Can Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Help A Person Lose Weight?

Everyone looking to lose weight has likely considered one of the many available home remedies. Though diet and exercise are still your best options, limited research studies have indicated that drinking organic apple cider vinegar may play a role in speeding up the weight loss process and helping you to maintain a reduced-calorie diet.

Vinegar Benefits

According to a study conducted by the Central Research Institute of the Mizkan Group Corporation as reported on The Vinegar Institute website, vinegar contains acetic acid, which acts as an antibacterial and an antifungal. During the study, one group of mice was fed vinegar along with a high-fat diet, while another group of mice was just given the fatty foods. The mice that consumed vinegar gained 10 percent less weight than the mice without vinegar in their diet, indicating a correlation between fat accumulation and vinegar consumption.

Organic Vinegar

Not just any vinegar will in promoting weight loss, however. According to Cal Orey, author of "The Healing Powers of Vinegar: A Complete Guide to Nature's Most Remarkable Remedy," organic apple cider vinegar contains fiber from apples called pectin, which acts as an appetite suppressant and slows down the rate at which the stomach empties itself. When consumed prior to a meal, diluted apple cider vinegar could help you to eat less and feel full longer.

Weight Loss

An apple cider vinegar and water combination is thought to be the most helpful in terms of promoting weight loss. According to Dr. Edward Group on the Global Healing Center website, drinking organic apple cider vinegar diluted in water can dissolve fat and encourage your body to burn fat rather than store it.

Caution

As noted previously, several small-scale studies have shown a link between organic apple cider vinegar and weight loss, specifically related to acetic acid and pectin content. However, the studies have not been broad enough to convince Katherine Zeratsky, registered dietician of MayoClinic.com, who says vinegar plays no role in weight loss whatsoever. In fact, she notes drinking vinegar could cause a burning sensation in your throat and potentially interact with medications like insulin and diuretics. If you wish to drink vinegar to try to lose weight, consult with your physician, and only do so in combination with traditional weight loss efforts like maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly.