Apple Cider Vinegar & Weight Loss

Apple cider vinegar has a long history of use as a digestive aid, tonic and rejuvenator. These properties may support weight loss efforts. However, no single supplement or food can help you achieve weight loss without a regular exercise program and balanced diet. There is no conclusive clinical evidence for the use of apple cider vinegar for weight loss. Talk to your doctor before starting a weight-loss program or taking any supplements.

Features

Apple cider vinegar is simply pressed apple juice fermented for up to six weeks. It has a strong acidic taste with the flavor of apples and has a variety of uses and applications. When purchasing apple cider vinegar, look for an organic variety that is unfiltered, unpasteurized and stored in a dark glass bottle to protect it from light. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar will contain the "mother" a dark cloudy sediment, notes "The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia."

Medicinal Uses

According to the website DoctorYourself.com, apple cider vinegar may help regulate digestion, restore alkalinity to the body, provide essential vitamins and minerals and help support a healthy immune system. It may also stimulate circulation, advises "The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia." However, there is no conclusive clinical evidence to support apple cider vinegar's effectiveness to relieve any condition.

Digestion and Weight Loss

Apple cider vinegar may have several beneficial effect on digestion, says "The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia." It may help stimulate circulation and digestion, thereby helping the body to eliminate wastes and preventing constipation, a condition that may contribute to weight gain. Vinegar is a classic disinfectant and may help clean bacteria and other microbes from the colon which may relieve intestinal gas and bloating. Improved digestion helps the body to use nutrition from food more efficiently which may help suppress the appetite, says "Diet and Nutrition."

Rejuvenation

DoctorYourself.com recommends drinking a glass of water with 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar and honey daily to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. Vinegar may help relieve excess acidity and help remove toxins in the body that often build up as the result of the modern diet. Through restoration of the proper pH balance to the body and elimination of toxins, vinegar may help reduce feelings of lethargy and allow a higher level of activity for burning more calories.

Suppression of Appetite

According to Modernmoms.com, consuming vinegar with other foods will help you to feel full more quickly and therefore eat less. Vinegar supplies significant amounts of essential trace minerals, especially potassium, says "The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia." By supplying your body with necessary nutrition, these minerals may contribute to the feeling of fullness and suppression of appetite.

Warnings

"The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia" warns against long-term consumption of apple cider vinegar as it may lead to dependency on vinegar. Its acidity may cause irritation in mucous membranes, and it may negatively interact with a variety of supplements and drugs, says MayoClinic.com. Talk to your doctor before consuming apple cider vinegar for weight loss or any other health condition.