The use of vinegar for medicinal purposes can be traced as far back as Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician referred to as the founding father of Western medicine. The scientific world has not given its stamp of approval to the benefits of vinegar, and the Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for this purpose. However, vinegar as a means of weight loss gained prominence in 1958 with the release of Dr D.C. Jarvis' book "Folk Medicine." In the book Jarvis said that mixing apple cider vinegar with water and consuming it with water before meal times aids in weight loss. Scientists did not start to look into the weight-loss properties of vinegar until 2004.
Expert Insight
In 2004, Arizona State University Professor Dr. Carol S. Johnston conducted a study to determine whether the consumption of vinegar had an effect on cholesterol levels. There was no effect on cholesterol levels, but those who consumed 2 tbsp. vinegar before a meal lost an average of 2 lbs. during the length of the study. A study conducted in 2009 by Japanese researchers Johnson and Tomoo Kondo discovered that vinegar works as a fat burner due to the presence of acetic acid. Acetic acid aids in the release of proteins that prevent fat from accumulating in the body.
Appetite Suppressant
A study conducted at Lund University in Sweden found that those who consumed vinegar before meals release less insulin, resulting in a decrease in appetite. This led to eating less during meal times.
Combined Benefits
The mixture of water and vinegar can boost the effects of weight loss. The liver is responsible for the processing of fats and carbohydrates and turning them into energy for the body. Water has the same effect as acetic vinegar; both increase thermogenesis. By maintaining hydration in the body, the acetic acid produces fatty acid oxidation in the liver. The presence of water aids in the removal of toxins caused by burning calories.
Side Effects
Vinegar has a high acidic content -- between 4 percent and 5 percent acetic acid, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Too much vinegar has been linked to conditions such as tooth decay, esophageal damage and stomach irritation. Excessive use over long periods is linked to osteoporosis. Also, it's possible to overdose on vinegar, causing hypertension and many other cardiovascular medical conditions.
Considerations
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., of MayoClinic.com says that using vinegar to lose weight can only work if coupled with a nutritious diet and a strict exercise regime. There is no recommended amount when consuming vinegar for the purpose of weight loss, but be careful not to use too much.
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