Original Apple Cider Vinegar Diet

Apple cider vinegar is purported to be an easy-to-use and inexpensive weight loss aid. The apple cider vinegar diet is not new---it's been used as a weight loss aid and as a tonic for centuries. However, it's essential to check with a health care provider before adding apple cider vinegar to your regimen. Taking apple cider vinegar can lower your body's potassium levels, especially if you take it with certain medications. It can have other unwanted effects as well.

History

The apple cider vinegar diet around these days is actually based on a decades-old theory. It gained new attention in 1998 with herbologist Earl Mindell's book called, of course, "The Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar Diet." In a second book, "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar," Mindell claims the vinegar can relieve arthritis pain, regulate blood pressure, prevent dandruff, fight osteoporosis and improve your skin health in addition to helping you lose weight.

Theories

The theory behind the apple cider vinegar diet is that consuming apple cider vinegar daily will suppress your appetite, thus help you lose weight. The diet's advocates also say the vinegar reduces your glucose levels, according to Diet Spotlight. Dieters are advised to consume up to 3 tsp. vinegar 15 to 30 minutes prior to eating.

Benefits

If you adhere to the apple cider vinegar diet, you do not have to follow a meal plan or count calories. Rather, the vinegar is supposed to decrease hunger as well as your urges to snack, reports Diets in Review.com. Despite the diet's simplicity, it does get positive reviews from many users, according to Diet Spotlight. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support claims that taking apple cider vinegar helps you shed pounds, according to Diet Spotlight.

Considerations

Some scientific studies on apple cider vinegar's effects do exist. Apple cider vinegar can reduce your blood glucose levels, says Joanna Hlebowicz, lead author for a pilot study published in "BMC Gastroenterology." It also slows the rate at which your stomach empties, Hlebowicz says. Vinegar also improves satiety, or your feeling of fullness, says E. Ostman, lead author for a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. While these findings seem promising, more research is needed, advise the experts at Diet Spotlight.

Warning

Taking apple cider vinegar might be a bad idea if you are diabetic because it can interfere with your glycemic control, Hlebowicz notes. If you buy apple cider vinegar tablets instead of using the vinegar itself you risk taking a product with unknown ingredients and may not even be consuming any apple cider vinegar at all, according to L.L. Hill, lead author for a study in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association." "The inconsistency and inaccuracy in labeling, recommended dosages, and unsubstantiated health claims make it easy to question the quality of the products," says Hill. Taking cider vinegar in undiluted form also can damage your stomach and esophagus, according to Diet Spotlight.