You’ve probably read about drinking apple cider vinegar for its health benefits—you may also have heard it can be harmful. Our guide aims to clear up the confusion, and shares an apple cider vinegar drink if you’re curious to try it.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural product made from apples that are crushed and fermented, which creates a host of good bacteria. The result is a vinegar, rich in acetic acid compounds, long used as a folk remedy for a variety of health benefits. While you can enjoy potential benefits just by cooking with apple cider vinegar, you can also try an apple cider vinegar drink recipe—with some caveats. By the way, here’s the difference between white and apple cider vinegar.
Potential Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
While apple cider vinegar has been a folk remedy for a long time, scientists are still researching its benefits. They may help with:
High blood sugar
Weight loss
Digestion
Immunity
High blood pressure
Sore throat or congestion
Stopping infection
Increasing energy
Used externally, there are several beauty benefits to using apple cider vinegar.
Common Apple Cider Vinegar Questions:
Can I Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day?
Many proponents of ACV advise taking 1-2 tablespoons daily, whether in a drink or with food. As with any remedy, you should check with your doctor first, especially if you’re pregnant.
Is It Better To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar in the Morning or at Night?
Sip your apple cider vinegar drink first thing in the morning or right before a meal. Taken before a meal, the vinegar drink can help you feel full faster, which can aid in weight loss. Take a look at these unexpected ways to use apple cider vinegar around the house.
Should I Take a Shot of Apple Cider Vinegar?
No! Taking a shot of vinegar alone is an acidic blast that can harm the enamel of your teeth and even damage your esophagus and lungs. The key is to dilute the vinegar in water. Here are some other common mistakes to avoid when taking apple cider vinegar.
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.
How to Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Making an apple cider vinegar drink is quite simple. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
– 1-2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup of water
– 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup (optional)
– Lemon juice or other flavorings (optional)
1. Start by choosing a high-quality, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Look for one that contains the “mother,” which is the cloudy sediment that settles at the bottom of the bottle. The mother contains beneficial enzymes and bacteria.
2. Measure 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and pour it into a glass.
3. Add 1 cup of water to the glass. You can adjust the amount of water based on your taste preferences. Some people prefer a stronger taste and use less water.
4. If desired, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup to sweeten the drink. This helps balance the acidity of the vinegar. Stir well until the sweetener is dissolved.
5. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or other flavorings like ginger or cinnamon to enhance the taste. This step is optional but can add some extra flavor to your drink.
6. Once all the ingredients are in the glass, stir well to combine.
7. If you prefer your drink chilled, you can add ice cubes to the glass or refrigerate it for a while before consuming.
8. Drink the apple cider vinegar mixture slowly. Some people prefer to sip it throughout the day, while others drink it in one go. Find what works best for you.
It’s important to note that apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, so it’s recommended to start with smaller amounts of vinegar and gradually increase the quantity as your body gets accustomed to it. Also, if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or consuming apple cider vinegar regularly.
