Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy in use as a natural cure for many ailments, including skin infections, digestive issues and even yeast infections. According to the Vinegar Institute, vinegar was discovered accidentally over 10,000 years ago in the process of making wine, lending it the name vin aigre or "sour wine" in French. Researchers continue to study the usefulness of this folk remedy as a modern cure.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Manufacturers make apple cider vinegar through a process of fermenting fruit, similar to other vinegars. Vinegar producers crush the apples and then ferment them, first to alcohol, then to acetic acid. The vinegar is purified, removing microorganisms. Unpasteurized vinegar is also available, distinguishable from pasteurized vinegar by the thick dark substance that forms. Referred to by some as the "mother," this substane is comprised of bacteria and yeast organisms that have died.
Folk Hoax?
Studies have reported conflicting results regarding the use of apple cider vinegar for weight loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is little evidence that using apple cider vinegar will help you to lose weight. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued numerous recalls on apple cider vinegar products, either due to false advertising or because the product contained ingredients that were not disclosed on the package. One product recall in 2007 was due to an apple cider vinegar supplement containing undisclosed sibutramine, and FDA-approved drug for weight loss and appetite suppressant. An article published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" in 2005 expressed concerns that supplements studied varied in pH level and acidity level. In some supplements, it was questionable as to whether apple cider vinegar was in fact the main ingredient.
Research in Support
Despite the bad rap that apple cider vinegar gets from recalls or insufficient research, there is some research that points to positive results for weight loss and fat reduction. A 2009 article published in the journal "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry" showed positive results of acetic acid from vinegar on body weight, BMI, visceral fat area, waist circumference and serum triglyceride levels. This study suggested that daily intake of vinegar may assist in burning fat. Another study, published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2005, indicated that apple cider vinegar use may increase feelings of satiety and mitigate blood-glucose levels following a carbohydrate-rich meal. This provides further support that apple cider vinegar may aid in your weight-loss goals.
Additional Cautions
Apple cider vinegar may irritate your throat if taken undiluted. Some people experience side effect such as erosion of tooth enamel, indigestion and stomach upset. Apple cider vinegar may interact with certain medications including diuretics, digoxin and insulin. It is important that you discuss your plan to take this supplement with your doctor in advance. Unpasteurized food products may not be safe for pregnant women.
References
- The Vinegar Institute: Vinegar Lore
- Mayo Clinic; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition; Vinegar Supplementation Lowers Glucose and Insulin Responses and Increases Satiety After a Bread Meal in Healthy Subjects; E. Ostman et aI; 2005
- "Journal of the American Diet Association"; Esophageal Injury by Apple Cider Vinegar; L.L. Hill et. al; 2005
- "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry"; Vinegar Intake Reduces Body Weight; Tomoo Kondo et al; 2009
- Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss: Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
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