Apple Cider Vinegar: Truly a Cure-All? Plus a Look at Lemongrass

See what we think about the ACV craze

The purported health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) seem to be in headlines everywhere online. From curing liver ailments to promoting weight loss, are the claims actually true? Find out what we think, and how we suggest you use ACV.

Next, I (Dr. Weil) share my take on lemongrass. I love the taste, but there are some tips on how to use it when cooking. Read on for more information on this vibrant culinary plant.

Now we want to hear from you:

Have you used ACV? What are your thoughts on it? Share in the comments!

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Dr. Weil’s take:

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) continues to be promoted as a cure-all for a wide range of conditions, including weight loss, digestive issues, and detoxification, but most of these claims are not supported by credible scientific evidence. While ACV is inexpensive, low in calories, and widely available, I think its health benefits have been significantly overstated.

There is no reliable data to support the idea that apple cider vinegar contributes to meaningful or sustained weight loss in humans. A frequently cited 2009 study in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry involved mice, not humans, and showed only a modest reduction in body fat among animals fed acetic acid (vinegar’s key component) alongside a high-fat diet. Theoretical mechanisms - such as the activation of genes involved in fat metabolism - remain unproven in human subjects.

The claim that ACV can “cleanse” the body or support liver detoxification