11 Things That Can Happen When You Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day

Meghan Jones for the Readers Digest

Apple cider vinegar is making the rounds as a bit of a “miracle cure,” but what exactly does it do to your body? Here are some of the proven benefits.

The flavor could grow on you

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A big reason people are hesitant to try apple cider vinegar (ACV) is the taste. But not only can you mask the taste by mixing it into something else, you absolutely should: Drinking apple cider vinegar straight could damage your esophagus. Dilute the vinegar in a glass of water and honey to protect your throat and your taste buds.

If the flavor is still too much for you, give it time: Jenny Sugar of PopSugar was reluctant to start downing ACV, thinking “drinking it every day would be a chore.” But as she became more used to the flavor, she “started to look forward to it.” Likewise, Rebecca Lee, RN, a New York City nurse and founder of RemediesForMe.com, discovered that she quickly grew so accustomed to the flavor that she increased her dosage. “To get myself started, I initially diluted a large glass of water with one small teaspoon of apple cider vinegar,” she told RD.com. “As I got used to it, I increased the amount of vinegar to two teaspoons. After a few months, I was up to two tablespoons.”

Your appetite could decrease

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One of the best-known health benefits of ACV is its potential to help you lose weight. “Vinegar could lead to metabolic changes that support weight loss,” says clinical cardiologist Luiza Petre, MD. “Apple cider vinegar helps in weight loss [by] reducing appetite…and maintaining the fullness after meals longer.” Even small amounts of ACV have been proven to increase satiety. Jenny Sugar, during her ACV trial run, experienced these benefits firsthand. “[The] ACV lemon water satiated my appetite more than plain old water, which helped curb my desire to nosh after dinner,” she reports.

You may stop craving sweet things

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In addition to helping you feel fuller longer, ACV may curb your sweet tooth, especially if you mix it with honey. The acetic acid in the vinegar helps tamp down your sugar cravings. And the best part? ACV satisfies those cravings even with its very small calorie count. “Apple cider vinegar is a very low caloric food—three calories per tablespoon,” says Lee. Yet it has essential vitamins and minerals, she says, including potassium, magnesium, and some fiber. Sounds like a pretty good deal. And that’s only scratching the surface of the many reasons apple cider vinegar for weight loss works.

Your stomach might feel better

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ACV works wonders for your digestive system. The prebiotics contained in ACV are incredibly beneficial to the healthy microorganisms that monitor your digestive system. Drinking it can also help regulate the amount of acid in your stomach, which leads to easier digestion. “My digestion was great all week,” Sugar reported of her ACV trial run. “No bloating or constipation—just a happy tummy.”