Is Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Actually Good For You?

A new year means new opportunities, and if you're like us, then it's possible you too have assembled some sort of new year's resolution list. While the "new year, new you" concept is still very much alive, we understand how easily things like eating healthy or exercising can quickly become failed attempts. In fact, according to Eat This, Not That, data shows that only 9.2 percent of people report achieving their resolutions. But rather than focusing on how you failed to meet your goals thus far, you might want to consider the actual goals themselves and dive deeper into what might be making you fail.

For instance, if you're trying to pick up healthier habits, it's likely you've come across the famous apple cider vinegar diet and its never-ending lists of benefits. But if you've taken a shot or two of this claimed life-changing liquid, then you've probably noticed how objectionable it tastes, and we're willing to bet you've probably asked yourself if it's actually good for you. To that we say: It depends.

To say drinking apple cider vinegar (ACV) was the talk of the town is an understatement — this trendy diet made it to Google's most searched diets in 2017, per U.S. News, and still continues to have momentum today. To better understand ACV, first you have to understand what it actually is. The vinegar derives from apple cider and yeast through a fermentation process that allows it to be packed with good bacteria and enzymes.

But here is where things can get tricky. You should take into consideration the real reason you're weighing the benefits of ACV. If your end goal is weight loss, you might want to stop right now, as ACV is not likely to produce any results, according to the Mayo Clinic and a ton of other nutritionists and doctors. That doesn't necessarily mean you should forget about ACV all together, however, as it does have health benefits and is sometimes a helpful digestive aid (via PopSugar) for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or reflux disease.

Ultimately, the key to ACV is to consider its true benefits rather than assume you'll drop instant weight by drinking it. If you do decide to give ACV a shot, we recommend diluting it before drinking it, as it will be easier on the taste and on your tummy.