As a drink that claims it can help with weight loss [1], digestion [2], and even cancer prevention, apple cider vinegar [3] has gained a lot of popularity in recent years as somewhat of a magical (and sour) elixir [4]. The vinegar is made by first exposing crushed apples to yeast, then adding bacteria to help with fermentation. While it's not the most appetizing-sounding process, the high amount of acetic acid in the drink supposedly has so many positive benefits that people can't stock up on bottles of the sour drink [5] fast enough. However, since the once-popular habit of early morning ACV shots should be avoided [6], the question is when and how to consume the vinegar to take full advantage of its benefits.
While there's no scientific evidence that a specific time of day is best, having apple cider vinegar [8] at least twice a day and before eating is recommended. This will allow the vinegar to get in your stomach and break down any starches that are eaten after — so start with having some before lunch and dinner. It's important to note that ACV should always be diluted and not consumed straight out of the bottle [9]. Try mixing one to two tablespoons in a glass of water as a drink, or add it directly to your food, like this flavourful apple cider vinegar and grapefruit dressing [10] on a salad. ACV is definitely an acquired taste, especially as a drink, so if you're new to the healthy and powerful vinegar, take it slow and work your way up to drinking it in water. Meanwhile, check out these helpful and creative ways [11] to get this wonder serum [12] into your system, stat.