Weight Loss With Cider Vinegar

Several anecdotal reports found at apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com suggest that apple cider vinegar may be effective for weight loss. Still, no scientific evidence conclusively demonstrates its effectiveness. Use vinegar with caution, recommends MayoClinic.com. Because it's acidic, it may irritate your throat. It may also interact with some supplements or drugs, including diuretics and insulin, leading to low potassium levels.

History

Vinegar is made from alcohol that is converted to full strength vinegar through fermentation. VinegarTips.com states that the word vinegar comes from the French word "vinaigre," which means "sour wine. Some proponents claim the ancient Egyptians used apple cider vinegar to lose weight, according to Andrew Weil, M.D.

Research

In a 2009 study in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry," researcher Tomoo Kondo and colleagues fed rats a high-fat diet. Some of the rats were also given acetic acid, which is present in vinegar. They found that acetic acid may inhibit body fat accumulation.

Conflicting Opinion

MayoClinic.com states that apple cider vinegar for weight loss is unlikely to be effective because of little research supporting the claim. The website suggests that instead of consuming more apple cider vinegar, reduce calorie intake and increase exercise. Weil also doubts the apple cider vinegar for weight loss works.

Method

In the 1970s, apple cider vinegar was used in combination with kelp, vitamin B-6 and lecithin to lose weight. Lecithin is a complex fat-like substance found in the cells of all living organisms and sold in supplement form. Proponents claimed that a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar should be consumed before meals. Gradually, dieters worked their way up to 2 to 3 tbsp. before meals.

Other Benefits

Acetic acid may help stabilize blood sugar, according to ReadersDigest.com. It takes your body longer to break down foods with vinegar into blood sugar. It may slow the digestion of foods and speed up the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream to muscle cells. Acetic acid may also help lower cholesterol, according to a 2006 animal study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition."
It may also lower blood pressure, according to a 2001 study published by Shino Kondo and colleagues in "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry."