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Drinking vinegar is definitely one of those things that prove you are in it for the benefits. It’s rare to find someone who actually enjoys drinking apple cider vinegar. There are a few out there but for the most part, drinking ACV is not all that enjoyable.
However, enjoyable or not, there are so many reasons to drink apple cider vinegar that it’s definitely a drink you should consider adding to your diet.
It should be noted that when consuming apple cider vinegar and if you want to reap the full benefits, it is best to choose raw, organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar that still has the “mother” in it.
This is where all the goodies of ACV live in. The processed stuff that is sold by the gallon in the grocery store just doesn’t compare.
As for how much apple cider vinegar you will want to drink that will depend a little bit on you. I recommend starting at 1 tablespoon per day and increasing to 2-3 tablespoons if you find you need it; although there is definitely no harm in drinking 3 tablespoons per day if you do not need it.
Always dilute your ACV when drinking. How much water you use to dilute the ACV is up to you.
Some like to dilute 1 tbs ACV in 8 oz water so that it is more diluted.
Others prefer to dilute 1 tbs ACV in just 1 tbs of water so that the task is done in one swallow.
Reasons to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
Aids in Weight Loss
Consuming acetic acid daily (acetic acid is in ACV) can help reduce body weight and abdominal fat. Apple cider vinegar seem to do this in a few ways; it helps control blood sugar levels and it can help you feel full longer and thus help with over eating.
Energy Boost
The higher acidic levels along with the amino acids, potassium, and enzymes help give your body a bit of energy. Next time you are feeling a little sluggish, try reaching for the ACV bottle.
Helps with Blood Sugar Levels
Every now and then I worry about my blood sugar levels. I’m not diabetic but when I’m pregnant I like to keep blood sugar levels low and all around it’s never fun to have a sugar spike.
I’ve learned that if I take ACV before, during, or even after I eat something sweet it can help keep those blood sugar levels in a more normal range. This of course is great news for diabetics but everyone can benefit from keeping their blood sugars at healthy levels.
Boosts Immunity
Infections love low acidic levels in the body. By taking apple cider vinegar, you can raise those acidic levels and thus make your body inhospitable to illnesses.
It’s also anti-bacterial (which is why it’s a favorite cleaning product) so even if you do have something lurking in your body already, ACV can help kill it before it turns into a full blown illness.
Detoxify
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to help the body detox and improve circulation. ACV helps bind toxins and flush them out of the body. In a world, where our bodies are bombarded by toxins and pollutants, this is a great way to detox daily.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Worried about high blood pressure? Try adding a daily dose of apple cider vinegar to your diet.
Reduce Allergies
Whether it’s because it helps reduce sinus congestion or because it helps promote healthy gut flora, apple cider vinegar is a great way to help reduce allergies. I find that after taking it for just a few days, my allergies disappear.
Heartburn Relief
I discovered apple cider vinegars amazing heartburn relief when I was pregnant. Just one dose of ACV and my heartburn would be gone.
I know it seems like it shouldn’t work; how could acid help with heartburn but it really does. You can check out my heartburn relief post to find out more.
Helps Kill Candida
Candida is a form of yeast that can cause thrush and well as many other yeast infections. Drinking apple cider vinegar can help kill off candida.
Helps Digestion
Enzyme rich apple cider vinegar is great to help move digestion along. Taking ACV can help stir up digestive juices and break down food so that it’s easier to digest and as a bonus it can help increase nutrient absorption.
Hi Brittany,
I enjoyed reading your post. I had no idea that apple cider vinegar was so good for my health. I've been using apple cider vinegar in my salad dressings lately instead of white wine vinegar and like the taste. Without realizing it, I've been doing a good thing for my body! I'll try it next time I have heartburn. Thanks!
And you are just getting started. There are so many wonderful uses for apple cider vinegar!
Totally unrelated to the ACV but I have those same glasses! Well, we have a few left because I broke most of them! Whoops. Haha. I use ACV as a gnat trap and in cooking sometimes but I haven't graduated to drinking it yet…I have such a hard time getting over the smell and flavor!
I always see posts about benefits from drinking ACV but I haven't found any that say how much to drink….
How much should a person drink in a day?
In Michael Gregor’s book “How Not To Diet” he says to have 2 teaspoons at every meal. All of his stuff is based on science. Check out his website Nutritionfacts.org
Hi Karen,
I would start at 1 tbs per day and increase up to 2-3 tbs per day if needed. You can dilute 1 tbs ACV into either just 1tbs of water (shot glass style) or dilute 1 tbs in 8oz of water (more to drink but it's more diluted)… I prefer the shot glass method as the torture of ACV is over quicker. 😉
lol yes those glasses…. I was down to just 3 of the taller variety and finally got some more for Christmas. The small ones I rarely use so we still have most of them. But I do love them! Yes, the smell and taste of ACV is tough. I drink 1 tbs ACV in 1 tbs of water so that it'a a tiny amount and it's over with quickly. I also do it over the sink and instantly rinse out my mouth and drink a bit of water.
Hi Sarah,
Sorry I didn't mention amounts! I'm going to edit that in right now! I would start at 1 tbs per day and increase up to 2-3 tbs per day if needed. You can dilute 1 tbs ACV into either just 1tbs of water (shot glass style) or dilute 1 tbs in 8oz of water (more to drink but it's more diluted)… I prefer the shot glass method as the torture of ACV is over quicker. 😉
Hi Brittany, Insightful post indeed!
Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for everyday use. Drinking apple cider vinegar supports your insides, which shows on the outside. Many people find that a daily dose apple cider vinegar in water gives the skin a healthy glow.
I love drinking this daily, it does everything it claims to do. Couldn’t imagine not drinking it. ❤