Apple cider vinegar
has been used since ages for its medicinal properties. It is made by combining apples with yeast, which creates alcohol and is later fermented into acetic acid by adding bacteria. Not just this, the drink contains water, minerals, vitamins and
trace amounts
of other acids.
What has made apple cider vinegar popular?
Apple cider vinegar has shown powerful results for weight loss, which has made the drink extremely popular.
It also helps in curing various problems like type 2 diabetes, eczema and high cholesterol. People prefer to have a drink at
different times
of the day. Here in this article, we will tell you what is the right time to drink this magic potion.
The right time to drink apple cider vinegar
You must have come across various pieces of information claiming that why drinking it at nighttime is better or why drinking it in the morning is better. But the fact is, there is yet no scientific evidence proving that drinking it at one particular time is better than the other.
How apple cider vinegar can help with weight loss?
It is said when one is trying to lose weight, they must have the drink right before having the meal. This keeps them fuller and stops them from overeating. It also helps in breaking down the starches that you eat after drinking it. The thing to make sure is never to have apple cider vinegar without diluting as having it alone can damage your esophagus and teeth.
Drinking apple cider vinegar in the morning
If you suffer from indigestion, you can try having apple cider vinegar during the morning. It is said consuming it in the morning can help you fight belatedness and gas. But the smell of apple cider vinegar can leave one feeling nauseous if they drink it the first thing in the morning.
To start with, you can take a glass of water and add not more than one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to it and see how you feel after having it.
If you feel light and better, you can continue having it.
Drinking apple cider vinegar during night
Again, there are various controversies about drinking apple cider vinegar before bedtime. Some experts believe that having it at night can help drop the
blood sugar levels
, while some claim it can improve your sleep if you consume it with hot water and honey.
Having
ACV
at night is also said to help relieve any soreness in the throat as it is antibacterial in nature. So, if you are prone to tonsilitis, you might have found your best friend.
Drinking apple cider vinegar before bed also prevents you from having a stinky morning breath.
How much apple cider vinegar should one consume daily?
According to a 2016 study, drinking 15 millilitres or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar is enough for a person to obtain its potential health benefits.
However, the exact amount depends on the condition that someone is trying to heal with the drink. A person must talk to their doctor before making ACV a part of their regular diet as it might interact with some medication.
Here are three common health conditions that ACV may help manage and the recommended dosage.
Blood sugar level
A 2017 study found that people who drink ACV have lower levels of glucose in their blood after a meal. This holds true for people with or without blood glucose disorder.
A 2004 study found that ACV can help improve postal insulin sensitivity in people suffering from insulin resistance. Experts say the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may have
similar physiological effects
to those of diabetes medications acarbose and metformin.
No matter the benefits, a person should never replace their regular diabetes medication with apple cider vinegar.
Weight loss
The benefit for which apple cider vinegar is consumed the most is weight loss. A study conducted in 2014 examined the effects of apple cider vinegar on people suffering from obesity and looking at the following parameters - their body weight, body fat mass and levels of fat in the blood.
The researchers divided the people into three groups, where each of them drank a 25 ml beverage twice a day, after breakfast and after dinner. The drink had 0 ml, 15 ml or 30 ml of apple cider vinegar.
It was found that people who consumed apple cider vinegar, lost one-two kilos during the study, which was three months. A reduction of the BFM and blood lipid levels was also seen.
Experts concluded that a reduced calorie intake combined with ACV can help improve the health outcomes in people suffering from obesity and overweight. However, more studies are being done on the same subjects to confirm the finding.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a condition that affects the functioning of the female ovaries. It can cause an irregular menstrual cycle and reduced fertility.
The condition is becoming a common cause of infertility among women with affecting 1 in 10 women.
A 2013 study found that impaired insulin sensitivity can also cause PCOS in some women. ACV can help improve insulin sensitivity and thus PCOS.
Women who consumed 15 ml of apple cider vinegar for 90-110 days showed improved insulin sensitivity and regular menstrual cycles.
It was found that ACV can promote ovary function by improving insulin sensitivity in females.
Common mistakes people make while consuming ACV
Drinking it right after having a meal
Drinking ACV right after a meal can delay digestion. Thus, it's best to have it before a meal or empty stomach to maximise its health benefits.
Inhaling it
Breathing ACV can cause harm to your lungs, One must avoid sniffing it that can cause a burning sensation in your lungs.
Not diluting it
It's absolutely important to dilute ACV before consuming it. Having it straight can harm your teeth and esophagus.
Having too much of it
Drinking too much ACV can be dangerous for your body. It can cause a burning sensation and can have various other side effects.
Applying it on skin
Applying ACV directly on your skin can cause burning sensations. So, one must dilute ACV before applying it on the skin.
Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar
It is advisable to use apple cider vinegar sparingly if you have type 1 diabetes (or type 2 on insulin). According to a short study, people with diabetic gastroparesis who took vinegar daily saw a slower rate of stomach emptying. More low-blood-sugar episodes could result from delayed stomach emptying because it might be harder to manage blood sugar. Due to its high acidity, apple cider vinegar may irritate the throat. In a severe case, it can even result in esophageal burns. A high potassium intake from consuming apple cider vinegar may result in weakness and exhaustion, constipation, muscular cramps, or an erratic heartbeat.
Also See: Right Way To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
