The TRUTH About Apple Cider Vinegar
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 6, 2023
It happens every few years. Interest spikes in the potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
So I’m never surprised when I start getting a lot of questions about whether or not it’s good for us. And lately, they’ve been ROLLING in.
So let’s take a closer look…
Wherever you have apples, you have vinegar. It’s inevitable.
When the ripened fruits fall from trees, natural yeasts kick off fermentation, turning the fruit’s sugars into alcohol. Then bacterial microbes swoop in, digesting the alcohol and converting it into acetic acid, the basis of vinegar.
The recorded history of apple cider vinegar goes way back to medieval Normandy. And American settlers brought apple cultivation… and the making of apple cider and apple cider vinegar… with them to the New World.
Eventually, industrialization turned it into a pasteurized, filtered, common pantry product. But that’s when interest in the health benefits of raw, unpasteurized, smaller-batch apple cider vinegar SKYROCKETED.
Apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, it contains small amounts of potassium, vitamin C, and various B vitamins.
So we know that the vinegar brings a sharp taste and some vital nutrients to the table. But what about its BENEFITS?
Let’s focus on its TOP three…
- Digestive Health: Apple cider vinegar contains enzymes and organic acids that may AID digestion and IMPROVE gut health. It’s often used as a remedy for digestive issues like indigestion and bloating. And folks with low stomach acid may benefit from taking some with a glass of water before or after meals.
- Blood Sugar Control: Studies suggest apple cider vinegar may help IMPROVE insulin sensitivity and REGULATE blood sugar levels. When taken with a high-carb meal, it slows stomach emptying, reducing sugar spikes. And research shows around four teaspoons in a glass of water before meals can lower blood sugar levels after eating.
- Weight Management: Apple cider vinegar may help with weight management by making you feel fuller and MORE satisfied, so you eat LESS. Research shows folks taking one to two tablespoons daily helped with weight loss and, in one study, allowed volunteers to lose twice as much weight. The vinegar also contains ketones, which folks on low-carb diets may be trying to increase.
So, should you take apple cider vinegar? Honestly, many people can’t stand the taste. But if you don’t mind the flavor, there ARE some valuable health benefits.
Taking a tablespoon or two daily in a glass of water is a good way to start your morning. Or try downing a dose before or after meals.
P.S. Embarrassed by thick, yellow toenails? Send toenail fungus packing once and for all. CLICK HERE for the details.
Sources:
“The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.” BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Jun 29;21(1):179. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03351-w. PMID: 34187442; PMCID: PMC8243436.
“The Effects of Vinegar/Acetic Acid Intake on Appetite Measures and Energy Consumption: A Systematic Literature Review. Curr Dev Nutr. 2022 Jun 14;6(Suppl 1):285. doi: 10.1093/cdn/nzac053.026. PMCID: PMC9193460.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...