Apple cider vinegar is cited in a variety of home remedies, from digestion cures, skin rash tonics and even weight loss. While there is a lack of evidence backing the weight loss claim, there is some evidence linking a reduction in appetite with vinegar. See a doctor before adding apple cider vinegar, store-bought or otherwise, to your weight loss diet.
Increased Satiety
Consuming apple cider vinegar may help people feel more full after eating a meal, according to the a study in the 2005 "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition." In fact, participants that ate a piece of bread soaked in vinegar prior to a meal felt fuller afterward for a greater length of time than those that ate bread without vinegar. A logical conclusion to this study would be that vinegar would aid in weight loss, yet there is no direct evidence of that.
Decreased Appetite
Vinegar is helpful to people with diabetes because it balances blood sugar levels, according to the American Diabetes Association. This can also be helpful to people looking to lose weight. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar slows down the release of glucose or sugar from food. Your blood sugar stays constant so you won't feel hungry again for a greater length of time.
Hazards
Drinking apple cider vinegar is not without its hazards -- it could damage your body if you consume it regularly, according to an article at Medscape General Medicine. The article indicated drinking vinegar could cause irritation of the throat, esophagus and stomach, tooth enamel erosion and decreased blood potassium.
Healthy Weight Loss
The side effects of drinking apple cider vinegar are unlikely to occur in most people, however, it's still not a good idea to rely on it for weight loss. According to MayoClinic.com, vinegar won't do a thing to help you shed pounds. However, eating a well-balanced diet filled with lean protein, fruits, and vegetables and making an effort to exercise regularly will help you achieve the results you want.
References
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Vinegar Supplementation Lowers Glucose and Insulin Responses and Increases Satiety After a Bread Meal; Ostman E. et al; 2005
- "Medscape General Medicine"; Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect; Carol S. Johnston and Cindy A. Gaas; 2006
- "American Diabetes Association"; Vinegar Reduces Postprandial Glycemia and Appetite; B. Goldfarb; 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
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