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You are here: Home » Blog » Health & Wellness

Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar + How To Drink It

Updated: Jan 6, 2025 · Published: Apr 21, 2019 by Lacey Baier · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. · 281 Comments

Curious about the benefits of apple cider vinegar? Here are all the reasons why everyone is drinking apple cider vinegar, plus helpful tips on how to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar + How To Drink It this RECIPE
In This Post You'll Find:
  • Listen To This Article
  • Watch My Video On Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits
  • What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
  • Why Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?
  • Health Benefits
  • Weight Loss Benefits
  • Apple Cider Vinegar And Blood Sugar
  • Apple Cider Vinegar and Heart Health
  • How To Pick The Best ACV
  • Potential Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Reviews

Lately, everybody seems to be talking about the benefits of apple cider vinegar- how amazing it is and how it has so many health benefits.  Is this just hype or is apple cider vinegar actually amazing? Are there actual health benefits of apple cider vinegar?

Believe it or not, apple cider vinegar was used as a natural remedy for health problems for a very long period. It’s an ancient remedy.

Let's get into the benefits.

Listen To This Article

It's important to note that apple cider vinegar won’t work miracles. And it can't replace a balanced diet and exercise. It's also important to recommend you speak with your doctor regarding whether adding apple cider vinegar to your diet is a good idea.

Watch My Video On Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apples. Duh, right?  More specifically, it's fermented apple juice. To make apple cider vinegar, apples are crushed and exposed to yeast. By doing this, the natural sugar from the apple is fermented over time and turned into alcohol (like you would do with wine).

The difference between apple cider and apple cider vinegar is the apple cider vinegar is fermented twice–once to make alcoholic cider and a second time to make it vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar in a glass. In the background a bottle of organic apple cider vinegar.

Why Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?

As crazy as it may sound at first, drinking apple cider vinegar may bring you many health benefits which will be discussed in detail in just a sec. Additionally, apple cider vinegar may reduce cravings by inducing satiety (the feeling of fullness), making apple cider vinegar potentially helpful for weight loss.

Health Benefits

There has been some debate on the benefits of apple cider vinegar, which is why I am only sharing findings from trusted research articles. Based on my research, apple cider vinegar may...

  • lower blood sugar levels
  • improve insulin sensitivity
  • increase satiety
  • reduce belly fat
  • lower cholesterol
  • improves heart health

In the following sections, I'll break these down into how they might be impactful.

A glass filled with apple cider vinegar next to the bottle of organic apple cider vinegar surrounded by apples.

Weight Loss Benefits

A 2009 study by Kondo, et al. concluded apple cider vinegar might be effective for weight loss because the apple cider vinegar groups showed reduced body weight, BMI, visceral fat area, and waist circumference, compared to the placebo group. Another study found beneficial effects of ACV on weight management, and in particular, for overweight or obese individuals in that a combination of calorie restriction and apple cider vinegar intake led to a decrease in appetite, body weight, BMI, and hip circumference.

So...how does this happen?  Apple cider vinegar may increase satiety (your feeling of fullness), which would help cue your body to stop eating.

For more on apple cider vinegar and weight loss, read this post.

Top view of a hand holding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar over a bowl filled with apple cider vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar And Blood Sugar

Apple cider vinegar has been associated with reduced blood sugar levels when one is fasting, which could be beneficial for people who have difficulty regulating their own blood sugar levels, like those who have diabetes.  However, the research authors note more research is needed to test this correlation further.

If you have diabetes and take insulin or prescription drugs, you should talk to your doctor before drinking apple cider vinegar.

Taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar from a bowl filled with apple cider vinegar. In the background can be seen the apple cider vinegar bottle and some apples.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Heart Health

Drinking apple cider vinegar before a meal may help lower cholesterol. Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) and increases HDL (good cholesterol) in rats. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature concluded a significant favorable effect of ACV consumption on blood lipid levels.

A 2023 meta-analysis by Tehrani, et al. found that consumption of apple cider vinegar had a favorable effect in decreasing some Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) risk factors, which are a set of risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

How To Pick The Best ACV

Watch how to choose a good-quality ACV and the best way to drink ACV.

Potential Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar

It is important to note there are certain instances when apple cider vinegar is not recommended. Potential side effects of Apple Cider Vinegar may include:

  • Tooth decay and weakened tooth enamel: As a reminder, drinking apple cider vinegar without diluting it is not recommended because it is acidic and may cause the breakdown of your tooth enamel. If you choose to drink apple cider vinegar, be sure it is diluted in water or another liquid.  
  • Skin and throat burns: Applying apple cider vinegar to the skin and throat may cause chemical burns in some people.
  • Lacking long term appetite suppression –  while the research did find ACV to help lower appetite, it is also noted it was only observed for the short term, not for the long-term
  • Small studies have suggested that apple cider vinegar may reduce the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the lower digestive tract, which could slow the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream and lead to heartburn, nausea, and bloating.

Have you tried apple cider vinegar?  Let me know in the comments below!

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  1. Kama

    June 12, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    Love apple cider vinegar! Lovely bonus that it is healthy 😊
    My apple cider vinegar drink:
    2 cups water
    1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
    Sweetener of your choice (I use liquid stevia to keep it sugar free)

    This tastes great to me and if I add a half tsp of sea salt & some magnesium powder &/ or potassium it’s a great home made electrolyte drink.

    Reply
    • Bonnie

      June 21, 2021 at 8:59 pm

      I drink a shot straight every day! It really does help with hunger!

      Reply
      • Jenn

        July 28, 2021 at 10:58 pm

        Read Mollys comment above. You must Dilute the Apple cider vinegar it could eventually damage your esophagus.

      • Tonia

        September 25, 2021 at 3:47 pm

        Please you have to dilute it with water. Don't drink it raw it might harm yyou

      • tim

        October 29, 2021 at 1:39 am

        please mix with water or a drink of choice

    • Gail DelTufo

      September 05, 2021 at 3:29 pm

      That is a great tip ! Sometimes i dont get chance to take in enough daily fluids . Gatorade helps but nit easy to get to store inna pinch . I sometimes drink water with a dash of sea salt and if i have lemon juice . I never knew about magnesium and potassium powders . Sports drinks have a lot of sugar . Thanks for sharing

      Reply
  2. Kimberly Reeves

    May 31, 2021 at 1:22 pm

    I have been drinking Bragg's Apple Cider vinegar for 5 years. I drink it in the morning and at night and I mix it with local honey and 16 or so ounces of water. I used to get bladder infections all the time and haven't gotten one since I started doing this. I also use it as a final hair rinse and it leaves a beautiful shine. I'm 64 and my blood work is excellent. I highly recommend using this.

    Reply
  3. Rene

    May 18, 2021 at 8:44 am

    I started using ACV with mother for eczema
    I use topically then protect with castor oil or Vaseline. Amazing results
    I also drink 1tbs in 8 oz of water morning and night and it aid in digestion and elimination
    Excitedly awaiting next blood test to see if liver enzymes are reduced
    Dr wants me to be on Hep C drugs

    Reply
    • Brian

      June 25, 2021 at 11:57 am

      Hep C treatment is very difficult on the body. I really hope the ACV helps with all the benefits. Remember to consult your doctor about any possible interactions that could occur. Best of luck.

      Reply
  4. Rachel

    May 15, 2021 at 12:18 am

    I am getting started. Thank you

    Reply
    • Juana Anguiano

      May 15, 2021 at 9:51 am

      Hello, I just started this morning. I thought I could drink acv with water and omg..I almost threw up..so instead I used apple juice and 1 tablespoon, ill take another try this afternoon before I eat. With apple juice, it's definitely better. Hoping I get same benefits. I'm not regular, Hoping this makes me release more frequently and helping me in belly fat, etc.

      Reply
      • Kashif Faheem Khan Peerzada

        May 24, 2021 at 7:05 am

        Greetings !
        Your article was impressive.
        Though I started using it a week back on strong recommendation of one of elders but never knew that it would be this productive.
        He advised me to start with 2 Tea Spoons mixed in a glass of water and drink it after morning prayer / empty stomach with no breakfast .
        On top of it ' I was told to have it even before morning brush .....which at least I'm not following but I have trust in his wisdom n experience curve so I'm certain there must be some substantial reason for having it empty stomached in the morning without even brushing my teeth.
        Any Suggestion / Word please !!!
        Respect from Pakistan !

        Best,
        Kashif Faheem Khan Peerzada
        Lahore , Pakistan .

      • Kelly

        June 29, 2021 at 6:53 pm

        I think the benefit to brushing your teeth afterwards would be to remove any acid that your saliva doesn't neutralize. ACV is very acidic and can cause enamel loss.

      • Kate

        July 15, 2021 at 11:50 am

        Do not brush your teeth immediately after consuming ACV!! It weakens the enamel and you will brush some off. Rinse your mouth with water and wait until brushing your teeth.

      • Megsie

        October 20, 2021 at 4:06 pm

        I discovered Hasweh recently
        Im addicted. I make it all the time. You have fantastic food! Cheers from Australia

      • michelle snell

        June 17, 2021 at 3:20 am

        this is me i just started yesterday and it wants to come back up!!

    • Juana Anguiano

      May 15, 2021 at 10:01 am

      I started today with apple juice. Wanting to try later with ginger and lemon tea ( hot). It can basically be mixed into anything right? With same benefits. I hope so because with water it was intolerable for me.

      Reply
  5. Julie Adam

    May 10, 2021 at 5:35 pm

    Hi I’m just about to start ACV. I have diabetes, angina, and NAFLD.. Has anyone got any good tips about ACV? I’d be most greatful thankyou

    Reply
    • D. PROCTOR

      September 25, 2021 at 1:47 pm

      This recipe is from a famous researcher and doctor.
      1-tablespoon vinegar with the Mother, in 8ounces of water.
      add 1 tablespoon gelatin and stir well.
      It thickens fast and stir as you drink, but is lifesaving for total body health.

      Reply
  6. Seth Brown

    May 02, 2021 at 5:19 pm

    I just drop a shot glass of it in actual apple cider.

    Reply
  7. Paula

    April 27, 2021 at 4:27 pm

    I’ve just started taking ACV with water chai seeds local honey and bit of lemon juice hopefully this will help my weight loss journey

    Reply
  8. Stability Mos

    April 14, 2021 at 4:47 am

    Hello
    Question... Is it advisable to use ACV when I`m building body muscles. Will ACV help me to build more muscles and if yes, what is the recommended use.

    Reply
    • Sharon Smith

      June 16, 2021 at 3:36 am

      Been using ACV for a few months now in the morning, first drink. 1 tablespoon of ACV 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and hot water. Wasn't very nice at first, but I persisted. Must admit it's the only thing that has helped me with my belly fat. And goodbye to constipation. I'm happy with the results. Think I'll have another ripple in the afternoon .🤣🤣

      Reply
  9. cp miller

    April 07, 2021 at 6:59 pm

    For good GI, two caps with Amazing Grass in the morning.

    Reply
    • E. Davis

      August 06, 2021 at 2:53 am

      I have 2 tablespoons with the juice of one lemon sweetened with honey in a glass of water every evening.

      Reply
  10. Abdullahi Ibn Muhammad

    April 03, 2021 at 11:57 am

    I Started Taking Locally Made Apple Cider Vinegar Called Binnasar Hoping It Helps Me Recover From Undiagnosed Diabetic Symptoms

    Reply
  11. William Frank Youhouse Jr

    March 31, 2021 at 5:04 pm

    One teaspoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar, and one teaspoon of raw honey mixed in with my metamucil twice a day. Makes the metamucil go down better.

    Reply
  12. Tommie L Rimmer

    March 26, 2021 at 2:12 am

    I like to get a spoon and take it straight. I sometimes chases it with some water or juice but mainly straight.

    Reply
    • TINA ADAMS

      April 18, 2021 at 3:19 pm

      Be careful. It can damage your esophagus.

      Reply
  13. Alex

    March 25, 2021 at 10:44 pm

    Hi
    Does it work for fatty liver and weight loss if yes how should I start drinking this. directions please!?

    Reply
    • sharkie

      May 11, 2021 at 11:15 pm

      Not really. Helps with weight loss in the sense that it can help curb your appetite - at least it does for me. Don't know anything about it helping a fatty liver.
      There aren't strict directions you should follow besides not overdoing it obviously. If you're asking about timing though I'd suggest early morning, 10 - 15 mins before meals. But it's fine at night too, I've dosed before bed without any problem.

      Reply
      • Elden

        June 02, 2021 at 6:42 am

        Adding lemon can help with the fatty liver. Stick with NON GMO produts

    • Gilbert Echeverria

      June 13, 2021 at 10:34 am

      Watch Jason Fung video on Fatty Liver on You Tube. Lots of good information there.
      The ACV will assist in the process but first learn what's at the root of Fatty Liver.

      Reply
  14. Shruti Panthenal

    March 25, 2021 at 10:02 am

    We can have apple cider vinegar with turmeric and ginger too 😊

    Reply
  15. MissVickie

    March 16, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    I've had some great results with ACV. Both my sons got kidney stones! I had them drink ACV and Honey with water twice a day and both either passed or dissolved the stones. Neither had to go to the doctor. And one was so bad he had to lay down rolled up in pain. 2 ACV drinks and he was fine in a couple of hours. I had lower back pain for 5 years. After starting the daily ACV drink the pain is now gone.... also my thyroid improved so require less medicine and fatty liver somewhat high enzymes levels became normal range. The only thing I had done was start the ACV routine.

    Reply
    • Anders

      May 01, 2021 at 4:18 pm

      That's great, Vicky! All the best to you and your two sons! I drink a quart/litre bottle of water mixed with about three tablespoons of ACV every day. For my thyroid, I take a few drops of Lugol's iodine every day mixed into drinks. L-tyrosine supplements helps also, very inexpensive. Extra magnesium also helps - I buy inexpensive magnesium chloride flakes and mix with water and drink some and rub on skin. Borax also helps. Never felt better. Cheers!

      Reply
    • Kathey Mcmaster

      May 09, 2021 at 12:22 am

      Just the information I needed to read!! Never had kidney stones but do now...someone said ACV!!
      Thank you for your contribution!!

      Reply
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The Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar | What is apple cider vinegar, how to drink apple cider vinegar, apple cider vinegar nutrition and other useful information about apple cider vinegar | A Sweet Pea Chef