Several studies in animals and humans have found that acetic acid and apple cider vinegar may promote fat burning and weight loss, decrease blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve cholesterol levels ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ).
ACV is generally safe when consumed in moderation — no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons (tbsp) daily. But drinking excessive amounts of ACV can decrease potassium to hazardous levels. ACV may interact with some medications (including diuretics, laxatives, and certain medications for diabetes and heart disease).
Vinegar is fine to use on food and when mixed with water, juice, or another liquid is safe to drink. However, with a pH between 2.4 and 3.3, vinegar is acidic enough to erode tooth enamel, inflame the esophagus and stomach, and trigger nausea and acid reflux.
Many claim it has health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar levels, relief from indigestion, and a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer. With its many potential uses, it can be difficult to know how much apple cider vinegar to take each day.
Vinegar contains polyphenols, plant chemicals that have an antioxidant effect that may protect cells from oxidative stress, a possible stimulator of tumor growth. Cell and mouse studies suggest that vinegar may prevent the growth of cancer cells or cause tumor cells to die.
Common dosages range from 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) to 1–2 tablespoon (15–30 mL) per day mixed in a large glass of water. It's best to start with small doses and avoid taking large amounts. Too much vinegar can cause harmful side effects, including tooth enamel erosion and potential drug interactions.
It is recommended to take it no more than twice a day to prevent side effects such as nausea and erosion of tooth enamel. Apple cider vinegar appears to be safe, as long as you don't take it in excessive amounts.
Drinking apple cider vinegar at least 30 minutes before bed may lower your risk of indigestion or acid reflux after laying down. Enjoy it in other ways. Apple cider vinegar can be used on a salad or in a marinade for meat or vegetables, which may be a more pleasant way to consume it than drinking it.
Taking a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning on an empty stomach is one practice that many wellness gurus claim helps you lose weight, reduce hunger, and remove toxins from your system.
The fermented juice may slow down the emptying of your stomach and prevent spikes in the blood sugar level. ACV consumption has also been proven beneficial in increasing insulin sensitivity. Drinking that concoction particularly at night can be more beneficial than having it any other time of the day.
Vinegar is not intended to be ingested in significant amounts and can cause stomach distress resulting in nausea and vomiting. If ingested by someone who has stomach ulcers, vinegar can worsen the symptoms instead of helping.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Incredible detoxification actions of ACV work to flush out the harmful toxins from the liver that hinders its normal functions. Studies discloses that regular intake of ACV promotes weight loss, diminishes cholesterol levels, lessen inflammation, and uplift the overall health of the liver.
While both groups lost weight, the apple cider vinegar group lost more. As with many prior studies, this one was quite small and short-term. In all, the scientific evidence that vinegar consumption (whether of the apple cider variety or not) is a reliable, long-term means of losing excess weight is not compelling.
It has powerful antimicrobial properties that may help ease skin infections and soothe irritation. As a mild acid, ACV may also help restore the natural pH balance of your skin. This helps your skin keep moisture in and irritants out.
Balsamic vinegar
This is one of the healthiest and most nutritious varieties of vinegar. Also, the antioxidants available in this vinegar are known to lower chances of heart disease and cancer.
Your body needs acids to create the desired PH balance. If you crave vinegar, it may be due to low acid levels in your digestive system. When you crave pickles or anything sour, it could be your body telling you that it needs more acid. Giving in and enjoying a pickled item may satisfy this craving.
What Are the Risks of Apple Cider Vinegar? Since it's high in acid, apple cider vinegar could irritate your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat and stomach) if you drink it straight or drink too much of it. Undiluted ACV can also break down tooth enamel.
Apple cider vinegar can cause side effects. For example, applying undiluted vinegar to the skin for long periods can lead to burns and irritation. Regularly consuming large quantities of the vinegar, especially in an undiluted form, may cause digestive issues, damage the teeth, and affect potassium levels.
Can You Drink Apple Cider Vinegar on an Empty Stomach? Yes, you can drink diluted apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach. In fact, it's the recommended way to take ACV. Just wait about 20 minutes or so after drinking apple cider vinegar to eat.
Apple cider vinegar contains a variety of B complex vitamins and potassium that are essential to combating insomnia and promoting better sleep. Vitamin B are natural relaxants that help you sleep better and faster, therefore apple cider vinegar may greatly benefit those suffering from sleepless nights.
What Drink Burns Fat Overnight? Drinking turmeric milk, chamomile tea, cinnamon tea, green tea, protein shake, green veg smoothies, and fiber-rich juice helps you burn significant fat overnight.
Drinking ACV right after a meal can delay digestion. Thus, it's best to have it before a meal or empty stomach to maximise its health benefits.
Dilute 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar in 8 ounces of water and drink it right before a meal, once or twice a day.
Bedtime isn't an ideal time to take apple cider vinegar
People who are prone to heartburn, acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) would want to avoid consuming anything acidic at least 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime to minimize the chances of experiencing burning and discomfort.
According to a study published in the Journal of Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, Apple Cider Vinegar can result in effective weight loss after three months (or 12 weeks). People in this study dropped an average of 4 pounds by consuming 1 to 2 tablespoons of diluted apple cider vinegar every day.