Apple cider vinegar is often touted as a miracle home remedy, and there is actually some basis for incorporating apple cider vinegar into your healthy weight loss plan. No fad diet works for more than a very short time, and the dangers far outweigh and short-term success. But, the notion of an apple vinegar diet aid is a good idea as long as your overall diet plan includes plenty of lean, whole foods, exercise, rest and staying well hydrated.
Theory
Studies have shown that all vinegars, including apple cider vinegar, help control the insulin spikes that come after you eat foods with a high glycemic index, like white bread, white rice, potato chips and other starches. This insulin spike is known to trigger the hunger reflex, which is why eating starchy foods does not keep you full as long as protein or a large salad containing lots of fiber will. Taking apple cider vinegar before or after meals is believed to help curb your appetite.
Methods
Stir one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into at least four to six cups of water. Warm water will work, but cold water may taste better. Add lemon juice or honey to help with the taste. Drink this in the morning, before meals and at bedtime. Or skip the drink at lunch and dinner, but have a salad with a dressing of apple cider vinegar and olive oil to help fill you up and reduce the insulin spike that comes after eating.
Benefits
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains live enzymes and lots of nutrients like ash, calcium, potassium and copper. The better fed your body is, the more efficiently it functions. Drinking a tall glass of water with apple cider vinegar in it can help fill you up so that you eat smaller portions. But this alone will not lead to diet success. Eating a well-balanced diet and burning more calories than you take in is the only way to ensure successful weight loss. Apple cider vinegar can help with this, but it cannot do it for you.
Warnings
Apple cider vinegar contains high levels of ascetic acid which can not only damage your tooth enamel; it can burn your mouth and esophagus. Never drink apple cider vinegar unless it is well-diluted. If your mouth tingles or stings when you drink the water and vinegar mixture, it isn't diluted enough.
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