen. [23] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31140380/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/exploring-the-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/exploring-the-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/
- ↑ Adrienne Youdim, MD. Board Certified Internist. Expert Interview. 11 September 2020.
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-37229792
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/apple-cider-vinegar-diet-does-it-really-work-2018042513703
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/exploring-the-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/
- ↑ https://extension.wvu.edu/food-health/cooking/apple-cider-vinegar-myths-facts
- ↑ https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/10/health/benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar-wellness/index.html
- ↑ https://extension.wvu.edu/food-health/cooking/apple-cider-vinegar-myths-facts
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/244510/apple-cider-vinegar-tea/
- ↑ ​​ https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/debunking-the-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar
- ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/apple-cider-vinegar-and-honey-vinaigrette-dressing-396343
- ↑ https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/debunking-the-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar
- ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/apple-cider-vinegar-marinade-121123
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gerd-diet-foods-that-help-with-acid-reflux-heartburn
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/64014/apple-cider-beef-stew/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/apple-cider-vinegar-diet-does-it-really-work-2018042513703
- ↑ Adrienne Youdim, MD. Board Certified Internist. Expert Interview. 11 September 2020.
- ↑ Adrienne Youdim, MD. Board Certified Internist. Expert Interview. 11 September 2020.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/apple-cider-vinegar-for-weight-loss/faq-20058394
About This Article
Article Summary
X
Drinking apple cider vinegar may be able to help with weight loss, blood sugar levels, and digestion. To use apple cider vinegar for weight loss, drink 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL) mixed with a glass of water daily. This can make you feel fuller and eat less throughout the day, which can aid in weight loss. You can also drink apple cider vinegar before a high-carb meal to prevent a blood sugar spike. Just mix 4 teaspoons (20 mL) into a small glass of water and drink it before your meal. This will slow down the rate that your stomach empties and improve your insulin sensitivity, which can lower your blood sugar levels and prevent spikes. Some people also find that drinking 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL) of apple cider vinegar mixed into a glass of water before a meal helps with digestion, possibly by increasing the acidity of the stomach. Whatever you’re drinking apple cider vinegar for, make sure you dilute it with water first so it doesn’t harm your teeth and throat. To learn how to mask the taste of apple cider vinegar, read on!
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- "I'm 68, suffering from kidney stones, diabetes and hypertension. After starting to drink apple cider vinegar diluted with a glass of water every day, I started to feel much better. My blood sugar came down to 122, and I don't feel kidney pain anymore. I thank you very much." ..." more
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"I'm 68, suffering from kidney stones, diabetes and hypertension. After starting to drink apple cider vinegar diluted with a glass of water every day, I started to feel much better. My blood sugar came down to 122, and I don't feel kidney pain anymore. I thank you very much."
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"Didn't know how to drink apple cider vinegar. Had some (someone else in family bought it), heard it was good for you. This article's suggestion of mixing a little with a glass of water an hour before bed reached me about an hour before bed, so it was perfect timing! I'm sipping on the beverage now and getting used to it. I could learn to like it I think."
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"I have had digestive problems and nothing seemed to work till I read your article and tried the vinegar in my herbal teas and right away I found relief. Since then, I have been using it as a salad dressing and for dips and it is very tasty indeed. It is fantastic as a dip for rye bread. Thank you so very much. "
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"I want to lower my blood sugar and lose weight after being on steroids for 5 months to treat my Lupus and RA. I have used ACV in the past, but could not remember all of the rules. This article addressed all of my questions and even told me some things I didn't know."
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