Apple cider vinegar is a tasty addition to a recipe or salad dressing, but there are also claims that it has certain health benefits. Apple cider vinegar, which is made from pressed apples, is purported to jump start weight loss, lower cholesterol, burn calories and kill germs in the body if you drink it on a daily basis. None of these claims are substantiated or approved by doctors or nutritionists. Consult your doctor before drinking apple cider vinegar.
Indications
Since the 18th century, apple cider vinegar has been used as an alternative remedy to cure all types of ailments, including stomach distress, croup and diabetes, according to a 2006 article in "The Medscape Journal of Medicine." The most popular remedy involves drinking apple cider vinegar before meals to suppress the appetite and help the body burn fat. The vinegar is either diluted with water or consumed directly before eating. The notion of using apple cider vinegar as a weight-loss aid may have originated from folk medicine doctor Dr. D. C. Jarvis in his book, "Folk Medicine."
Effectiveness
Apple cider vinegar is not scientifically proven to cure any ailment or reduce cholesterol levels. Additionally, there is no scientific proof that apple cider vinegar curbs your appetite or burns fat. According to a study conducted at the Arizona State University Department of Nutrition, and published in 2006 in "The Medscape Journal of Medicine," consuming apple cider vinegar may reduce the body's glucose response after eating carbohydrates. Although consuming apple cider vinegar may be a useful tool for diabetic individuals who are unable to control blood glucose with insulin, further scientific studies are needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of apple cider vinegar.
Side Effects
Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, and although eating it with food or using it in a recipe probably won't bother you, consuming it by itself may cause esophageal burning or a sore throat. Additionally, apple cider vinegar may interact with some prescription drugs including insulin and diuretics. Drinking apple cider vinegar may lower your potassium levels in the bloodstream, which may cause additional adverse side effects.
Other Weight Loss Options
Apple cider vinegar may seem like a simple and harmless way to lose weight, but it is ineffective and could be dangerous. Instead, focus on healthy eating and a long-term exercise plan. There is no quick fix when it comes to losing weight, and drinking apple cider vinegar is not the answer. Instead, consume a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins in moderate servings.
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