What Happens To My Body If I Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day? The Myths And Truths About This Condiment

Have you been advised to use apple cider vinegar to lose weight, cure diabetes, whiten your teeth, or even treat mosquito bites and dandruff? You’ve probably heard these recommendations before.

However, many of these uses are strongly questioned by professionals from different branches. From expert nutritionists to scientific researchers, several specialists question the effectiveness of their use.

However, apple cider vinegar is recommended as a food condiment to add a better flavor to food and to reduce glucose levels, so it is suitable for diabetics according to experts, although everything will depend on the medical history of each person who suffers from this condition.

In addition, it is important to note that, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), this condiment contains acetic acid and nutrients such as B vitamins and vitamin C. Even so, we must take certain considerations into account to use it correctly.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is made from the fermentation of crushed apples. This fermented juice is most commonly used for dressing salads and in cooking. However, it is also believed to have medicinal properties. According to the NLM, it may help lower blood sugar levels after eating.

It is worth noting that there are two types of apple cider vinegar: commercial and artisanal. According to Guatemalan nutritionist Mayda Arroyo, it is preferable to consume artisanal apple cider vinegar, since the apples used to make it have not been genetically modified. This vinegar can be purchased at local markets.

According to Arroyo, the advantage of this type of vinegar lies in its production, since to make it, a natural fermentation process is carried out using table sugar or panela so that the apple begins to ferment, a process that takes approximately two months.

When this process is carried out, the vinegar has a “mother”, which is made up of a form of cellulose and a set of living organisms such as bacteria that transform sugar into acetic acid. According to the specialist, when vinegar is manufactured in this way, this guarantees that the product does not cause harmful effects on the body.

Proven benefits of apple cider vinegar    

Although there are different opinions regarding how beneficial apple cider vinegar is, these are the common points of various criteria and research. Both Arroyo and Guatemalan nutritionist Carmen Rosa agree with these benefits and considerations:

1. Decreases the glucose curve.
2. It is extremely beneficial for the intestine, as it regulates its functioning.
3. According to Arroyo, due to its acetic acid content, it allows us to maintain a balanced pH.
4. According to Rosa, it is useful for people suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.
5. Several studies claim that this type of vinegar is useful for lowering cholesterol and blood sugar.
6. By consuming one to three tablespoons a day, you can take full advantage of its benefits. In this regard, Arroyo recommends taking it on an empty stomach. Rosa, on the other hand, recommends one to three tablespoons a day before or after meals, as she assures that a larger amount would be excessive.
7. To avoid damage to teeth, experts agree that you should put tablespoons of vinegar in a glass and drink it using a straw.

Although it has no major contraindications, Rosa suggests that people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, gastric ulcers, or similar conditions should avoid its use. Rosa also recommends consuming homemade apple cider vinegar. In any case, you can contact your trusted doctor for more personalized advice.

Apple cider vinegar myths

Apple cider vinegar is considered to be useful for weight loss. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this benefit. Another of the great myths surrounding this product is that it is useful for teeth whitening, which is false since its acidity can be harmful to dental health.

In fact, there are nutritionists who only recommend this product for dressing salads because it is less acidic than regular vinegar. However, other specialists do recommend its use due to its role in regulating glucose and cholesterol.

As for its use for hygiene and cleaning, studies indicate that it can be useful for healing mosquito bites, for example, but it should not be used for other purposes such as eliminating lice and dandruff or removing grease that accumulates in the kitchen, although it can be used to remove mold.

In short, apple cider vinegar can be used to season our food, regulate glucose, and have other health benefits. It can also be useful for cleaning some surfaces, but it is not recommended as a teeth whitener or to eradicate dandruff and lice. In any case, experts advise using homemade vinegar if you want to make the most of its properties.