When I first heard that Victoria Beckham was a fan of drinking water and apple cider vinegar before a meal, my interest was piqued. But it wasn’t until a stay at a wellness retreat—you know the place, where you’re on a full macrobiotic diet, hikes every day—that I was introduced to a new school of thought: drinking water and apple cider vinegar before lunch and dinner helps with balancing blood sugar and overall health.
So, when I was offered a small glass of apple cider vinegar before eating, I went bottoms up—and haven’t looked back.
Benefits of apple cider before a meal
Made from fermented crushed apples, apple cider vinegar is rich in probiotics, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a fantastic and flavorful addition to food, plus a popular homeopathic remedy for issues like dandruff. Benefits include:
- improved digestion
- stabilizes blood sugar
- may lower cholesterol levels
- helps fight free radicals
- can potentially boost metabolism
There are some contraindications related to the intake of apple cider vinegar and they concern the interference of its action with that of some drugs, such as for diabetes or diuretics.
Side effects of apple cider vinegar
If consumed in small quantities and always diluted with water, apple cider vinegar should have no side effects. However, if you overdo the quantity or drink it alone, it could potentially cause damage to the enamel on the teeth or cause acid reflux.
How much apple cider vinegar before meals?
The right amount of apple cider vinegar to take before meals is 1 or 2 teaspoons, diluted in a glass of water.
How soon before meals should you drink apple cider vinegar?
To get the best results, the vinegar should be drunk 15 minutes before the meal.