Apple cider vinegar is very popular. The fact remains that it is not a harmless product and that it carries health risks.
We talk about it more and more, yet it is not new. Without a doubt, cider vinegar is popular, whether it is drunk, diluted in water, poured over salads or consumed as a “cure”. Made by fermenting apple cider which is then turned into acetic acid and given a bunch of good microorganisms for health, this acid product would be beneficial for digestion, absorption of nutrients, blood sugar and satietywhich can contribute in this sense to weight loss. The fact remains that vinegar is not a harmless product and that it should not be consumed excessively or haphazardly.
A risk of gastric reflux?
“There is still few studies on the chronic effects of apple cider vinegar”, explained to us a few weeks ago Marina Cretenet, microbiologist and lecturer in the Food, Bioprocesses, Toxicology, Environments Research Unit at the University of Caen Normandy. At a reasonable dose (around 2-3 teaspoons of coffee per day), apple cider vinegar would not pose a health risk. On the other hand, “at very high doses (e.g. 250 ml of vinegar per day), studies have reported cases of cramps and kidney problems. And overall, anything acidic can also cause problems in the stomach and in particular reflux“, continues our interlocutor.
Harmful effects on teeth?
“In my opinion, it is better to drink it rather diluted in a glass of waterreplies the microbiologist. Like lemon juice, vinegar is a very acidic product and its excessive consumption can have negative effects on teeth“. Acidity “weakens the surface of the enamel”, which could ultimately promote the risk of cavities or dental disorders.
What precautions should you take if you want to drink cider vinegar?
► Respect the correct dose: no more than 4 teaspoons per day (maximum).
► Drink it diluted in a glass of water, rather than pure.
► Choose a cider vinegar with an acetic acid level of 5% minimum, organic, unpasteurized and unfiltered (with the “mother” in it, it is the sign that the product is alive and pure) to benefit from the probiotic effect.
► Not for everybody : “It should be avoided if you are very tired or have an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, certain lupus or bowel diseases.“, told us Dr Marie-Antoinette Séjean, nutritionist. The best thing is to talk about it with your doctor who will be able to tell you if cider vinegar is good for you or not.