Many dieters claim that drinking small amounts of vinegar with water each day helps them maintain their diets and lose weight. Vinegars, both apple cider and white, are safe to drink but probably aren't the sole reason proponents lose weight, according to MayoClinic.com nutritionist Katherine Zaretsky. The health-oriented website Earth Clinic suggests that 2 tsp. of cider vinegar taken with a 16 oz. glass of water, once daily, is sufficient to quell some unhealthy food cravings by helping balance your body's acid-alkaline state.
History
History records vinegar's use as a food, preservative and medicine for more than 10,000 years, making it a mainstay in traditional folk medicine. From the Greeks to the Romans to the early Babylonians, vinegar had its place as a beverage, bug-bite remedy, wart-removal remedy and beauty treatment, as well as a cure for joint aches, stomach problems and indigestion. Historical figures from Hippocrates to Cleopatra have extolled vinegar's virtues.
Properties
Vinegar is a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent which becomes acetic acid through fermentation. Recent studies suggest that vinegar may be an antiglycemic and fat-fighter. A study conducted at the Central Research Institute of the Mizkan Group Corporation found that mice accumulated 10 percent less body weight when they were fed a high-fat diet that also included acetic acid.
Role In Weight Loss
Proponents of a vinegar and water weight loss regimen sometimes claim that drinking a small amount of vinegar, especially cider vinegar, before meals helps suppress their appetites. Dr. Edward Group of the Global Healing Center reports that organic apple cider vinegar can help dissolve food fats in your body. This process may help your body more quickly convert the fats to energy instead of storing them, according to Dr. Group. However, there is very little scientific evidence to link vinegar to weight loss, so always consult your health care professional before taking vinegar and water for any medical condition such as obesity.
Precautions
Drinking small amounts of vinegar mixed with water won't create serious side effects in most people. Since the main component in vinegar is acetic acid, you may enjoy the drink more if you add a spoonful of honey. Drinking too much acid of any kind may cause a burning sensation in your mouth and throat. Always consult your physician before drinking vinegar if you suffer from low potassium or are being treated for kidney problems or diabetes. Vinegar can interact with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Expert Insight
Registered nurse and dietitian Katherine Zaretsky of the MayoClinic.com reminds dieters that drinking vinegar and water is not a “silver bullet” in the war against excess weight. She recommends a daily regimen that includes adequate water intake for hydration and enough exercise to ensure that you burn more calories than you consume. Lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains should also be in your weight loss regimen, she suggests. Add vinegar to the water you drink if you think it will help your diet, but don't expect it to work miracles.
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