Most often, it is apple cider vinegar that is referenced as a dietary aid. That's because apple cider vinegar has a long history of being used in supplements and home remedies for everything from skin rashes and allergies to heartburn and constipation, according to Dr. D.C. Jarvis, author of "Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor's Guide to Good Health." Vinegar is also commonly cited as a means of losing weight, though there is little evidence to support this notion.
Beneficial Ingredients
Organic apple cider vinegar is thought to be better than filtered and pasteurized varieties because it contains the "mother," or a tendril-like sediment filled with nutrients, according to Jarvis. In fact, the "mother" contains acetic acid, enzymes and pectin, which are thought to be beneficial to the body, and potassium, which may bolster the immune system.
May Prevent Obesity
Research conducted at the Central Research Institute of the Mizkah Group as reported by FoodNavigatorUSA.com, showed vinegar may help prevent obesity. The study involved providing two groups of mice diets high in fat and giving one group vinegar and the other a placebo. The group that had vinegar accumulated 10 percent less fat than the other group, which indicates vinegar prevents fat from being absorbed, though testing on humans is required to prove this result.
May Control Appetite and Blood Sugar
Vinegar may also help control the appetite and regulate blood sugar. According to a study published by the American Diabetes Association, vinegar reduced insulin sensitivity in participants who drank vinegar before a meal. By maintaining steady blood sugar levels after eating, participants reported feeling fuller and experienced fewer cravings, indicating vinegar may be an appetite suppressant.
Lack of Evidence
Despite the promising results of a few studies, vinegar still cannot be called a diet aid. In fact, there is no evidence showing it can help you lose weight or burn calories and fat, according to MayoClinic.com. And drinking vinegar could cause harm to your throat, stomach and teeth, so caution is advised. Never add a supplement to your diet without consulting a doctor first.
References
- "Folk Medicine"; D.C. Jarvis, M.D.; 1953
- FoodNavigatorUSA.com; Could Vinegar Be Natural Fat Fighter?; Stephen Daniells; June 2009
- American Diabetes Association; Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-carbohydrate Meal in Subjects with Insulin Resistance or Diabetes; C. Johnston et al.; 2004
- "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 al.; 2005
- MayoClinic.com; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
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