Apple Cider Vinegar: Worth a Shot?

Whether it’s cooking, baking, cleaning or canning, vinegar has been used for ages for a variety of purposes. But lately, drinking vinegar, the apple cider kind in particular, has become a trend too popular to ignore. Turns out, there are potentially some great health benefits, but you have to take precautions too. Is it worth a shot?

The Upside

Vinegar was purportedly used as a remedy as far back as ancient Greece. Today, people use it to lose weight, improve heart health and even treat dandruff.

However, not much research is out there to prove the benefits one way or the other. Studies have found that the acetic acid found in vinegar, (which also gives it its sour smell and taste), may actually prove helpful for several conditions.

According to Japanese research, vinegar helps improve blood sugar and insulin levels for those with type 2 diabetes. Also, vinegar contains chemicals know as polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can potentially help cells from becoming cancerous, according to some research.

In apple cider vinegar, yeast is added to turn the fruit sugar into alcohol, a process known as fermentation, and the bacteria turns the alcohol into the acetic acid referenced earlier. This acid is reported to help balance blood sugar, blood pressure and potentially dissolves cholesterol deposits in arteries. The reduction of Inflammation, arthritis and leg cramps and have been said to be possible thanks to small, regular shots of apple cider vinegar. Some even claim ingesting it improve the condition of your hair and skin too. And boosted immunity is a another reported benefit.

The Downside

As with many a trend, if there’s an upside, you’re likely going to find a downside too. If you drink a great deal of vinegar, it can cause some serious problems. And if you’re interested in drinking it for health reasons, it’s recommended that you should add it to water or tea and never drink it without diluting it first. Otherwise, you may end up with loss of tooth enamel, lower potassium or worsened stomach ulcers. Some even claim an increase in acid reflux when taking an apple cider shot regularly. Finally, drinking ACV could potentially enhance the effects of some prescribed medications.

Our Side?

Only you can know what’s best for you. We found there’s a hefty number of both pros and cons. Consult with your physician and listen to your body.