Does Apple Cider Vinegar Improve Digestion?
Many tout Apple Cider Vinegar as the elixir for all your health worries. From fat loss to blood pressure, to general health and digestion. But is splashing vinegar on your food guaranteed to bring you any of these claimed benefits? Or are you dousing your dinner with something that tastes like the contents of a rat’s scrotum?
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These days it’s common to see celebrities extol the benefits of a new product all across social media. And with it, their tractor-beam of bullshit cranks up to full power. Their claims sound convincing. And there are some scientific references thrown into the mix. But the foundations of these claims are often a blend of mistruths and fabrications. And it won’t surprise you that evidence relating to the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar is no different.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The Simple Truth
First of all, let’s state from the outset that Apple Cider Vinegar is not the fat burner you’ve been looking for. As much as we would all love a simple solution to our weight loss woes, this is not it. Yes, yes, yes, I know some guy or girl said, “Look here there’s research showing the fat loss benefits.” But they also followed that with, “…and here’s a link to buy some. Don’t forget to use my discount code.” It doesn’t take a genius to sniff the bullshit.
So where do these claims come from? Well, like most myths, a kernel of truth gets blown out of all proportion. All to fuel the narrative of a moron with a product to sell. Some say Apple Cider Vinegar aids digestion—that good old myth magnet of gut health is back again. Others tout it as a fix for lowering blood pressure and even assisting with cancer treatment. For now, let’s focus on the claims around digestion.
The simple truth takes only one sentence. There is no clinical evidence that Apple Cider Vinegar is beneficial for digestion. Zero. Nada. Zip. Zilch. In fact, for many people, it can cause heartburn and digestive discomfort. So if that’s the case, how come Apple Cider Vinegar gets held aloft on the wellness pedestal?
Apple Cider Vinegar: Glucose Response, Digestion, And Other Myths
Appetite And Glucose Response
There is some evidence to suggest vinegar—though not specifically Apple Cider Vinegar—might help control appetite and lower the postprandial glucose response of a high carb meal, especially for those with Type 2 diabetes. So if you’re a Type 2 diabetic there might be a small benefit. You could try a dash of Apple Cider Vinegar after a meal with high amounts of carbohydrate and see what happens. Although, I would argue that there’s more benefit in regulating the amount of carbohydrates you have in one meal. Which, to me, is a lot simpler, cheaper, and tastier way to approach the situation. After all, no chef tells you to add a spoonful of Apple Cider Vinegar to your spaghetti and meatballs, do they?
Digestion
There’s also claims that Apple Cider Vinegar contains bacteria beneficial for gut health. Although somewhat true, it’s nothing to get excited about. Plus, the claims aren’t specific to Apple Cider Vinegar either. So there’s no need to hold the front page of Gut Health Weekly. The thing is, the amount of this bacteria you would get from Apple Cider Vinegar is tiny. You would get more from fermented foods, such as kefir and kombucha. Heck, you could glean the same bacteria from eating worms from the garden. Although, I’m not suggesting you have worms and soil for lunch. The bacteria in Apple Cider Vinegar is not magical or anything special. So don’t rush to stock your cupboards in the hope of achieving gut health nirvana.
Next, let’s bust a common Apple Cider Vinegar myth. Some claim Apple Cider Vinegar increases the acidity of your stomach, leading to more efficient digestion. But here’s the thing. Your stomach acid is several times stronger than any vinegar. And no human studies have shown Apple Cider Vinegar to be of benefit in this regard.
Other Myths
Finally, a word on tooth decay. I’m no dentist, concentrated Apple Cider Vinegar may erode tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. Added to that, it may cause acid reflux and heartburn for some individuals.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The Conclusion
All-in-all, there is no evidence for digestive benefits associated with Apple Cider Vinegar. Of course, if you love the stuff, then fill your boots. Don’t let me stop you. But if you’re chugging Apple Cider Vinegar in the belief it’s the answer to your health and digestive problems, think again. You’d be better off using it clean the windows.
The Next Step In Achieving Your Fitness Goals
Now you’re clear about ACV, what about the other pieces of the puzzle? Are you confident in managing all aspects of your training and nutrition? And can you keep yourself accountable to ensure you maintain consistency? If you’re unsure, my online coaching programme is worth a moment of your attention.
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But for now, all I’ll say is, thanks so much for reading, keep living the Lean Life. And I’ll see you soon.