Cider vinegar and honey have been used separately and in conjunction for centuries in health remedies and tonics. The notion of dieting with this mixture is also age-old. While the combination is generally harmless, no evidence suggests that it works for weight loss. If you wish to lose weight, you're better off skipping the cider vinegar and honey diet and opting for traditional weight loss methods instead.
About the Diet
The cider vinegar and honey diet has taken numerous forms over the years, but it's generally considered a supplement, not a diet. In fact, to follow this "diet," you usually only need to consume between 1 and 3 tbsp. of vinegar mixed with water before meals, according to Paul Bragg, author of "Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System." You can add honey to improve the flavor and add nutrition to the mix. You can also add vinegar to your meals in the form of salad dressing and condiments.
Research
Some research shows promise in terms of cider vinegar's effect on weight loss. According to a study published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2005, people that consumed vinegar before a meal felt more full after eating and remained sated for a greater length of time than people who didn't consume vinegar.
Expert Insight
A study published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" in 2009 conducted by researchers at the Central Research Institute showed that vinegar can elevate the metabolism and prevent people from accumulating fat. However, this does not prove that vinegar works as a a means of losing weight --- merely that it prevents you from becoming obese. According to Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist for MayoClinic.com, there is no merit to the claims that cider vinegar can help you lose weight.
Side Effects
Cider vinegar and honey are standard food ingredients, but when you consume them too often, you put yourself at risk for side effects. The acidity of vinegar can erode tooth enamel, burn your throat and esophagus and irritate ulcers. If you take certain medications like insulin, you should avoid taking vinegar as a supplement to prevent a potentially dangerous drug interaction.
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"; T. Kondo. July 8, 2009
- "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, R.N., L.D.; April 2010
- eMedTV; Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects; Kristi Monson, PharmD; November 2007
- "Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System"; Paul Bragg; 2008
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