Is Apple Cider Vinegar Dangerous for Your Health? – The Cheat Sheet

Apple cider vinegar received a lot of attention for its health benefits. From weight loss to reduced cholesterol the natural health aide wellness aficionados worship the elixir. However, many devotees don’t talk about the side effects of apple cider vinegar.

Up ahead, we dive deeper into the wellness craze and discover whether or not apple cider vinegar is dangerous for your health.

Apple cider vinegar is a fermented beverage with promising health benefits. | iStock.com/YelenaYemchuk

How is apple cider vinegar made?

Apple cider vinegar is a fermented beverage made from — you guessed it — apples. The two-step process looks like this: First, apples are crushed into smaller pieces and combined with yeast. Once mixed, the yeast does its part to turn the apples’ sugar into alcohol. Bacteria is then added to the concoction to ferment the vinegar and turns the alcohol into acetic acid. Albeit acidic, apple cider vinegar is considered relatively weak with its acetic acid making up only five to six percent.

Some apple cider vinegar brands use a mother to ferment — similar to kombucha — which causes the beverage to look murky. And, although there are no current studies that prove this true, many believe the health benefits of apple cider vinegar come from the mother.

Health benefits of apple cider vinegar

As we previously mentioned, apple cider vinegar is known for its astounding health benefits — and there are a handful of studies that back them up. See the proven health benefits of apple cider vinegar, below.

Lowers blood sugar

One of apple cider vinegar’s most well-known benefits is its ability to reduce blood sugar levels. Often used to help combat symptoms of diabetes, the vinegar can improve insulin function in those with (or without) the disease.

Promotes weight loss

In addition to lowering blood sugar, apple cider vinegar has a connection to weight loss, too. Some studies show that drinking apple cider vinegar with a high-carb meal can decrease calorie intake. Because apple cider vinegar can trigger feelings of fullness, those who take it before meals end up eating fewer calories. As a result, some experience weight loss.

Kills bacteria

Apple cider vinegar might contain bacteria, but it can also kill bacteria. In fact, you can use the elixir to disinfect fruits and veggies and treat ailments such as ear infections, lice, and nail fungus.

Lowers cholesterol

Another benefit of apple cider vinegar? It can lower cholesterol. For the most part, the found research stems from animal studies. However, they show that apple cider vinegar can reduce cholesterol levels, as well as other heart disease risk factors.

Apple cider vinegar side effects

Despite its health benefits, there are a few downsides to apple cider vinegar. Most side effects of apple cider vinegar are the cause of large doses, as taking too much of the elixir can have dangerous results. Discover the side effects of apple cider vinegar, below.

Digestive issues

Apple cider vinegar can help decrease calorie intake. However, indigestion caused by the substance is common in some cases. In one study, those who consumed 25 grams or more of apple cider vinegar experienced nausea. That said, the vinegar’s taste caused the nausea, not the vinegar itself.

Low potassium levels

In addition to nausea, too much apple cider vinegar could cause low potassium levels and even bone loss. In one case, a woman consumed 8 ounces of apple cider vinegar every day for six years. As a result, she had low potassium levels and doctors diagnosed her with osteoporosis. Doctors on her case linked the symptoms to large doses of vinegar, which ultimately depleted her bones of necessary minerals.

Tooth enamel damage

Vinegar and other acidic beverages might also cause tooth enamel damage. Not unlike soda and juice, acetic acid in vinegar can also damage tooth enamel. In one study, vinegar with pH levels ranging from 2.7 to 3.95 resulted in a one to 20 percent mineral loss in teeth. That said, the study was conducted in a lab — not a mouth. When consumed orally, saliva can help buffer some of the acidity found in apple cider vinegar. That said, large amounts of apple cider vinegar can still pose a problem.

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