Vinegar has been used as a home remedies throughout the ages for everything from skin conditions to stomach ailments. Much study still needs to be done to assess the true effects of drinking vinegar, but some limited research has indicated it might be beneficial for certain health conditions. As with starting any new treatments, consult your doctor before using vinegar to treat any condition.
Blood Sugar
Drinking vinegar might have an effect on blood sugar. According to a study published in "Diabetes Care" in 2004, participants who consumed vinegar during breakfast felt fuller faster and experienced more stable blood sugar levels. It was extrapolated that drinking vinegar might be beneficial for those with diabetes.
Cholesterol
Drinking vinegar also might help to lower bad cholesterol. According to a study published in the "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences" in 2008, rats that were given apple cider vinegar experienced lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, and increased HDL, or good cholesterol. Research still needs to be done to test whether vinegar would provide the same results in humans, but the initial research is promising.
Obesity
Incorporating vinegar into your diet might help to prevent obesity. According to a study published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" in 2009, mice that ate a diet high in fat while also consuming acetic acid -- the primary ingredient in apple cider vinegar -- developed 10 percent less body fat than mice that didn't consume acetic acid. Again, further testing must be done to connect these results to humans.
Irritation and Drug Interactions
It's not all positive when it comes to drinking vinegar. In fact, drinking vinegar could cause throat irritation, stomach upset and tooth enamel erosion, according to MayoClinic.com. Drug interactions also are possible, says MayoClinic.com, which states that drinking vinegar could cause dangerously low potassium levels if you take insulin or diuretics.
References
- "Diabetes Care"; Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes; C. Johnston, Ph.D., et al; January 2004
- "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences"; Apple Cider Vinegar Attenuates Lipid Profile in Normal and Diabetic Rats; F. Shishehbor, et al; Dec, 2008
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Acetic Acid Suppresses Body Fat Accumulation; T. Kondo, et al; 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
