Do you want to lose weight healthily? If so, then apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are for you! You can kickstart your day with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to detox your body, improve digestion, and lower blood sugar levels. You can also add in some extra spices or fruit juices for extra flavor and benefits.
Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice benefits are something one can’t ignore when it comes to weight loss.
The juice can be drunk hot or cold and is also used to treat a range of ailments including, headaches, colds, acid reflux, headaches, acne, etc.
Read more to know about when and how to drink apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, why you need this detox drink, and exciting recipes and tips to reap the drinks’ benefits.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a fermented juice of apples. It is also known as ACV which has probiotics, acetic acid, nutrients, flavonoids, and vitamins. It is widely used in cooking and salad dressings.
It also serves as a natural remedy to treat a range of ailments such as blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, etc. It has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
In a small study, it was seen that apple cider vinegar can aid in reducing body weight and body fat loss. People who consumed apple cider vinegar lost weight as compared to the people in the control group.
It also helps in maintaining gut health and digestion. It can raise stomach acid levels which helps in digestion and also helps with conditions like bloating, acid reflux, indigestion, etc.
On the other hand, the taste of ACV can be a bit harsh and bitter; therefore, drinking it directly can affect and erode the enamel of the teeth if you consume it directly. Hence, to avoid this issue, it is mixed with different juices and ingredients to improve the taste and make it less harsh on the oral cavity.
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8 Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice Benefits
Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are the two ingredients whose benefits are undeniable. However, there is limited research that is supporting their collaborative benefits.
Here we have listed 8 apple cider vinegar and lemon juice benefits that you can reap:
1. Good for Digestive Health
Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice can help in digestion and promote gut health.
ACV helps in balancing stomach acid levels whereas lemon juice can stimulate digestive juices production.
ACV (the mother) has dozens of bacterial strains which are probiotics that aid in supporting gut health.
Moreover, it has enzymes that help in breaking down foods and helps in digestion.
A study was conducted and it was seen that participants who consumed lemon water before meals had better digestion than others.
2. Help in Weight Loss
One of the major benefits of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice is that it aids in weight loss.
Some studies have reported that both lemon juice and apple cider vinegar can help in losing weight. Acv can aid in controlling appetite and reducing calorie intake. On the other hand, lemon juice has pectin (a soluble fiber) which can provide assistance in weight management.
Many studies suggest that regular consumption of ACV can aid in losing body fat and weight.
A study conducted in 2018 showed that participants who consumed vinegar regularly had lower body weight, less belly fat, and body mass index (BMI).
Moreover, people who take ACV regularly have smaller appetites as compared to the ones who don’t take it.
However, one should keep in mind that ACV alone cannot aid in losing weight. You should exercise and maintain a healthy diet along with the consumption of apple cider vinegar.
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3. Detoxify the Body
Lemon juice is also linked with detoxification and apple cider vinegar may aid in supporting the detoxification processes of the liver.
Together, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are believed to have a cleaning and detoxification effect on the body.
4. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Apple cider vinegar has been seen to have potential benefits in improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels.
Apple vinegar along with lemon juice can enhance the effects of apple cider vinegar on glycemic control.
In a study, researchers reported that the acetic acid in vinegar can lower blood sugar levels.
In the study, the participants were provided white bread to consume and divided into different groups. They were provided with different amounts of vinegar.
All groups who consumed vinegar had better blood sugar levels than the groups who didn’t take vinegar at all. The group who consumed the most vinegar had the best blood sugar levels in the body with the highest satiety rating.
Thus, it is proved that apple cider vinegar and lemon juice regulate blood sugar levels in the body.
5. Balances pH
The body normally regulates its own pH. However, some researchers claim that apple cider vinegar and lemon juice can aid in maintaining an alkaline environment in the body. This also supports the overall health of a person.
Moreover, being mildly acidic in nature, ACV can also aid in restoring the natural pH balance of the skin. This can keep the skin moisturized and irritants out of the skin.
6. Supports Immune System
In apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, the apple cider vinegar has probiotics and healthy bacteria. It has antibacterial properties that fight against certain pathogens including E.coli. It helps in supporting the immune system.
Moreover, lemon juice has a high amount of Vitamin C which is important for a healthy immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Promotes Skin Health
Lemons and many other citrus fruits are filled with vitamin C. Vitamin C is the most important vitamin for immune functioning and maintaining healthy skin. It is also high in antioxidants and fights inflammation.
Thus, lemon and ACV juice are used topically to treat skin conditions.
Apple cider vinegar can balance the skin’s pH whereas the vitamin C content of lemon juice can contribute to skin brightening and health.
You can also squeeze lemon juice in drinks or foods and use a slice of lemon in meals or drinks to maximize the benefits.
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8. Reduce Joint Pain
Some sources believe that apple cider vinegar can help in relieving the symptoms of arthritis and also relieve pain related to gout. This can be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin C in lemon juice and ACV can lessen joint inflammation and pain.
Lemon water is not a proven cure for arthritis but Vitamin C found in lemon can regulate the immune system and prevent any future joint damage.
How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice?
Ingredients Needed:
- Apple cider vinegar (2-3 tablespoons)
- Lemon Juice (juice of half lemon)
- Water (1-2 cups)
- Raw honey (1 teaspoon)
Steps to Follow:
- In a glass, take water and add apple cider vinegar.
- Now add fresh lemon juice.
- Stir it and add raw honey. Honey is an optional ingredient.
- Drink it immediately to enjoy and reap the benefits of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
How to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice?
Now that we have covered the benefits and recipe of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, let’s dive into when and how to drink apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
Don’t drink apple cider vinegar and lemon all alone because it can erode the tooth enamel. Blending apple cider vinegar and lemon with other drinks and water can give a delicious drink that has many potential benefits.
- Timing of Consumption
It is better to drink apple cider vinegar or its juice with lemon before meals to promote weight loss. Many people consume it on an empty stomach which is not wrong but in some people, it causes digestive discomfort. If you have any stomach discomfort issues, then you can consume the detox drink during or after a meal.
- Dilution
It is better to dilute apple cider vinegar before drinking it directly. The normal ratio is 1-2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water. You can also add a sweetener, lemon, or cinnamon to improve the taste.
- Consistency
If you want to reap the benefits of ACV and lemon juice, then consume it regularly. Daily consumption can help in losing weight. However, make sure not to overdo its consumption and take it in moderation.
One should take only 2 tablespoons of ACV per day to avoid any potential side effects such as digestive issues, stomach discomfort, or nausea.
- Complement to a Balanced Diet
To reap the benefits of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, one should take a balanced diet and practice a healthy lifestyle. It is not a magical solution but can be a beneficial and harmless home remedy for weight loss.
Best Time to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice
Many people disagree on the best time to drink apple cider vinegar and lemon juice as each time has its own advantages.
- Drink in the Morning: Drinking apple cider vinegar and lemon juice right after getting up can help in converting the less desirable acidic state of the body to a more comfortable alkaline state.
- Drink on an Empty Stomach: Drinking apple cider vinegar and lemon juice on an empty stomach can allow the body to absorb nutrients and enzymes which are effective in detoxification. However, some people face stomach discomfort when taking ACV and lemon juice on an empty stomach.
- Drinking it Before Bed: A study has reported that consuming ACV before bedtime can efficiently and effectively lower blood sugar levels.
It is better to ask your doctor which time is best for you to consume ACV and lemon juice.
You can also watch this video by Ms. Aroosa Touseef – a Dietitian in which she talks about Apple Cider Vinegar’s Benefits, Uses & Side Effects.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice Recipe Tips
Here are some apple cider vinegar and lemon juice recipe tips that can aid in weight loss:
- The Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice recipe is potent right after making it. You can also store it in a covered container and serve it after shaking it.
- The juice can last for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
- You can double, triple, or quadruple this recipe, as per the servings.
- If you want a vegan version of this recipe, then you can use maple syrup instead of honey.
- If you prefer a sweeter version, then you can add 1-2 teaspoons of honey.
- Drinking the juice with a straw can help prevent tooth enamel damage.
Final Words
Apple cider vinegar and lemon have their own benefits when used separately. However, if they’re used in combination, then their benefits can be doubled.
It is better to make a dilute form of ACV and lemon juice and consume it one time a day. Otherwise, it can damage the tooth enamel and can have other potential side effects.
Want to have a healthy diet? Click here to consult with a Nutritionist via Marham!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the side effects of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice?
Drinking ACV and lemon juice in moderation and in diluted form does not have any potential side effects. However, too much consumption of ACV and lemon juice can damage tooth enamel, delay stomach emptying, cause stomach discomfort, throat burns, low potassium levels, bone loss, etc.
2. Is it safe to drink apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach?
Drinking ACV right after a meal can delay the digestion process. Therefore, it is best to consume it empty stomach or before a meal to reap its benefits.
3. What can I mix with apple cider vinegar to lose belly fat?
You can add half a lemon in ACV and water to lose belly fat and weight loss.