Move aside, coconut water, chia, and aloe—the new wellness drinks are zeroing in on apple cider vinegar as their star ingredient. Beverage brands like KeVita, GoldenBrew, and Oceanside-based Suja—the leading producer of non-GMO organic cold-pressed juices—have started incorporating apple cider vinegar (ACV), which is said to reduce blood sugar levels after meals. That’s promising if you need to keep your blood sugar from spiking, but cause for caution if you more concerned with preventing a drop. (Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease, while low levels can trigger seizures and vision problems.)
Most recently, Suja unveiled a line of organic Drinking Vinegars, 13.5-ounce blends of organic apple cider vinegar, water, organic purees and juices, and vegan probiotics (from $2.50 each at Whole Foods and Target).
“If a diabetic patient is on blood-sugar-lowering medication and begins consuming ACV, they should monitor their blood glucose and inform their doctor,” says Patti Ennis, registered dietitian nutritionist at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center.
ACV can also make you feel full longer, which is helpful if you’re trying to curb eating between meals. But Ennis adds that ACV and ACV drinks are not a quick fix for weight loss.
Maybe that’s why the health claims of Suja Juice’s Drinking Vinegars feel subdued. There isn’t consensus among health care professionals on whether apple cider vinegar has valid health benefits. Online profiles of its nine Drinking Vinegar flavors (like Lemon Cayenne and Hibiscus Ancho Chile) note that the beverages are “for those looking to limit sugar and calorie intake,” but also intended to be “part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.”
Drinking Vinegar Is the Latest Wellness Trend
