Tested: I Took a Shot of Apple Cider Vinegar Every Morning
Before starting, I want to say that there is not one miracle ingredient that exists in this world. A healthy, balanced, varied and wholefood diet together with exercise is the most important thing in order to be healthy. Apple cider vinegar will not be the cure to any of your problems but might help in some sort of way.
WHAT IS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR?
Apple cider vinegar is the product of fermented apple juice. By adding yeast to the apple juice, the sugars in the juice will turn into alcohol. Bacteria turn the alcohol into acetic acid. That’s what gives vinegar its sour taste and strong smell.
Apple Cider Vinegar has a long history as a home remedy, it has been used to treat things like sore throat and varicose veins. There isn’t much science to support the claims. But in recent years, some researchers have been taking a closer look at apple cider vinegar and its possible benefits.
Some people say the “mother,” the cloud of yeast and bacteria you might see in a bottle of apple cider vinegar, is what makes it healthy. These things have probiotics, the same bacteria you have in yoghurt or kombucha. Probiotics are commonly known as being a friendly, good, or healthy bacteria, it would help balance your digestive system.
WHY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR?
Vinegar has been used as a remedy for centuries. The ancient Greeks treated wounds with it. Today, lots of people are talking about the amazing virtues of apple cider vinegar on our health. It would help in having more beautiful skin as it can ease sunburns, treat acne, remove dandruff and so on. A lot of people also believe it can decrease the risks of cancer. As apple cider vinegar is a fermented liquid, it contains probiotics. Thus, a dose of the acid in the morning would also help balance the pH of your stomach and would help digest food more effectively. It can lessen bloating and prevent acid reflux as a result of improved digestion. It would even boost your energy and immune system.
Unfortunately, there’s little research to support most claims about these health benefits. Some studies do suggest, though, that it may offer some benefits, including killing bacteria, lowering blood sugar levels, and promoting weight loss. A Japanese study says it would even help in fighting obesity. According to another study at the Arizona State University, scientists found that people who drink two tablespoons of the fermented liquid paired with a snack have decreased blood sugar levels compared to those who took the same serving of water along with a snack. It would improve blood sugar and insulin levels in a group of people with type 2 diabetes. Those are the only studies I found so I highly doubt they are true and can be generalized.
BE CAREFUL!
Be careful, do not exaggerate with the intake of this product. Too much apple cider vinegar can have harmful side effects, including tooth enamel erosion and potential drug interactions. It’s best to start with a smaller amount and gradually work up to a maximum of 2 tablespoons per day. This is, of course, depending on your personal tolerance. Dilute the vinegar in water and drink it through a (reusable) straw to avoid exposing your teeth to the acidity of apple cider vinegar. It’s important to rinse your mouth and wait at least 30minutes before brushing your teeth to prevent further enamel damage. If you have stomach problems avoid apple cider vinegar or limit the amount to 1 teaspoon a day. Allergies to apple cider vinegar are rare but stop taking it immediately if you experience an allergic reaction.
MY ONE WEEK ACV DIARY
Day 1: Started with a shot of apple cider vinegar without diluting it (what was I even thinking?). My throat and nose were burning, I had the impression the apple cider vinegar was everywhere. It still hurt after a few minutes. After that, I just ate a normal breakfast and it went away. (Please never take it in in its pure form, it’s so important to dilute is)
Day 2: Took 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar that I diluted in a glass of water. The taste is very similar to a Kombucha and actually quite good.
Day 3: I feel like my energy levels were up or is it just in my head?
Day 4: Ugh, this apple cider vinegar is not a nice way to start the day, I would rather have a loaf of bread with chocolate spread than this acidic shot. But I’m doing it anyway. ;)
Day 5: It’s still hard to start the day with an ACV shot, but I feel like my energy levels are up and I like it.
Day 6: I can see why people like it, but I wonder if taking a shot of ACV every single day is really as healthy as it is promoted to be.
Day 7: Pfieuw, I’m done!
CONCLUSION
I feel like it did give me some sort of satiety and energy. I’m not sure it’s due to the apple cider vinegar though, can be linked to other things as well. Apple cider vinegar is very acidic though and I didn’t really get used to that even though I wasn’t very bothered by the taste. Kind of liked it really when it was diluted. I think this can be a very strong ingredient and before trying it out I would definitely go for smaller amounts and build it up. I might continue doing this now and then when I need a little boost of energy but I highly doubt the benefits of this product like a lot of people seem to claim on the internet. I do believe, though, that everybody needs to make their own opinion on the subject. Maybe it can work wonders on one person and not at all on the other. If you want to try it out, the one I prefer is the one from Braggs, as the ‘mother’ is still in it. Which I find important.