Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar-Truth! & Unproven!
Summary of eRumor:
Drinking a few spoonfuls of Apple Cider Vinegar a day brings a host of health benefits.
The Truth:
The therapeutic benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar have been touted for centuries across countless cultures — some claims about the health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar have been proven true, but others remain unproven.
Studies have shown that there could be benefits when it comes to weight loss and managing diabetes. Other studies, however, have pointed to negative Apple Cider Vinegar’s negative health impacts, like accelerated tooth decay and stomach issues in people with type 2 diabetes.
Dori Khakpour, a registered dietician at the University of Washington Diabetes Care Center, wrote that her uncle who lived to 96 after having his first heart attack at 50 swore by Apple Cider Vinegar after a German doctor suggested that he drink two spoonfuls in a glass of water each night:
These days we hear more about the use of apple cider vinegar as a cure for everything from Type 2 Diabetes to eczema, high cholesterol, and obesity. What should be noted about these claims is the lack of science-based studies about apple cider vinegar for therapeutic health purposes. This is a common problem for many natural and alternative therapies.
Vinegar, which comes from the Latin for “sour wine,” has been with us for thousands of years. Most people consume it somewhere in their meal plan for the week — if not every day — often as part of salad dressing or sauce. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, vitamin C, and B vitamins. Acetic acid can increase the body’s absorption of important minerals from the foods we eat.
The list of (alleged) Apple Cider Vinegar Cures is so long that we couldn’t possibly begin to look into each and every claim. But some scientific studies have offered promising findings, and we’ll take a look at a few of those.
A series of studies from 2015-2016 seems to show promise for Apple Cider Vinegar’s ability to help manage some types of diabetes.
A 2015 study found that individuals with impaired glucose tolerance experienced better blood flow and glucose uptake after consuming vinegar before a mixed meal. Another 2015 study found that vinegar’s impact on carbohydrate metabolism could make it easier to control the blood sugar levels of individuals with diabetes. Finally, a 2016 study found that Apple Cider Vinegar before bed led to better moderation of waking glucose concentrations in adults with type 2 diabetes.
And, when it comes to lowering cholesterol, a 2006 study found that acetic acid (found in vinegar) lowered total cholesterol in lab rats by promoting bile production and supporting the liver.
Proponents of Apple Cider Vinegar argue that its ability to lower cholesterol, better regulate blood sugar and lower blood pressure also mean that vinegar can help prevent heart attacks and heart disease. We weren’t able to find any credible studies on the impact of vinegar on heart health, so we’re going to call that part “unproven.”
However, some claims about the health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar have been proven true in scientific studies. For that reason, we’re calling this one “truth” and “unproven.”