Apple cider vinegar has been used all throughout history as a supplement and tonic to bolster health and treat a variety of ailments. Many use it as a weight loss remedy; however, there is very little evidence to actually support vinegar's effectiveness in this regard. More research must be done before apple cider vinegar can definitively be cited as a weight loss solution.
Suppressed Appetite
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to suppress the appetite and make you feel fuller after meals according to limited trials. In fact, a study published by the American Diabetes Association showed that consuming vinegar reduced the amount of insulin released into the bloodstream following a meal. This resulted in participants feeling more full for a greater length of time and eating less at each meal.
Faster Metabolic Rate
There is also some evidence suggesting that apple cider vinegar can increase your metabolism. According to a study published in 2005 in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition," apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach and reduces the glycemic index of carbohydrates. All of this means your blood sugar remains stable after meals and your intestines are better able to absorb nutrients from the food you eat, resulting in a faster metabolism and the possibility of weight loss. Again, further testing is required to verify these results, however.
Conflicting Evidence
Though limited research does show apple cider vinegar plays a role in appetite suppression and metabolic rate, there is no evidence indicating it can actually promote weight loss. According to MayoClinic.com, vinegar does nothing to help you lose weight and you still need to eat right and exercise if you wish to shed pounds.
Warning
Even though apple cider vinegar is safe for most people, it can cause some unpleasant side effects, especially if you drink it often. The acidity in vinegar can cause tooth enamel erosion, throat irritation, and stomach upset. It can also interfere with medications like diuretics and insulin, so talk with your doctor about using vinegar as a supplement before you incorporate it into your weight loss plan.
References
- "American Diabetes Association"; Vinegar Reduces Postprandial Glycemia and Appetite; B. Goldfarb; 2006
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Vinegar Supplementation Lowers Glucose and Insulin Responses and Increases Satiety After a Bread Meal; Ostman E. et al; 2005
- MayoClinic.com; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
Member Comments