A fermentation process that includes water, sugar and heat yields vinegar, a natural substance. You may find drinking vinegar difficult because it's typically very bitter and acidic. Katherine Zaretsky, a nutritionist writing at the Mayo Clinic web site, notes that drinking vinegar --- either white or apple cider --- to lose weight isn't dangerous, but vinegar is not likely to actually trigger weight loss on its own, she says. Although some research is underway into the fat-fighting attributes of vinegar, not enough scientific research exists to demonstrate that drinking vinegar helps you lose weight.
History
For thousands of years, vinegar has been used as a beverage, household cleaner, food preservative and flavoring, medicine and skin care product. It has been promoted as a bug-bite antidote, wart remover, itch reliever and ink component. Ancient Roman warriors drank vinegar mixed with water as they marched, believing the drink would prevent exhaustion. In recent years, some dieters have advocated consuming vinegar to help weight loss efforts, claiming that it helps curb their appetites and causes them to eat less.
Vinegar's Properties
Vinegar becomes acetic acid through the fermentation process. Most commercial vinegars are about 5 percent acid in water, and may need to be further diluted to be palatable to most people consuming them. Vinegars that are made from the fermentation of various fruits or vegetables, such as balsamic vinegar and cider vinegar, offer largely the same properties and health benefits as the source food. Apple cider vinegar, is a low-fat, low-salt beverage made from the apple, providing the apple's nutritious vitamins and fiber, along with antioxidants.
Studies
Very little research has been done to examine the effects of vinegar, or acetic acid, on weight loss. Researchers at the Mizkan Group Corporation's Central Research Institute have tested the effects of acetic acid on mice that were fed a high-fat diet. The study reported that mice gained 10 percent less body fat when their 50 percent fat diet was supplemented with acetic acid. No scientific studies linking those results to similar effects in humans have been completed.
Vinegar In Your Diet
Vinegar's most prominent component, acetic acid, may help relieve some food cravings by restoring your body's natural acid-alkaline balance, according to diet experts at the Earth Clinic website. Earth Clinic suggests that dieters prepare a drink of 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar added to a 16 oz. glass of water. Dieters should sip the drink throughout the day, consuming the 16 oz. by day's end. Nutritionists at the Mayo Clinic suggest the consumption of water, rather than the vinegar, contributes a feeling of fullness.
Cautions
Some vinegars may interact with prescription drugs and other medications. Always consult with your health care professional before beginning any diet regime that involves drinking more vinegar than usual. Vinegar can reduce the level of potassium in your body and may also affect your magnesium levels. Your nutritionist can tell you whether you need to reduce your vinegar intake or add a potassium or magnesium supplement to your diet.
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