How Do I Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?
There is extensive research about the benefits of cider vinegar for losing weight. The Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry magazine published a study in 2009 found that drinking apple cider vinegar for just three months caused significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides.Apple cider vinegar is effective for heartburn. It helps in improving the quality of sleep and is a very useful home remedy for insomnia.
ACV improves energy levels; helps in keeping digestion system in good condition, and strengthens immune system. Don't be surprised if your visits to doctors are reduced dramatically once you start drinking apple cider vinegar regularly.
The cider vinegar contains malic acid which clears clogged arteries, lymphatic tissues and organ tissues.
It is known to offer cure for stones in kidneys, liver and gallbladder.
Drinking cider vinegar is also beneficial to people with diabetes.
When applied externally it can cure acne and warts. Many people also add it to their bath water so as to improve the health of their skin. It is also applied to hair to stop hair loss.
However, if you are keen on losing weight fast, then ACV is not the right place for you. ACV is not a quick weight loss diet.
You need to drink it for three months at least, and at the same time, stop drinking sugary drinks and junk food.
Apple cider vinegar may not help you lose weight quickly, but it is a popular drink for weight loss. Consider it as a marathon, not sprint.
Besides, there are many health benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar every day.
Now, before you buy and start drinking apple cider vinegar daily, read this. This article is very important, as the guidelines for drinking apple cider vinegar in this article will help you lose weight, and protect you from side-effects of apple cider vinegar.
This article is based on hundreds of questions I regularly receive about apple cider vinegar on various articles and forums published.
So let's start our journey of building good health and losing weight with apple cider vinegar.
Which Apple Cider Vinegar is Best
How do you choose the right brand of apple cider vinegar? I get this question very often on my other articles.
There is no right and wrong answer to this question. Most reputable brands like Bragg apple cider vinegar are good drinks to buy.
The only suggestion I have here is to buy organic apple cider vinegar.
The raw apple cider vinegar is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and mostly contains only 5% acidity.
Since I am not recommending a specific brand of apple cider vinegar, I will share quick tips to know which is a good apple cider vinegar to buy.
Non-organic apple cider vinegar is clear in colour. But good quaiity raw apple cider vinegar will contain strand-like sediment mostly at the bottom of the bottle. That sediment is “the mother,” which is the good part of ACV. This is why you should always shake the bottle before drawing a teaspoon from it.
The "mother" is made of raw enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria which helps in healing.
There is no right and wrong answer to this question. Most reputable brands like Bragg apple cider vinegar are good drinks to buy.
The only suggestion I have here is to buy organic apple cider vinegar.
Why buy organic ACV?
Organic ACV, also known as unpasteurized or raw ACV, contains the "mother of vinegar" - the main substance responsible for health benefits of ACV. Raw vinegar is made from organically grown apples. The "mother" contains living nutrients and bacteria which provide all the essential benefits for losing weight.The raw apple cider vinegar is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and mostly contains only 5% acidity.
Since I am not recommending a specific brand of apple cider vinegar, I will share quick tips to know which is a good apple cider vinegar to buy.
Non-organic apple cider vinegar is clear in colour. But good quaiity raw apple cider vinegar will contain strand-like sediment mostly at the bottom of the bottle. That sediment is “the mother,” which is the good part of ACV. This is why you should always shake the bottle before drawing a teaspoon from it.
The "mother" is made of raw enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria which helps in healing.
Should I dilute it or drink it raw?
Apple cider vinegar is acidic and should not be drunk raw, though a good organic ACV contains only 5% acidity.
You should always dilute it with water. Mix 2 tsp with 8 ounces (225 grams, or one cup) of water. That's the minimum amount of water for 2 tsp of ACV. You can add more water.
For taste you may add honey to it. It helps to improve the flavor. Or just drink it with water.
If you are concerned about damaging the enamel on your teeth, drink it with a straw. You may brush your teeth immediately before drinking ACV and after drinking ACV.
Alternatively, rinse your mouth with water mixed with baking soda after drinking ACV, and then rinse it with water. This will help in removing ACV from your mouth.
You should always dilute it with water. Mix 2 tsp with 8 ounces (225 grams, or one cup) of water. That's the minimum amount of water for 2 tsp of ACV. You can add more water.
For taste you may add honey to it. It helps to improve the flavor. Or just drink it with water.
If you are concerned about damaging the enamel on your teeth, drink it with a straw. You may brush your teeth immediately before drinking ACV and after drinking ACV.
Alternatively, rinse your mouth with water mixed with baking soda after drinking ACV, and then rinse it with water. This will help in removing ACV from your mouth.
Can I drink it with tea/coffee/juice?
Many people don't like the taste of ACV and would like to drink apple cider vinegar with tea, coffee or other juices.
There's no harm in doing that, as long as you make sure there's enough water for the quantity of ACV you are mixing. Please refer to the ideal ratio mentioned in the earlier section of this article.
Caffeine in tea/coffee may slow down the process of absorption of ACV. Use herbal tea or decaf tea if possible.
If you are mixing ACV with a fruit juice, you will be increasing the acidity levels of the drink, which is not very good for your teeth.
Another question I get is this: should I mix cider vinegar with carbonated water, or energy drink?
If it helps you get better taste, do it. However, drinks containing carbonated/aerated water, soda, cola are not good for health. Energy drinks contain heavy dose of sugar. It is best to avoid these drinks while you are trying to lose weight.
For best results, drink ACV mixed in water ( 2 tsp of ACV to 8 ounces of water).
There's no harm in doing that, as long as you make sure there's enough water for the quantity of ACV you are mixing. Please refer to the ideal ratio mentioned in the earlier section of this article.
Caffeine in tea/coffee may slow down the process of absorption of ACV. Use herbal tea or decaf tea if possible.
If you are mixing ACV with a fruit juice, you will be increasing the acidity levels of the drink, which is not very good for your teeth.
Another question I get is this: should I mix cider vinegar with carbonated water, or energy drink?
If it helps you get better taste, do it. However, drinks containing carbonated/aerated water, soda, cola are not good for health. Energy drinks contain heavy dose of sugar. It is best to avoid these drinks while you are trying to lose weight.
For best results, drink ACV mixed in water ( 2 tsp of ACV to 8 ounces of water).
When Should I Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
This is another common question I get - what is the best time of the day to drink apple cider vinegar?
You may drink ACV at time of the day; however ideally, drink it before meals, and have it twice a day. This is because ACV improves digestion. It helps in bringing the right acidic balance by alkalising.
My recommendation is to drink it after waking up, and have another drink before dinner.
Another question I get is this: If I drink more ACV, will I lose weight faster?
The answer is no. Cider vinegar helps by building the digestive system which in turn helps in burning fat. Simply increasing frequency or quantity of cider vinegar will not benefit in any way, and may even be harmful, as it may create acidic imbalance in your system.
Quick weight loss is not possible with apple cider vinegar. You have to give it time to work.
You may drink ACV at time of the day; however ideally, drink it before meals, and have it twice a day. This is because ACV improves digestion. It helps in bringing the right acidic balance by alkalising.
My recommendation is to drink it after waking up, and have another drink before dinner.
How often should I drink apple cider vinegar?
Drinking apple cider vinegar twice a day is sufficient. You can drink it three to four times a day.Another question I get is this: If I drink more ACV, will I lose weight faster?
The answer is no. Cider vinegar helps by building the digestive system which in turn helps in burning fat. Simply increasing frequency or quantity of cider vinegar will not benefit in any way, and may even be harmful, as it may create acidic imbalance in your system.
Quick weight loss is not possible with apple cider vinegar. You have to give it time to work.
Should I take ACV pills or liquid?
This is a common question and the jury is still out.
While many people prefer the liquid form, there's a growing population that is consuming cider vinegar in pills. Pills are convenient to carry and swallow.
ACV works well in both situations as it contains almost identical ingredients. Taking pills can also address your concern about damaging your teeth.
However, personally I am a big fan of the liquid cider vinegar. I feel it suits my body better. The strand of the "mother" I see at the bottom of the bottle helps me understand how effective that bacteria is going to be in my body.
While many people prefer the liquid form, there's a growing population that is consuming cider vinegar in pills. Pills are convenient to carry and swallow.
ACV works well in both situations as it contains almost identical ingredients. Taking pills can also address your concern about damaging your teeth.
However, personally I am a big fan of the liquid cider vinegar. I feel it suits my body better. The strand of the "mother" I see at the bottom of the bottle helps me understand how effective that bacteria is going to be in my body.
Should I drink apple cider vinegar with medicines?
Apple cider vinegar is derived from apples and as such it is safe to drink apple cider vinegar while on medication.
However, if you are prescribed strong medicines, it is advisable to consult your physician before getting on cider vinegar diet.
Similarly, pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers should speak to their physician about apple cider vinegar and its possible effect on women's body.
However, if you are prescribed strong medicines, it is advisable to consult your physician before getting on cider vinegar diet.
Similarly, pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers should speak to their physician about apple cider vinegar and its possible effect on women's body.
