Does Vinegar Help People to Lose Weight?

If you're looking for a simple and quick way to lose weight by suppressing your appetite, vinegar may seem too good to be true. Unfortunately, according to MayoClinic.com, the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet may not be effective. Consult your doctor before using apple cider vinegar to supplement your weight-loss program.

History

Apple cider vinegar was first identified as a weight-loss tool by Vermont physician, D.C. Jarvis, M.D., in his book "Folk Medicine," according to EveryDiet in the article "Apple Cider Vinegar Diet." In his book, Dr. Jarvis suggested that by consuming apple cider vinegar before meals, you would burn extra fat instead of storing it and packing on pounds.

Significance

Apple cider vinegar is a fermented juice made from apples that is frequently used in cooking and making dressings and sauces. It is readily available at health food stores and grocery stores, or may be made at home by fermenting apple cider. Apple cider vinegar is commonly touted as a home remedy for a variety of illnesses, including diabetes, migraine headaches, high blood pressure and arthritis, notes EveryDiet.

Instructions

There is no diet or exercise plan associated with the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet. Instead, the diet involves drinking between 1 and 3 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar, sometimes mixed in water, before eating every meal. The apple cider vinegar is intended to suppress the appetite. The pectin in apple cider vinegar may also help lower cholesterol, according to health website DietsInReview.com.

Misconceptions

According to MayoClinic.com, although some health experts claim that apple cider vinegar is an effective weight loss tool, there is no scientific evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar before a meal will help burn fat or suppress appetite. Although occasionally consuming apple cider vinegar is harmless, drinking the highly acidic substance regularly throughout the day may cause discomfort and health problems.

Warning

Long-term use of apple cider vinegar may cause potassium deficiencies and, in some cases, bone loss, notes DietsInReview.com. According to MayoClinic.com, because apple cider vinegar is acidic, it may also cause throat irritation. Additionally, apple cider vinegar may cause an interaction if it is consumed while taking certain drugs, like insulin and diuretics. Consult a doctor if you notice any adverse health symptoms while using apple cider vinegar for weight loss.

References

Article reviewed by Lisa Dittrich Last updated on: Oct 28, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments