Humans have used apple cider vinegar as a tonic to treat health conditions through the ages, from fungal infections to heartburn. Mixing vinegar with water also supposedly constitutes a weight loss drink. No evidence exists linking apple cider vinegar with weight loss, though it may improve digestion if you're already following a healthy diet.
About Apple Cider Vinegar
According to an article published in the journal "Medscape General Medicine," apple cider vinegar contains several enzymes and nutrients vital for digestion. Organic varieties contain sediment that contains additional acetic acid and potassium, which may help with absorption of minerals and boost the immune system. While some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may benefit digestion, no scientific evidence backs up these claims.
Appetite Suppression
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may reduce your appetite. According to DOC News, a publication of the American Diabetes Association, drinking vinegar prior to a meal can slow down how quickly sugars are released from food during digestion. This stabilizes the blood sugar and makes you feel full for a greater length of time. Plus, you're likely to eat less per sitting, which could make trying to lose weight a little easier.
Fat Accumulation
According to research published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry," mice that ate a diet comprised of fatty foods with vinegar accumulated 10 percent less fat than mice that weren't fed vinegar. This could help in the prevention of obesity, but may not hasten the process by which you burn fat and lose weight. It's unclear whether this animal research has implications for human health and nutrition.
Effectiveness
Despite some evidence linking apple cider vinegar with reducing the appetite and preventing fat accumulation, there is currently no evidence indicating it can help you to lose weight. According to MayoClinic.com, you're much better off adhering to a healthy diet and exercise routine than adding vinegar to your diet.
References
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Acetic Acid Upregulates the Expression of Genes for Fatty Acid Oxidation Enzymes in Liver To Suppress Body Fat Accumulation; Tomoo Kondo, et. al.; 2009
- American Diabetes Association DOC News; Vinegar Reduces Postprandial Glycemia and Appetite; B. Goldfarb; 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
- "Medscape General Medicine"; Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect; Dr. Carol S. Johnston, et. al.; 2006
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