While on a weight loss plan, you must have been told by many to have lemon water or apple cider vinegar as these can give your weight loss plan a boost. Though just by consuming either of them, the fat won’t melt away, but consuming them surely provides you with some nutritional benefit which is good for weight loss. Apple cider vinegar makes you feel satiated and
lowers blood sugar level and thus, helps you lose weight. But which of these two is a better option to lose weight? Read on to know.
Apple cider vinegar
People claim that apple cider vinegar has a lot of health benefits but not all of them are backed by science.
However, the most discussed and studied health benefit of apple cider vinegar is that it helps to lower blood sugar level. Apple cider vinegar does so by increasing insulin sensitivity. A study published in Diabetes Care in 2004 says, when taken with a high-carb meal, the vinegar increases insulin sensitivity. It’s great news for people who are diabetic and also for people who want to shed kilos. Why the latter? Because insulin is a fat storage hormone and insulin sensitivity means lower level
of insulin in the body. Low level of insulin is said to help you lose weight easily.
Another important way in which apple cider vinegar helps you lose weight is by boosting your metabolism and suppressing your appetite. According to a 2005 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, apple cider vinegar, in addition to improving insulin sensitivity, increases satiety. Acetic acid, which is the main active compound in apple cider vinegar increases the feeling of
fullness when taken with a high-carb meal. The feeling of fullness leads to a lower calorie intake and thus, weight loss!
Lemon water
Same as it happens in the case of apple cider vinegar, people have also claimed a lot of things about lemon water and weight loss. However, not all of them are backed by science. Lemon juice is a good source of Vitamin C, potassium and citric acid. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, people who consumed an adequate amount of vitamin C oxidised more fat during exercise as compared to those who did not consume as much. Apart from lemon, other good sources of vitamin C are orange, kiwi, grapefruit and red bell pepper.
Which is better?
Both apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are two natural substances that can boost your weight loss plan. But none of them can replace a healthy diet and exercise, the two primary things required to lose weight. However, for the sake of comparison, apple cider vinegar is a better option as it gives your weight loss plan a boost in more than one way. Apple cider vinegar can be consumed by diluting it in water and by putting it on salads.
However, regular consumption of these acidic drinks may lead to erosion of the enamel of your teeth. So, do not overdo either and consult a doctor before you include any of these two in your daily diet.
Ideal maximum daily consumption of apple cider vinegar: 30 ml
Ideal maximum daily consumption of lemon juice: Juice of one lemon
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. Start your day right with this Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice. This recipe can help boost your health, including lowering your blood sugar, aiding in weight loss, and improving your digestion. Many of us have heard all the amazing
health benefits of apple cider vinegar, but of course the taste can be a bit hard to swallow. You also don’t want straight vinegar on your teeth so it doesn’t erode the tooth enamel. Mixing it up with some other healthy ingredients will give you a delicious drink you can feel good about. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a healthy fermented vinegar with
natural probiotics and healthy bacteria. At least one study showed that the acetic acid in vinegar can help lower blood sugar levels. I like to use an organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar like Bragg’s. Why You Need This Recipe
Key Ingredients
Fresh lemon juice, while acidic, adds a better taste to the strong vinegar. The lemon water also helps add vitamin C which supports the immune system. You can also use lime juice if you prefer. Don’t use orange juice because that will have too much sugar.
Raw honey (or maple syrup) adds the right touch of sweetness to make this drink go down easily. If you are concerned about adding sugar, then you can use liquid stevia instead (see my list of the best natural sugar substitutes).
Recipe Steps
Let me show you how easy it is to make this Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink that can be part of a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle.
Step One
Add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, water, and lemon juice to a glass jar with a lid or a tall glass.
As always, please do see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.
Step Two
Shake or whisk well until the mixture appears homogenous.
Step Three
Add sweetener to taste and mix to dissolve well. Drink up!
You may wish to follow your apple cider vinegar shot with a large glass of water. You can also drink it with a straw if you are concerned about the acidity eroding your tooth enamel.
Recipe Tips & Substitutions
- This recipe is the most potent right after making it, but you can make it ahead of time, if you wish. Store it in a covered container and shake before serving. It will last in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
- You can easily double, triple, or even quadruple this recipe, if you wish.
- If you prefer a sweeter version, increase the honey to 1-2 teaspoons (but note that the added sugar may reduce the blood sugar-lowering properties of this drink).
- If you want a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Want a spicy kick? Try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper!
Recipe FAQs
What is the mother in apple cider vinegar?
This is the actual organism that ferments the vinegar and provides probiotics. Selecting a bottle of ACV with this inside means you are getting the best benefits that you can. Think of the mother like the SCOBY that helps make kombucha.
Is this recipe vegan?
I usually reach for honey when sweetening drinks such as this one, but if you are vegan (or don’t care for the taste of honey in this drink), pure maple syrup is a great option.
Do I need to drink this first thing on an empty stomach?
You can but you don’t have to. One small study showed that drinking vinegar before bedtime can help with blood sugar levels. Ask your doctor when he or she recommends consuming this drink.
Can I eat honey if I have diabetes?
Speak to your doctor. But, one study showed that honey can have a positive effect on body weight and lipids including triglyceride levels of diabetic patients.
Will this drink help my digestive system?
It may, but there is no scientific evidence that it will.
How much of this drink should I consume?
The recipe makes one serving, but you can split it in half if you wish.
More Healthy “Detox” Drinks You Might Like
- Sparkling Kombucha Lemonade
- Cucumber Ginger Lemon Water
- Celery Cucumber Green Juice
- Ginger Lemon Shot
- Hibiscus Tea Recipe
- Turmeric Shot
- Lemon Cinnamon Water
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- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (I recommend using raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the mother)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about 1/2 of a lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon honey (use maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 cup water (use either room temperature water or warm water)
- In a glass or jar, combine the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and water.
- Whisk or cover and shake vigorously to combine.
- Serve immediately (see notes about making it ahead of time).
Notes
- This recipe is the most potent right after making it, but you can make it ahead of time, if you wish. Store it in a covered container and shake before serving. It will last in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
- You can easily double, triple, or even quadruple this recipe, if you wish.
- If you prefer a sweeter version, increase the honey to 1-2 teaspoons.
- If you want a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: apple cider vinegar, ACV drink, healthy drink
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