People have consumed apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for many years because of its benefits for overall health and weight loss. When consumed, apple cider vinegar, or ACV, can help balance blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, lower cholesterol, and promote better gut bacteria.
Many people drink ACV straight or mix it with water in the hopes of improving their health in one or more of these ways, and most continue to do so because they find that it works!
Rather than drinking apple cider vinegar, some people prefer supplement forms of effective ingredients like apple cider vinegar for different reasons, but in hopes of receiving the same benefits.
So, is there any evidence that apple cider vinegar supplements work? Are they just as effective as drinking apple cider vinegar?
Whether you are looking to improve digestion, support your metabolism, or benefit from ACV's powerful antioxidant properties, let's dive into this debate so you can determine the best way to incorporate ACV into your daily regimen.
First off, a few benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar:
- Keeps blood sugar levels in check
- Reduces appetite
- Lowers cholesterol
- Promotes better gut health
- Helps with weight loss
- Fights off colds
- Enhances cognitive function
- Enhances energy levels
Drinking ACV vs. Taking ACV supplements
As you choose a supplement or drink ACV on its own, it is important to note that benefits may vary depending on what type of ACV you are taking.
Just like drinking ACV, taking ACV supplements can improve your health. While more research is needed to attest to the benefits of ACV pills, one of their most significant benefits includes their antimicrobial effects, given that there is likely stronger antibacterial activity in higher concentrations of apple cider, which is what you would get from a supplement rather than a liquid diluted with water.
However, it is important to note that while some studies suggest that you can get similar benefits from taking an apple cider vinegar supplement as you can drinking ACV, others have concluded that there are no significant differences between the two.
What this means for you is up to you. If you find that drinking ACV offers great results on its own, then perhaps continue doing so. However, if it is difficult for you to drink ACV due to the taste and prefer an alternative, more effective way of getting ACV into your daily routine, then ACV supplements may be a great option.
That said, it is always important that you know what you are putting into your body and how it could affect your health — especially when it comes to supplements with their varying added ingredients and servings.
To get the most out of any ACV supplement you take, make sure that your product contains "the mother," — meaning it contains beneficial bacteria, protein, and yeast. And always look for an ACV supplement that has all-natural ingredients and no artificial additives.
Although the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar makes up around 5% of it and is classified as a “weak acid,” it has strong acidic properties when concentrated. And since you are looking to improve your health in some way, not harm it, it is also important to note that exposure to acetic acid from drinking ACV can weaken dental enamel, which leads to loss of minerals and ultimately tooth decay.
For this reason, those who do drink ACV find it essential to dilute it with water and drink it through a straw. But if you’d rather avoid the inconvenience and unpleasantness of doing so (along with potential dental damage), then you’re already a great candidate for ACV supplements!