Health benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar and honey

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink with Honey: ACV Shot Recipe

Written by Divinity Nutra, Updated on March 21, 2022

Apple cider vinegar and honey have been around for thousands of years now, and for all the right reasons. Both ingredients have a great number of health benefits and uses. So, imagine what a powerful combination these two would make when used in ACV shots! Traditionally, this pair has been used as a home remedy for various ailments, and even as a potential anti-aging formula.

While apple cider vinegar is consumed widely on its own as a drink, the inclusion of sweet honey instead of sugar further enhances its taste. It is also widely used to lose weight and cleanse the body through detoxification, expelling toxins from the body.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink with Honey

Apple cider vinegar is produced by apple cider being fermented with yeast. The primary component, acetic acid, gives it its traditional sour taste. Apple cider vinegar is used widely in combination with honey to reduce the unpleasant smell and sourness of the ACV, making it easier to drink.

It is noteworthy to see that when using ACV and honey, it is more beneficial to use unfiltered, raw ingredients. Unfiltered ACV and honey have a higher nutritional value due to less processing, so your body is best served by using these products in their most natural form.

• Learn More: Apple Cider Vinegar for Neuropathy

Additionally, honey may possess anti-cancer properties and promote gastrointestinal function. Unfiltered honey also gives the body probiotics to help the digestive system sustain healthy bacteria in the gut. These bacteria are beneficial and help the body digest meals and absorb nutrients.

The use of this tonic has various health advantages. While research has been carried out, the combined benefits haven’t been measured yet, considering that both substances have been examined independently.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

Our lifestyle today includes a lot of processed food, unhealthy eating habits, and stress. These factors are significant in increasing the acidity in our bodies, causing us to fall ill. Apple cider vinegar and honey can prevent just that.

Even though honey and apple cider vinegar are both acidic, they combine to form a solution that reduces acidity in the body and maintains pH levels at an optimum level of 7.0-7.4. The health benefits of ACV and honey include but are not limited to:

• Supports weight loss and metabolic function. While there has been little research on ACV for weight loss, many studies indicate that acetic acid may help individuals trim their waistline. It doesn’t necessarily work miracles on its own, but it can certainly provide some benefits to an already healthy diet and exercise routine.
• Promotes appetite suppression. Acetic acid limits hunger, decreases water retention, and lessens the potential for fat build-up and overeating. Many people take ACV around 30 minutes before having a meal, in a fasted state, for ideal results. (1)
• Balances body pH. Often, our diets contain a high amount of starch, fats, alcohol, coffee, and processed foods, leading to acidic pH levels. Honey and apple cider vinegar helps fight off the acidic pH and promotes an ideal pH of 7.0-7.4 for bodily functions to flourish. An alkaline pH prevents several diseases including weak bones, osteoporosis, gout, kidney stones, and weak joints.
• Improves heart health. Some medical research indicates that vinegar might help avoid cardiovascular problems. Using ACV is also attributed to an increase in healthy cholesterol and a decrease in harmful cholesterol in the body.

The combination of apple cider vinegar and honey can also detox the body, reduce inflammation in arteries and lower the chance of plaque build-up, protecting against stroke. However, further human studies are necessary to provide sounder evidence.

Potential Side Effects

While the popular apple cider vinegar drink has been used for centuries as a home remedy, it does have its potential side effects. If you are generally healthy, there may be little need for worry as side effects are often mild and rare. Nevertheless, prolonged use of ACV with honey might have possible consequences.

• Esophageal burns. Research on apple cider vinegar showed that concentrated amounts might irritate the throat. People drinking apple cider vinegar have frequently reported sore throat and irritation in the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing. (2)
• Low potassium levels. Large quantities of ACV can reduce levels of potassium, leading to lethargy, tiredness, constipation, muscular aches, and abnormal heart rate. This is especially concerning for patients who also using blood pressure medications. (3)
• Damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that ACV delays the rate of food leaving the stomach, making a person feel full for a longer period. This in turn reduces the appetite of the person. However, this delay might cause undesirable side effects. Concentrated ACV with honey might cause stomach ulcers or trigger acid reflux and heartburn. (4)
• Tooth Erosion. Prolonged direct contact of undiluted apple cider vinegar to your teeth can cause erosion of tooth enamel.

Many of these adverse reactions, particularly esophageal burns and tooth erosion, can be avoided when using a less harsh form of ACV, such as gummies.

Apple Cider Vinegar Shot Recipe

Ready to start your detox? There are several ACV and honey drink recipes that you can try! The truth is, you’re only limited by your creativity. To make perfectly delicious, yet well-balanced apple cider vinegar shots, you will need:

• 1 cup of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (raw organic ACV with the mother)
• 1 teaspoon of honey (raw honey)

Put the raw organic apple cider vinegar and raw honey in warm water. Stir it well, and enjoy! If you are looking for an extra kick in your apple cider vinegar shot recipe, you can also add fresh mint, turmeric curcumin, lemon juice, ginger, or cinnamon.

It is highly suggested to not use concentrated ACV unless diluted with water, as it might lead to heartburn, throat irritation, and acidity in the stomach. It is best to not use more than 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per ACV shot for best results with minimal side effects.

Can I Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Every day?

The apple cider vinegar and honey mixture can be used every day. However, it is best to use this drink only until you’ve achieved the desired health benefits. Even if you know how much to drink, high doses of ACV and honey, without proper care, are sometimes associated with:

• Tooth decay
• Sore throat
• Irritation in the esophagus
• Reduced bone mineral density
• Low blood potassium levels
• Nausea (5)

Therefore, it is strongly suggested to take an extended break after continuous use. Again, less harsh alternatives to drinking ACV are picking up delicious apple cider vinegar gummies, or buying ACV capsules.

Discontinue the use of ACV if any adverse symptom is seen. If you suffer from any medical condition, particularly gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure, we strongly advise consulting your doctor before trying ACV shots.

Can You Drink ACV Shots on an Empty Stomach?

Research suggests, it is preferable to take this tonic on an empty stomach, while intermittent fasting, as it optimizes the health benefits and enhances the digestive process. Thus, the possibilities of acid reflux and bloating are minimized, and the effect of appetite suppression can take place. (6)

What Is the Best Time to Drink ACV: Morning or Night?

There are different opinions regarding the best time to take apple cider vinegar. Many people suggest that it is best to drink ACV in the morning, and some at night. Does it even matter?

Consuming ACV in the morning, preceding a meal, has its pros. Studies suggest a positive effect of ACV on glycaemic index and insulin when taken on an empty stomach in the morning. Likewise, consuming ACV in the morning is associated with a reduction in triglycerides, LDL, and bad cholesterol, as backed by Iranian research. (7)

Drinking apple cider vinegar before bed might be more problematic for some individuals. When lying down, the contents may run directly into the esophagus, and cause irritation, uneasiness, and esophageal burns. If you’re taking ACV before bed, give yourself at least 30 minutes before lying down to be on the safe side.

• More Reading: Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Hair

Final Thoughts on Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

Apple cider vinegar and honey have been used for centuries to prevent diseases. While more research should be encouraged, the health benefits of ACV and honey are widely accepted, even if most of the evidence is anecdotal.

Diluted ACV in water with the recommended dosage can be enjoyed regularly. Be sure to cycle on and off for optimum functioning of the body and to reduce the potential for adverse reactions.

ACV with honey together makes for a powerful mixture; one that is worth trying out!

• More Reading: Does apple cider vinegar need to be refrigerated?
• Our Picks: Best Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies

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