top of page
Search

Apple Cider Vinegar

Updated: Jun 13

Apple cider vinegar is the liquid produced by fermented apples. We have all heard the adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apples provide protection from cancer, balance blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and more. Fermented apples provide next-level benefits. The first fermentation creates apple cider, which is delicious. The second fermentation creates vinegar, which contains acetic acid, the source of many health benefits.

When purchasing ACV for health purposes, choose raw, organic, unfiltered ACV "with the mother". The mother, or SCOBY, is a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast, just like in kombucha. 


The good bacteria and yeast are probiotics, which are enzymes that help break down food during digestion. They are also microbes that fight bad bacteria, pathogens, and viruses. ACV is excellent for gut health because it is a prebiotic AND a probiotic. What does this mean? It means it contains the colony of good bacteria as well as the food that feeds the colony. 


Studies have show acetic acid slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, which helps to regulate blood sugar. When blood sugar spikes, it signals the pancreas to release insulin, which is the hormone that tells the body to store fat. Regulating blood sugar helps the body use fat for energy instead of storing it.


Studies have shown ACV can improve blood glucose levels and triglycerides in diabetic patients as well as in obese adults. ACV also flushes the liver, inhibits the growth of cancer cells, and helps the bones absorb calcium, especially in women who have had their ovaries removed. Hippocrates used vinegar to heal wounds.


The best way to take ACV is to use it regularly in marinades, salad dressings, stock, etc. You can also take a shot of ACV 1-2 times a day, at the beginning of the meal, which improves digestion and gut health.

Did you know a cup of apple cider vinegar added to bath water can help with body odor and treat fungal infection?

Benefits

  • Aids in calcium absorption

  • Anticancer (inhibits growth of cancer)

  • Anti-Inflammatory (controls inflammation)

  • Antimicrobial (kills microbes)

  • Antioxidant (protects against oxidation)

  • Flushes the liver

  • Improves digestion

  • Improves gut health

  • Lowers blood sugar

  • Lowers blood pressure

  • Lowers triglycerides

  • Helps with weight loss


Caution

If you have reflux, drinking ACV may cause stomach discomfort. Diluting it may help.


If you take medications for diabetes or high blood pressure, or take diuretics, avoid taking ACV daily before meals. Using it in marinades, salad dressings, stock, etc, may be a better option.


Diluting ACV before drinking it can help protect tooth enamel.


Consuming ACV EXCESSIVELY may lower potassium levels, cause bone loss, lead to dehydration, and dry up the oils in the skin causing itchy skin.


My Favorite Product

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)

Click picture to purchase
Click picture to purchase










Resources

1) Berg, E., & Berg, E. (2025b, October 22). 7 benefits of Apple cider vinegar. Dr. Berg. https://www.drberg.com/blog/the-9-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar

2) Jafarirad, S., Elahi, M., Mansoori, A., Khanzadeh, A., & Haghighizadeh, M. (2023). The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare, 4, 1288786. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcdhc.2023.1288786

3) Abou-Khalil, R., Andary, J., & El-Hayek, E. (2024). Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, 7(1), 61–67. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823

4) Kishi, M., Fukaya, M., Tsukamoto, Y., Nagasawa, T., Takehana, K., & Nishizawa, N. (1999). Enhancing effect of dietary vinegar on the intestinal absorption of calcium in ovariectomized rats. Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry, 63(5), 905–910. https://doi.org/10.1271/bbb.63.905

5) Vinegar: medicinal uses and antiglycemic effect. (2006, May 30). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16926800/

6) Food, T. (2017, September 19). 6 Shocking side-effects of apple cider vinegar. Times Food. https://recipes.timesofindia.com/articles/health/6-shocking-side-effects-of-apple-cider-vinegar/photostory/60751712.cms?picid=60751719

Comments

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

Cynthia A. Barrington is not a physician and the relationship between her and her clients is not as prescriber and patient but as educator and client. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Cynthia presents. Naturopathy, homeopathy, flower essences, and any other recommendations do not "treat" illnesses; they address the entire person as a matter of wholeness that is an educational process, not a medical one. In order to be treated or diagnosed, Cynthia believes the advice of a holistic physician is in order. Never stop taking prescription medications without first consulting your physician. Consult your physician before starting a fitness program or taking supplements.

bottom of page