Apple cider vinegar is usually used as a part of cooking. It adds a sour, tangy flavor to dishes and can even be used in salad dressing. The thought of drinking it straight would be repulsive to most people because of its pungent taste. However, many believe apple cider vinegar offers numerous health benefits, causing them to drink up. Even so, knocking back a glass of vinegar could do serious damage to your body.
Home Remedy Dosage
The typical apple cider vinegar home remedy is usually diluted. According to Earl Mindell, M.D. and author of "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar," you should combine about 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water to drink prior to meals. It is possible to drink the vinegar straight, but the flavor is so bad, many have to dilute it.
Supposed Benefits
Apple cider vinegar can supposedly treat or improve a variety of health conditions, including yeast infections, rashes, acne, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. There is a profound lack of evidence to prove these benefits. However, according to Health Services at Columbia, apple cider vinegar contains many vitamins and minerals that indicate some health benefit, including potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, calcium, vitamin C and vitamin A.
Side Effects
According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.N., L.D., of MayoClinic.com, apple cider vinegar can cause significant irritation to the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach. Even if diluted in water, vinegar can burn the skin because of its high acidity. Other side effects include tooth enamel erosion, ulcers and interactions with insulin and diuretics.
Verdict
Apple cider vinegar is harmless as a food additive, but as a supplement it may cause physical harm. It is generally not a good idea to drink apple cider vinegar straight because of the risk of side effects and because of a lack of evidence indicating doing so would provide any health benefits. According to the Hospital for Special Surgery, vinegar is not suggested as a treatment for any medical condition.
References
- Hospital for Special Surgery; Alternative Therapies for Arthritis: the Good, the Bad and the Useless; Judith Horstman; September 2002
- Columbia University Health Services; Apple Cider Vinegar; August 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
- "Dr. Earl Mindell's Apple Cider Vinegar"; Earl Mindell, M.D.; 2002
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