Vinegar is a staple in Japanese cuisine—not just as a cooking ingredient but as a health tonic. A large number of Japanese people drink vinegar before meals as it can help with everything from digestion to glowing skin. The Japanese also strongly believe in the health, diet, and beauty benefits of vinegar, particularly as an agent for losing weight, cleansing and toning the skin, and improving liver and digestive health.

Japanese rice vinegar is a much milder, more mellow-tasting vinegar than the white wine or malt vinegar with which we are more familiar in the West, and it is used extensively in cooking sushi rice, marinades, simmered dishes, pickles, dressings, and more.

According to experts, vinegar, especially apple vinegar, is packed with acetic acid, which increases the production of digestive enzymes and stomach acid. This can help break down food more effectively.

One of the most researched benefits of drinking vinegar before meals is its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Studies say acetic acid improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar spikes after meals. Consumption of apple cider vinegar before meals also helps boost metabolism and promote weight loss as acetic acid increases fat burning and reduces fat storage.

Since vinegar is an antioxidant, studies say it helps improve heart health by helping to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides. Acetic acid also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

According to studies, vinegar helps in weight loss, as it increases the feelings of fullness as you may end up eating fewer calories.

One review of research noted that in short-term studies, when participants consumed apple cider vinegar with a meal containing solid foods, they experienced appetite suppression for 120 minutes after the meal. They also snacked less for the next 24 hours after consuming the apple cider vinegar.

Some people use apple cider vinegar as a common remedy for skin conditions like dry skin and eczema. Your skin is naturally slightly acidic but can also be less acidic in people with eczema. Using diluted topical apple cider vinegar topically helps rebalance the skin’s natural pH, improving the protective skin barrier.

However, it is always important to talk to doctors before trying new remedies, especially on damaged skin. Avoid applying undiluted vinegar to the skin, as it can lead to burns.

Apart from benefits, there can also be a few potential side effects of apple cider vinegar, especially for those who have specific health conditions:

Consuming apple cider vinegar, especially on an empty stomach, increases stomach acidity, potentially causing acid reflux, heartburn, or worsening symptoms of gastritis and ulcers.

Vinegar is highly acidic, and regular consumption, particularly in undiluted form, can erode tooth enamel over time. It causes an increase in the risk of cavities and tooth sensitivity.

Excessive vinegar consumption can cause lower potassium levels in the body, which, in turn, can affect bone density and overall bone health.

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