A few weeks ago when I was recapping my experience with the Eat Clean Challenge, I mentioned apple cider vinegar and how I was hooked on drinking it daily. Several people seemed interested in the apple cider vinegar (ACV) drink I’ve been drinking so I figured I would do a post on it.
I first learned about the benefits of ACV through Tosca Reno’s Eat Clean Diet and the Tone It Up nutrition plan. Both plans recommend adding ACV into your daily diet. Tosca recommends mixing 2 Tablespoons of raw, unfiltered ACV into a glass of water and the Tone It Up gals recommend a drink recipe called the Meta-D which has ACV, water and a few other ingredients.
I will warn you that ACV is pretty potent and it does take a little getting used to. Many people recommend adding a splash of fruit juice, honey or stevia to the ACV + water mixture to help make it more palatable.
Here are a few common questions around ACV…
What type of Apple Cider Vinegar should I use?
Only use raw organic ACV has the ‘mother’ of the vinegar. The ‘mother’ is made up of strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules with living nutrients and bacteria, similar to the ‘mother’ that’s in Kombucha. Clear vinegar is processed and doesn’t have any of the benefits that raw ACV has. There are different brands out there but I use Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar, which I find at my local organic market or Whole Foods.
Be sure to dilute ACV before applying it to your skin or drinking. It is very acidic and can damage the tooth enamel and the tissues of your throat, mouth or skin.
What are the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?
- Rich in potassium, a mineral that is often times lacking in adult diets. This mineral is key for growth, building muscles, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity etc. It also helps to prevent brittle teeth, hair loss and runny noses.
- Rich in acetic acid. This acid is said to slow the digestion of starch which can help to lower the rise in glucose that commonly occurs after meals.
- Rich in ash which gives ACV its alkaline property. This aids your body in maintaining proper pH levels for a healthy alkaline state. (It is particularly important if you drink a lot of coffee or wine.)
- It can help regulate blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol.
- Rich in malic acid which gives ACV its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
- May help improve bowel irregularity and helps to remove toxins from the body at a faster rate.
- It can help clear up skin conditions and blemishes.
- ACV helps with weight loss by breaking down fats so that your body can use them rather than store them.
- A few lab studies have found that ACV may be able to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
Have you noticed any changes in your body since drinking Apple Cider Vinegar daily?
It’s hard for me to tell if the ACV drink is working wonders on my body and helping in ALL the ways I mentioned above, however I do know that my complexion has been really clear since I’ve started taking it and I crave the ACV drink every day now. In the morning I make my drink in a blender/shaker bottle and take it to work with me. I’ll have it in mid-morning or after lunch with my afternoon snack. It definitely helps to keep me feeling full and less hungry.
How much do you drink and how do you prepare it?
I drink 2 Tablespoons a day, in the morning, and I usually use this recipe.
If you’re interested in learning more about ACV here are a few links that are worth checking out:
- Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and Ab Definition – Tosca Reno
- ACV Uses, Benefits and Risks – Web MD
- 10 Tips for Using Apple Cider Vinegar – Care2.com
- 5 Things – Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar – FitSugar.com
Disclaimer – Due to the lack of supporting research, apple cider vinegar cannot be recommended for treatment or prevention of any health problems. Also, please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements. I’m just sharing my experience and what works for one person doesn’t always work for another. 
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Outstanding article! This is the first one I’ve found that actually delves deeper into what the ‘Mother’ is and actual explanations of what causes the benefits. Bookmarked and saved to Evernote!
Hi Brittany, I was looking for more info on the ACV diet and I found your site. You provided me with more than I expected so thank you. I have been drinking ACV for only two weeks and the benefits I see already are awesome! I have always had flat abs with little effort. Then I turned forty and my body started to change (yes it happens,it’s true smh). I had a muffin top and that lower ab gut that ladies get. I workout moderately but I know I need to step it up now, but even without a change in my exercise routine, I am almost back to my flat abs! Even my cellulite looks better! I will drink ACV for the rest of my life! Thanks again, Brittany!
Hi,
I was having issues with bumps and boils on the back of my head in the lower hairline. I used ACV and wow, what a difference. 10 parts water, 1 part ACV and leave on for an hour or so. I then rinsed with water and the next day I am much better. I then searched for other benefits of ACV and found your site! I will try this tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks again.
I’m currently using ACV alongside the Diet Solution Program – (www.DSPmethod) and I’m seeing great weight loss results.
I didn’t realize how many benefits AVC has! My skin feels amazing. Definitely would recommend.
I was diagnosed with tempro mandibular joint disorder and I also developed tinnatus as a result of the severity of the disorder. I started taking ACV with water 3 times a day and my symptoms almost diminished. I also take magnesium suppliments as I read that TMJ (tempromandibular joint disorder) was as a result of a magnesium deficiency. My skin is clear, I sleep better, I am losing weight and overall I just feel great. I will drink ACV for the rest of my life, OH! its also a great skin cleaner, it helps to balance your tone and if you have excema it helps as well.
Yes ACV has shown good health benefits’ for Digestion and Acidity for me and good news is that it is now available in India by Dr.patkars I found it on http://www.naturalvitamins.in
Thank you for this information. I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, went through surgery and then was advised to follow up with chemo therapy “to be on the safe side”. I have elected to alter my diet and enhance my immune system using homeopathic means. Coincidentally, I had been working on a natural safe bug repellant for my dogs. Organic ACV mixed 50/50 with the following: 4 cups dried mint, 5 large crushed cloves of garlic, 4-5 lemons that I would crush after removing zest with a scraper. Into a gallon plus a cup of water I would add the lemon zest, lemons, mint and garlic. Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to a slow simmer for about an hour. Set aside to cool then strain. Add the gallon of ACV. I had been using this to rub into my dogs fur in the mornings. No ticks, mosquitos or hitchhikers of any kind,,,,then I had the ” hey what if” moment. I mix an ounce with juice in the morning and again in the evening. After a month, my digestive system is functioning better, my skin and even hair seems healthier and overall energy is better. I hope to start a blog next month following taking a natural approach in dealing with my diagnosis. Apple cider vinegar has a long history of beneficial treatment for a number of things. I am not saying this decision of mine is not for everyone. Inform yourself before making any decisions concerning your health and well being.
Hi well i wud lik to ask u if. I can take acv as im still breast feeding my baby does it harm thnk u n does it really lose weight
I just started this today. I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago an I have gained some weight especially in my belly so I hope this works.
what about apple cider vinegar pills?? Do they work the same as the liquid?
I quite smoking recently and discovered that drinking Apple Cider Vinegar when I crave a cigarette curbs the physical craving that comes along with smoking. Just mix a tablespoon in with water.
Hi, just a little FYI for women out there. Im going thru menopause and started taking ACV for hot flashes! WOW!!! they are completely gone, It only took about 2 days for them to STOP!! I sleep so much better have a lot of energy but most of the the night sweats and hot flashes have STOPPED!!
Hello there everyone…I want to start to take ACV, but I can not find the place where to buy it, can please someone help me? Thanks very much
I have left two previous comments & was waiting to leave this one until today. I started taking ACV, twice a day, in November. I have lost 7 lbs, my skin looks fantastic, I am completely off of Priolsec & my GERD is completely under control. The GERD is the reason I started taking it. I just had my labs drawn last week, & my cholesterol is the lowest it has been in years!! It went from the 227-240 range, 6 months ago to 195 last week!! My triglycerides have always been low, but dropped to 69. The overall ratio is GREAT!! The proof is in the pudding…..ACV works wonders!!!
ACV IS THE BEST THING EVER!!!! I LOST 10 POUNDS IN TWO WEEKS. mY FRIEND LOST 11. MY BODY CRAVES IT. I LOVE IT. IT WORKS!!!
I have been drinking ACV mixed with water as the first thing in the morning after oil pulling and my sense of smell has become really strong. Maybe it’s the ACV’s effect on my nose?
Thank you !
It is wonderful! We make our own kambucha, and this is a nice add to the choices of drinks.
I just shared some with a friend of mine at the office.!
I began acv two weeks ago and my hotflashes are gone! No more bloating and gas and my belly seems to have gone down. I try to drink ir twice a day but just one time a day shows improvement. I will continue to use acv in my diet and step it up!
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