Simple Apple Cider Vinegar & Lemon Juice Drink (detox & weight loss)
One of the consistent things I have in my life is my apple cider vinegar (ACV) and lemon juice drink at the end of the day. Some people like to have this drink in the morning to jumpstart the day, but I can never find the time to make and drink it while dealing with the craziness of the morning. Other people like to have this acv/lemon juice drink in the morning and night–so find out whichever time of day works best for you! And remember, go slowly with this concoction since it can be a bit much in the beginning.
Here’s how I make my acv/lemon juice drink:
1 tablespoon of ACV
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
I cup of water
Optional: 1 tablespoon of honey
Feel free to adjust the measurements for your taste! I usually go with the 1 to 2 ratio for acv/lemon juice and a bit of water, but that can be too tart for others.
To make you feel confident in consuming this concoction, below are the benefits of ACV, lemon juice, and then the benefits of combining the two.
For the fine print: it's essential to consume this mixture in moderation and dilute it with water to reduce its acidity, as both lemon juice and ACV are highly acidic and can be harsh on tooth enamel and the esophagus when consumed undiluted. Additionally, individual responses to this combination can vary, and it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or sensitivities.
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
Weight Management: Some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss and appetite control by promoting a feeling of fullness and reducing calorie intake..
Blood Sugar Control: ACV may have a modest effect on improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels after meals. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes or those at risk of developing it. However, it should not replace standard diabetes management practices.
Digestive Health: Some people use apple cider vinegar to alleviate digestive issues such as indigestion or heartburn. It may help by increasing stomach acid production, but this effect could be detrimental for individuals with acid reflux.
Antimicrobial Properties: ACV has been used traditionally as a disinfectant and may have some antimicrobial properties. It can be applied topically to treat minor skin infections or used as a cleaning agent.
Antioxidant Effects: Apple cider vinegar contains antioxidants like polyphenols, which may help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Potential Blood Pressure Regulation: Some animal studies suggest that ACV may help lower blood pressure, but more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Cholesterol Reduction: Limited research suggests that apple cider vinegar might have a small positive impact on reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Skin Health: Some people use diluted ACV as a toner or skin wash to improve the appearance of their skin or help with conditions like acne or eczema. However, it should be used cautiously as it can irritate the skin if not properly diluted.
Lemon Juice Benefits
Rich in Vitamin C: Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system, supporting skin health, and promoting wound healing.
Aid in Digestion: Lemon juice, especially when consumed in warm water, may help stimulate digestive enzymes and improve digestion. It can also alleviate symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating and heartburn.
Hydration: Lemon juice mixed with water is a refreshing and low-calorie way to stay hydrated, which is essential for overall health.
Alkalizing Properties: Although lemons are acidic, they have an alkalizing effect on the body when metabolized. Some proponents of alkaline diets believe that consuming lemon water can help balance the body's pH levels, although scientific evidence for this is limited.
Weight Management: Lemon juice is often included in detox and weight loss diets. While it can be part of a healthy diet, there's no direct evidence to suggest that lemon juice alone promotes significant weight loss.
Kidney Stone Prevention: The citric acid in lemon juice may help prevent the formation of kidney stones by increasing urine citrate levels, which inhibit the crystallization of calcium oxalate.
Skin Health: The vitamin C and antioxidants in lemon juice can support skin health by promoting collagen production and reducing oxidative stress, potentially improving the appearance of skin.
Antioxidant Properties: Lemon juice contains various antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which can help combat free radicals in the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Improved Iron Absorption: The vitamin C in lemon juice can enhance the absorption of nonheme iron (found in plant-based foods) when consumed together in a meal.
Respiratory Health: Some people find relief from respiratory conditions like sore throats and congestion by consuming lemon juice mixed with honey or warm water.
Apple Cider Vinegar & Lemon Juice Benefits
Digestive Health: Both lemon juice and ACV are thought to support digestion. Lemon juice may stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, while ACV may improve stomach acid levels. Together, they may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and heartburn.
Weight Management: Lemon juice and ACV have been included in various weight loss and detox diets. They may aid in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, potentially reducing calorie intake, and supporting metabolism.
Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that ACV may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar spikes after meals. Lemon juice, while acidic, has a relatively low glycemic index and may not significantly impact blood sugar levels. Combining the two may offer some benefits for individuals concerned about blood sugar control.
Detoxification: Lemon juice and ACV are often associated with detoxification and cleansing diets. They may help promote the elimination of waste products from the body and support the liver's natural detoxification processes.
Alkalizing Effect: Although lemons are acidic, they have an alkalizing effect on the body when metabolized. Some proponents of alkaline diets believe that this can help balance the body's pH levels, although scientific evidence is limited.
Antioxidant Properties: Both lemon juice and ACV contain antioxidants that can help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.