Apple Cider Vinegar: Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, and More
You may have a friend who insists on taking apple cider vinegar shots in the morning for fat burning. Or you may have seen apple cider vinegar drinks in the refrigerated section at the grocery store. With the exploding popularity of this seemingly basic pantry staple, you’re probably wondering what the buzz is all about.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar Exactly?
Common Questions & Answers
What Are the Possible Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?
ACV has garnered superfood status, and its fans say that apple cider vinegar’s benefits extend to nearly everything that ails you — weight gain, digestive issues, skin woes, and so on. Meanwhile, some companies tout ACV pills as a powerful source of vitamins and minerals, or for weight loss or “cleansing” support.
ACV and Weight Loss
ACV contains very few calories, so it can fit into your diet if you’re trying to lose or maintain weight. But you may also have heard that some people take a shot or tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to stimulate fat burning. The fact of the matter is that taking ACV is unlikely to change your body composition or weight.
ACV and High Cholesterol
Apple cider vinegar may be beneficial for high cholesterol in some groups.
ACV and Type 2 Diabetes
Some research suggests that apple cider vinegar may have benefits for people with type 2 diabetes, though there’s a lack of high-quality research on the topic.
ACV and Ulcerative Colitis
ACV and Inflammation
Some people suggest taking apple cider vinegar as a treatment to manage symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). One explanation is that the vinegar may reduce inflammation and lessen symptoms. However, there are no studies that directly explore ACV as a therapy for RA, MS, or AS. Talk to your doctor if you have one of these conditions before trying ACV.
ACV and Skin Conditions
Learn More About Possible Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
ACV and Yeast Infections
What Are the Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar?
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Esophageal burns
- Gastrointestinal distress and acid reflux
- Worsened chronic kidney disease
When Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Disease Treatment Is Risky
ACV is not a cure-all, and there’s no research to back many of the claims made about its disease-fighting abilities.
How Much Do You Know About Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple Cider Vinegar Uses
Apple Cider Vinegar Dosage
Harvard Health Publishing points out that most recommendations for drinking diluted apple cider vinegar are 1 to 2 tsp prior to or during meals.
The University of Washington recommends that if you’re taking apple cider vinegar as a supplement (by the spoonful, as a shot), you ought to stick to a limit of 1 to 2 tbsp at a time.
As noted, the ingredient is also used in topical creams and can come in tablet form; check packaging for dosage information.
Regardless of the delivery method or amount, there’s no guarantee that apple cider vinegar will result in health or weight loss benefits. Simply put, more research is needed.
A Final Word About Using Apple Cider Vinegar
You can use apple cider vinegar on more than just salads. The ingredient may help you control your blood sugar and can be part of a healthy diet. It’s also extremely useful around the house for a variety of cleaning purposes.
But don’t rely on it as a magic weight loss cure or a treatment for chronic health conditions just yet.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Sources
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