Coconut vinegar, derived from coconut water or coconut tree sap, packs a fairly impressive list of trace elements, including potassium, iron, zinc, and calcium, as well as antioxidants. But, “You’re not really having it for the nutrients, which you should be getting from food—you’re having it more as a detoxifying agent,” says certified clinical nutritionist Christina Towle. MORE: The Eight Best Recipes to Make with Farmers’ Market Food Coconut vinegar, like its apple-based counterpart, has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help stave off illness and infections. Raw, unpasteurized versions also contain beneficial enzymes and probiotics that support healthy digestion and bolster your immune system. MORE: Coconut, Birch or Maple: Which Tree Water is Best? As far as weight loss goes, not only does coconut vinegar have zero calories or sugar, it also contains acetic acid, an organic compound that studies show suppresses appetite, helping you consume up to 200 fewer calories throughout the day. The acid can also keep your blood sugar levels from spiking, particularly if you drink it before a carb-heavy meal. And it doesn’t take much to do the job: Drinking a tablespoon or two of the stuff mixed with 8 ounces of water before a meal can help trigger these effects, says Arizona State University Nutrition Program Associate Director Carol Johnston, PhD, who researches vinegar’s metabolic effects. MORE: Four Steps to DIY Infused Oils and Vinegars You don’t just have to drink the stuff, either: Try substituting coconut vinegar in salad dressings, marinades, and other recipes that call for other vinegars for a milder, sweeter tang.
