How Does Drinking Vinegar Affect The Body?

Vinegar is an acidic liquid that is produced by fermenting carbohydrates such as beer, apples and malt. It has long been used for its medicinal properties, potentially beginning when Hippocrates recommended using it to treat sores and clean ulcerations, according to Medscape General Medicine. Vinegar may also affect the body in other ways.

Effects on Cholesterol

In a 2008 study published in the "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences," rats that had apple cider vinegar included in their food for four weeks had lower "bad" cholesterol levels than rats that didn't have any vinegar. Rats that had vinegar were also more likely to have higher levels of the "good" cholesterol that helps clear excess cholesterol from the body. This is a significant finding because having lower unhealthy numbers reduces heart disease risk. Diabetic rats also developed lower triglyceride levels when they consumed apple cider vinegar, which is beneficial because high triglycerides are another risk factor for heart disease. Still, the study was limited to rodents and similar research would need to include human participants to confirm its benefits.

Influence on Diabetes

According to a "Diabetes Care" study published in 2004, participants who drank an apple cider vinegar concoction with a buttered white bagel and orange juice had lower insulin and blood sugar responses than when they had the meal with a placebo. Pre-diabetic patients were most positively affected by drinking the vinegar. Researchers concluded that having apple cider vinegar may help reduce diabetes symptoms in diabetics and reduce pre-diabetics' risk of developing diabetes in the future.

Weight Loss Potential

According to a 2005 issue of the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition," drinking vinegar with a meal may increase your feelings of fullness. Study volunteers were split into a group that ate about three slices of white bread by itself and groups that ate the same amount of bread with varying doses of white vinegar. Participants who drank the most vinegar were more likely to have a suppressed appetite 30 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes after they ate. This showed researchers that drinking vinegar may help cut down the amount of calories you eat, thus aiding in weight loss. Although vinegar supplements are popularly used for weight loss, research on vinegar and weight loss is still in its infancy. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains is still considered the best way to lose weight, according to MayoClinic.com.

Risky Effects

Drinking a small amount vinegar isn't likely to harm you, but it is highly acidic and may cause problems such as tooth enamel erosion and throat irritation, warns MayoClinic.com. It may also interact poorly with certain medications and supplements. For instance, if you drink vinegar regularly and you take a diuretic or insulin, you may experience dangerously low potassium levels.