Apple cider vinegar and honey contain nutrients and antioxidants that might support health and well-being.
Honey, a natural sweetener synthesized by bees, is a complex mixture of sugars, pollen, micronutrients, and antioxidants.
Apple cider vinegar is procured from fermented apple juice, which contains acetic acid that lends its distinct sour taste.
Do honey and vinegar drinks provide health benefits and therapeutic effects?
This article explains various reasons why you should mix apple cider vinegar and honey, including their potential health benefits, as well as the downsides of consuming the mixture.
Research indicates that acetic acid in apple cider vinegar could help curb cravings and promote satiety. Such effects may help you consume fewer calories throughout the day, leading to potential weight loss.
Honey comprises natural sugars like fructose, sucrose, and glucose. Fructose in honey could help reduce sugar cravings, stabilize blood sugar, and improve satiety, potentially supporting weight loss efforts.
Adding ACV or apple cider vinegar to your daily diet routine may support heart health. It could help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Honey may enhance blood circulation, prevent the formation of blood clots, and lower oxidative stress. These effects might help reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, thereby improving heart health.
Moderate honey consumption could help lower blood pressure, which is a significant factor in reducing the risk of heart disease. When combined with vinegar, the two ingredients may work collectively to provide additional cardiovascular benefits.
Both honey and apple cider vinegar possess natural antimicrobial properties that may help minimize the symptoms of cold and seasonal allergies.
Honey contains trace amounts of pollen and plant compounds. These compounds might help alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose, cough, or nasal congestion.
Apple cider vinegar has a rich acetic acid content with antibacterial and antiviral properties. Due to fermentation, apple cider vinegar acquires probiotics. These beneficial bacteria may optimize digestion and boost immunity, which may help the body fight against cold or seasonal allergies.
Apple cider vinegar and honey mixture is often used to soothe sore throats and alleviate coughs associated with colds. The mixture is believed to provide relief by reducing inflammation and killing off harmful bacteria in the throat.
Antioxidants found in honey and vinegar might help reduce the presence of harmful oxygen molecules in the body. Such effects may support the body's defense mechanisms against health issues like dementia, premature aging, or cancer.
The antioxidants in vinegar and honey could help decrease the risk of specific types of dementia and age-related cognitive decline. They may aid in supporting healthy cognitive function and brain health.
Honey and vinegar may also contribute to a strengthened immune system, which is essential for fighting off infections and maintaining good health.
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One tablespoon (21g) of honey contains around 64 calories, 17.3 grams of carbohydrates (all from sugars), and negligible protein or fat content. Honey also comprises essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, glucose, and vitamin C.
The specific nutritional content of vinegar may vary based on the fruit used and the brand. Diluted apple cider vinegar has minimal calories per serving, no carbs or sugar content, and no fiber or protein.
Consuming honey vinegar syrup may affect cholesterol levels, particularly in relation to HDL cholesterol. A study indicated that while honey vinegar syrup increased fasting insulin levels, it also lowered HDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
HDL cholesterol is often called the “good” cholesterol as it helps eliminate other harmful forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream and arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease. Therefore, reduced HDL cholesterol levels may increase the risk of heart disease and heart-related events.
Overconsumption of honey may increase fasting insulin levels due to its high sugar content. It could lead to insulin resistance and negatively impact blood sugar management.
Insulin resistance occurs when bodily cells do not respond effectively to insulin, causing elevated blood sugar levels. The combination of honey and vinegar (particularly in excessive amounts) might exacerbate this condition due to the impact on insulin levels.
You should stay mindful of your sugar intake from sources like honey, especially if you have diabetes, to maintain optimal health. Consult a doctor or dietitian for personalized guidance on diet modifications to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Consuming honey and apple cider vinegar may increase the acidity levels in the mouth. They could create an environment where bacteria thrive and produce more acid, contributing to dental damage.
Acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may erode the enamel layer on teeth, making them more susceptible to erosion and decay. Honey contains natural sugars that may serve as a food source for oral bacteria, further damaging enamel health.
Taking the following precautions may help minimize the risks of dental damage from consuming honey and vinegar:
Combining apple cider vinegar and honey may offer antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that could promote overall health and well-being. However, the mixture should be consumed in moderation to avoid the risk of enamel erosion and insulin resistance.
The combination of honey and vinegar is easily accessible, with both ingredients commonly found in grocery stores worldwide. You should dilute the mixture in lukewarm water and drink it at the start or end of your day.
Sufficient scientific evidence is not available on the health benefits of combining honey and apple cider vinegar. However, you may reap the individual health benefits of honey and apple cider vinegar by consuming the concoction.
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