First came kombucha, then came probiotic-infused drinks, and drinking vinegars have descended upon us en masse. Are they worth it? Well, for one thing, there’s an impressive amount of research that supports apple cider vinegar’s (ACV) claim as a health prodigy. One study found that two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed helped support healthy blood sugar, while another suggests that the acid in vinegar triggers enzymes that help with weight maintenance. And although vinegar is no miracle cure, adding a daily dose of it to your wellness regimen may make a surprisingly hefty impact.*
What are drinking vinegars?
Since chugging shots of vinegar may be easier said than done, drinking vinegars offer a smoother, easier to swallow version. Blended with sweetened fruit juice that the vinegar ferments, drinking vinegars have an undeniable grab-and-go convenience factor plus taste surprisingly good. They come in a range of exotic flavors, such as ginger spice, honey, apple cinnamon and limeade.
What are the benefits?
Although a few vinegar-based drink companies are exploring other kinds of vinegars beyond apple cider, it’s by far the most popular vinegar. Considered the most most health-supporting type, apple cider vinegar benefits include smoother digestion and healthy circulation. Somewhat counter intuitively, it’s also been show to aid acid reflux. For some people, acid reflux is caused by too little acid, so introducing acid in the form of vinegar can help. Vinegar drinks can also be just the thing when you have a cold, as they can help reduce the buildup of mucus.*
Vinegar-based drinks are often enhanced with probiotics, adding a pleasing twofer for your struggling microbiome. Or they are blended with healing herbs like turmeric or cayenne, herbs whose benefits, manufacturers claim, are intensified by the vinegar’s heightened powers of absorption.
How do you imbibe?
Thankfully, drinking vinegars are more palate-friendly than vinegar. It’s so much easier to get into a vinegar habit when you can actually enjoy the flavor. And that’s why drinking vinegars are trending—because they are easy on the taste buds but tough on any kind of digestive woe.*
Curious about their drinkability? If you like kombucha, odds are you will enjoy the tartness of drinking vinegars. The vinegar supplies a refreshing tang, the fruit an infusion of sweetness. Just be sure to read the label to discern if the sugar content is excessive. (A good rule of thumb is to keep your total daily sugar consumption under 25 grams.) Many experts recommend consuming vinegar drinks first things in the morning to eliminate toxins.
DIY drinking vinegar
You don’t need to spend $3 a bottle on your daily brew. It’s simple to make your own vinegar drink by combining one or two tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar with diluted fruit juice.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
