Apple cider vinegar has been used as a home remedy for centuries, for everything from indigestion to weight loss. While more studies are needed, in 2011 preliminary evidence exists that suggests apple cider vinegar does have certain benefits as far as health and even weight loss. But there are also known side effects, such as damage to your teeth. Healthy tooth enamel does not grow back once it is damaged, so before you start a regimen that includes drinking cider vinegar, make sure you are using it correctly to protect your teeth.
Tooth Enamel Facts
The enamel on your teeth is made from calcium phosphate. This is a crystalline structure similar to calcium carbonate, which is what pearls and the shells that hold them are made of. Tooth enamel cracks microscopically over time and with normal wear. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can damage and eat away the enamel on your teeth. This damage will be even worse if your teeth are cracked or already damaged and the acetic acid gets inside of the tooth.
Apple Cider Vinegar Facts
Raw apple cider vinegar contains visible sediment called the "mother." This sediment contains live enzymes and nutrients that include ash, calcium, copper, iron and potassium, all of which are beneficial to your health. It also contains high levels of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which are chemical byproducts that can damage your RNA and DNA, leading to certain cancers and some of the problems associated with aging.
Benefits
All vinegars, including apple cider vinegar, help control the insulin response that occurs when you eat foods that have a high glycemic index, like starchy carbohydrates. This insulin spike is associated with weight gain because it triggers hunger. Eating a salad with apple cider vinegar in the dressing or drinking a small glass of water with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar in it with your meal can help you stay satiated longer after a starchy meal.
Warnings
Apple cider vinegar can interfere with medications like insulin and diuretics. It is a blood thinner, so people taking blood-thinning medications should avoid it. In addition, undiluted apple cider vinegar can not only damage your teeth, it can burn your mouth and esophagus. Never drink apple cider vinegar that is diluted less than one part vinegar to at least 10 parts water. Consult your health care provider before starting a regimen that includes daily doses of apple cider vinegar.
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