3 Ways A Daily Shot of Apple Cider Vinegar Boosts Your Health

The internet is filled with health remedies that are immediately forgotten as soon as a new health hack starts to trend. Yet one health hack that’s stood the test of time is apple cider vinegar (ACV). The product is touted as the ultimate longevity elixir on many social media platforms. 

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

ACV is a type of venerate that’s made from crushed fermented apples, yeast, and sugar. The active ingredients found in this type of vinegar are acetic acid, as well as a cloud of yeast and bacteria, which is referred to as the “mother”. The “mother” apple cider vinegar contains a higher amount of beneficial compounds like acetic acid, enzymes, proteins, and friendly bacteria. Thus, it’s seen as the ultimate health elixir due to the many health benefits it can provide.

3 Benefits of a Daily Shot of ACV

Apple cider vinegar can be consumed in many different ways, but one of the most notable is by taking a shot of it. Doing this on a daily basis may boast the following benefits:

1. May assist with weight goals

The most popular argument for the use of apple cider vinegar is its effect on weight loss. Now, while we do encourage shying away from fads that do not encourage healthy weight loss, research suggests that apple cider vinegar may promote sustainable weight loss.

According to a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, participants who consumed an ounce of apple cider vinegar daily experienced a significant reduction in appetite, BMI, body weight, and belly fat. 

Now, while these findings do look promising, there is still a need for larger, more detailed studies. If you are looking to lose weight, try coupling a shot of ACV with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet.

2. Helps manage Type 2 Diabetes

Globally, over 400 million people are currently living with diabetes. While the condition is manageable, it can increase the risk of a host of complications if poorly controlled. These complications include nerve damage, blindness, kidney damage, and even amputations. As such, it is important to manage the condition, and it appears that apple cider vinegar may help.

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According to a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis, ACV consumption may improve blood glucose levels in adults.

In regards to individuals with diabetes, a 2019 study provided people with type 2 diabetes a-half ounce of apple cider vinegar with a seven-ounce glass of water during dinner for three months. At the end of the study, the researchers noted that the participants experienced significant reductions in fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C). This thus reduced their risk for diabetic complications.

3. May Improve Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and one contributing factor is high total cholesterol. Total cholesterol is the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides in your blood. 

If you want to mitigate your risk for heart disease, you need to manage your levels of total cholesterol, and this can be done with apple cider vinegar.

ACV has been found to improve triglycerides and total cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. Additionally, one study saw that people who took ACV also experienced raised levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is considered the “good cholesterol” as it helps lower the risk of heart problems.

Is A Shot of ACV Risky?

Yes, apple cider vinegar may promote good health, but consuming too much of it may affect potassium levels in the body, which then increases the risk for abnormal heart rhythms, fatigue, numbness, and constipation. Additionally, ACV may also interact with medications that you may be taking. As such, it is advisable to confirm with your doctor before beginning your ACV journey.

Is A Shot The Only Way To Take ACV?

No, and frankly, taking a shot of ACV every day can increase the risk of erosion of tooth enamel. As such, it would be best to include water by adding 1–2 tablespoons of ACV to 15-30ml of water and drinking it first thing in the morning.

Additionally, you can also use ACV in your cooking by adding it to salad dressings, marinades, pickled vegetables, soups, tea, smoothies, and baked goods. 

Want to know more?

The American Frozen Food Institute reported a 30% increase in consumption during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, however, which is better for longevity – frozen or fresh fruit?

References

Hadi, A., Pourmasoumi, M., Najafgholizadeh, A., T. Clark, C. C., & Esmaillzadeh, A. (2021). The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03351-w

Kausar, Sofia & Abbas, Muhammad & Ahmad, Hajra & Yousef, Nazia & Ahmed, Zaheer & Sheikh, Naheed & Ashfaq, Hira & Humayun, Ayesha. (2019). Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Poor Glycemic Control: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Design. 

Khezri, S. S., Saidpour, A., Hosseinzadeh, N., & Amiri, Z. (2018). Beneficial effects of Apple Cider Vinegar on weight management, Visceral Adiposity Index and lipid profile in overweight or obese subjects receiving restricted calorie diet: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Functional Foods, 43, 95-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2018.02.003

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