Apple cider vinegar has been praised by various celebs and influencers for its apparent weight-loss properties, but it’s important to make sure you’re drinking it safely
Celebrities have long enthused about the supposed weight-loss properties of apple cider vinegar – but those who follow this trend should make sure to drink it safely.
Victoria Beckham herself is known to enjoy a couple of spoonfuls each morning to help keep her ‘lithe’, while Kourtney Kardashian drinks it twice a day as part of her famously healthy eating regime. Long before the days of Instagram however, this tonic was believed to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and was reportedly even used by ancient Greek physician Hippocrates to tend to wounds and fevers.
Now breakthrough research suggests apple cider vinegar could indeed help you achieve your weight loss goals, but you’ll need to be careful.
Tooth decay
Although apple cider can have a number of beautifying benefits, it can stop you from achieving a sparkling smile if you’re not cautious.
Elmsleigh House Dental Clinic says: “Containing malic acid and acetic acid with an average pH of between 2.5 and 3.0, apple cider vinegar is strong enough to weaken the enamel on your teeth. Weakened enamel increases your vulnerability to tooth decay and cavities, and can increase teeth sensitivity. People who drink an excessive amount of undiluted apple cider vinegar may even experience swelling or burns inside their mouth.”
Indeed, the dangers of this are illustrated in one alarming case study, where a 15-year-old girl ended up with dental decay due to drinking 237ml of undiluted apple cider vinegar a day in a bid to shed pounds. It’s therefore extremely important to make sure you’re diluting the vinegar correctly to protect your teeth and avoid any avoidable trips to the dentist. It’s advised people stick to at least five to 10 parts water to every one part vinegar, avoiding the vinegar as a mouthwash at all costs.
You can also purchase apple cider vinegar in capsule form, but these should also be washed down with plenty of water.
Skin and throat damage
Those who use apple cider vinegar should also be careful when it comes to protecting their skin, with the liquid having the potential to burn. A 2015 study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology examined the case of a 14-year-old girl who ended up with a chemical burn after using apple cider vinegar as a ‘natural remedy’ to remove unwanted ‘ugly moles’ from her nose.
Therefore, caution is needed before simply pouring the vinegar down your neck, in order to avoid any painful, damaging burns inside your throat. According to Healthline, a review of harmful liquids accidentally swallowed by children determined that acetic acid found in vinegar was the most common acid that caused throat burns, and should be regarded as a ‘potent caustic substance’.
Furthermore, reports of those drinkng large volumes of vinegar beverages for a prolonged periods of time found they required medical attention for their throat burns.
Indigestion and discomfort
According to WebMD, some people may experience indigestion or nausea after taking apple cider vinegar. It’s therefore important not to drink it on an empty stomach, and stop taking it if you feel sick or throw up.
The follows a study, published in the BMJ, which saw scientists in Lebanon conduct a double-blinded, randomised, clinical trial of a group of overweight people between the ages of 12 and 25. They 30 participants were split into four groups, with three given either 5ml, 10ml, or 15ml of apple cider vinegar to dilute with water each morning, and the fourth given a placebo.
After three months, it was discovered that those who drank apple cider vinegar during that period had shed 6–8kg in weight and reduced their BMI by 2.7–3 points, depending on the dose. This research also showed significant decreases in waist and hip circumference, and decreases in blood glucose and cholesterol.
Caroline Mason, a nutritionist and co-founder of Baldo and Mason, previously told The Mirror: “Studies show that apple cider vinegar can reduce inflammation, improve digestion and optimise immune health.
“It is also known to stabilise blood sugar levels, helping us feel fuller for longer, which makes us eat less and [take in] fewer calories. It’s also recommended to stabilise gut health as it can improve stomach acidity. A couple of spoonfuls a day can have great health benefits!”
Do you have a story to share? Email me at [email protected]
