Is Apple Cider Vinegar Alkaline or Acidic?

April 04, 2023 3 min read

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Alkaline or Acidic?

Apple cider vinegar is a health craze that has many people adding it to their morning glass of water. It is said to balance the body’s pH levels, leading to various health benefits. However, there does not seem to be a lot of agreement around apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is acidic, so how does it raise the body’s pH level? Before getting to this question, it is important to understand the basics.   

What is the difference between alkaline and acidic?

Alkaline and acidic are words used to measure the pH of a given food or liquid. pH is the “14-point scale that represents the free hydrogen ions in food, or our body”  (1).When something has a pH lower than seven, it is considered acidic. When the pH is higher than seven, it is alkaline. A pH of seven is neutral. 

The body needs to be slightly alkaline to function to the best of its ability. According to Dr. Darin Ingels, “The acid-alkaline balance is important. This is because many functions in the body occur only at a certain level of acidity or alkalinity”  (2). This is where the health trend of drinking water mixed with apple cider vinegar comes into play: it is said to balance the body’s pH levels.

Is apple cider vinegar alkaline or acidic?

Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic with a pH of 2-3. It seems counter-intuitive, then, to add apple cider vinegar to an already highly acidic diet. Protein, sugar, coffee, and processed foods all make up an acidic diet. Foods like leafy greens, garlic, and lemons are all alkaline, but they are typically not consumed in the same quantity as acidic foods. 

However, small amounts of apple cider vinegar, though acidic, can be beneficial, especially if mixed with alkaline water.

Can alkaline water be added to apple cider vinegar?

It is suggested to mix apple cider vinegar with water in moderation to help boost your pH. Apple cider vinegar can be safely mixed with alkaline water, which could lead to reaping even more benefits in your body. However, apple cider vinegar should be treated like a dose of a medication, with only 1-2 tablespoons taken daily diluted into water  (4). It can be diluted into alkaline water, like that made by a Seychelle water filter. Many people prefer drinking apple cider vinegar with alkaline water in order to improve its taste and reduce bitterness.

What are the health benefits of apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar helps balance the body’s pH levels, and this comes with a slew of health benefits. First, it can help regulate blood sugar levels and diabetes. Additionally, apple cider vinegar is said to improve weight loss, and it also can clear the skin and heal scars. Research continues to be conducted on the benefits of the alkalizing effect apple cider vinegar has on the body. 

The Wrap-Up

While apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature, once consumed it has an alkalizing effect on the body. It raises the body’s pH levels, equalizing the body. This is beneficial because our diet generally consists of highly acidic foods, so drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar daily can offset some of this acid. Apple cider vinegar can be mixed with alkaline water for a maximizing effect on the body and to improve taste. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does apple cider vinegar make the body acidic or alkaline?

Apple cider vinegar itself is acidic, but once consumed internally, it has an alkalizing effect on the body.

Is apple cider vinegar too acidic for the body?

Apple cider vinegar can be consumed daily, but it needs to be consumed in moderation. It is recommended to consume 1-2 tablespoons each day diluted in water.

Is apple cider vinegar good for your pH balance?

Yes. Apple cider vinegar can be taken in small doses daily to bring your body’s pH levels closer to equilibrium.  

References

  1. Divinity Nutra,https://divinitynutra.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-ph/ 
  2. Darin Ingels,TACA,https://tacanow.org/family-resources/balancing-the-gut-why-do-you-want-to-be-more-alkaline/#:~:text=Alkalinity%20vs%20Acidity&text=Acidity%20is%20measured%20on%20pH,pH%20of%20seven%20is%20neutral 
  3. Kaia Naturals,https://www.kaianaturals.com/blog/incredible-benefits-apple-cider-vinegar-never-knew/#:~:text=Contrary%20to%20what%20you%20may,to%20aid%20in%20disease%20prevention 
  4. Jessica Migala,Everyday Health,https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/apple-cider-vinegar-nutrition-facts-health-benefits-risks-more/#:~:text=ACV%20is%20generally%20safe%20when,for%20diabetes%20and%20heart%20disease