6 Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Before Bed
The benefits of using apple cider vinegar for sleep, or drinking it at night in particular, are based more on personal experience than research. In addition to limited studies, some people claim that this type of vinegar promotes sleep, along with other health benefits.
According to Health Magazine, it is recommended to drink apple cider vinegar two to three hours before bedtime. Take one or two tablespoons diluted with water.
Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar
1. Blood Sugar Control
A small study investigated the effects of apple cider vinegar on adults with type 2 diabetes. Participants who consumed apple cider vinegar with a 28-gram serving of cheese before bedtime experienced a greater reduction in fasting blood sugar compared to those who consumed water and cheese.
A recent review found that consuming apple cider vinegar led to a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels, and the more apple cider vinegar they consumed, the better the results.
2. Cholesterol
A research review found that apple cider vinegar may help lower total cholesterol. The review did not determine whether nighttime consumption played a role in these effects. However, the researchers noted that regular consumption over time may be key to reaping the cholesterol benefits.
3. Weight Management
A recent study found that participants experienced significant reductions in body weight, waist and hip circumference, and body fat percentage with regular apple cider vinegar consumption.
If you tend to eat your last meal or snack early in the day and feel empty in the evening, it may make sense to consume apple cider vinegar at that time, when your stomach is preferably empty.
4. Reduces Nighttime Appetite
The above study also found that taking apple cider vinegar before meals may help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
Consuming it in the evening may also help curb nighttime cravings.
5. Gut Health
In a trial to study the effects of diet on gut health and the immune system in young adults, participants followed two diets for 3 weeks: one high in short-chain fatty acids and the other low in these acids.
The high-SCFA diet included a drink containing apple cider vinegar after meals.
People who followed the high-SCFA diet had more SCFAs in their stool and blood, as well as lower ammonia levels, indicating improved gut fermentation and health.
6. Antibacterial Properties
A study found that apple cider vinegar helped stop the growth of two types of harmful bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant Escherichia coli (ERE).
