Apple cider vinegar is the tart ingredient that makes ketchup taste tangy, but holistic health experts also claim it helps to burn fat and suppress the appetite. Although apple cider vinegar is low in calories, it is not a sustainable way to lose weight, and may be harmful for some individuals to consume on a regular basis. If you must try apple cider vinegar as a weight-loss aid, consult your doctor first.
History
The creator of the concept of drinking apple cider vinegar before meals as a way to lose weight is Dr. D.C. Jarvis, a holistic health supporter who wrote the book "Folk Medicine" in the 1950s. In his book, he recommends drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar before each meal. He suggests that this will cause the fat in the food you eat to be burned instead of stored.
Diet Plan
Although several versions of the apple cider vinegar diet exist on the Internet, most versions involve drinking between 1 and 3 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar. Sometimes, the vinegar is diluted in a glass of water. Dieters consume the vinegar before every meal, which is purported to fill the stomach and keep fat from being stored in the body. There is no medical or scientific proof that apple cider vinegar is an effective appetite suppressant, or that it prevents the body from storing fat.
Results
According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. in the MayoClinic.com article "Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?" apple cider vinegar is unlikely to cause weight loss. Apple cider vinegar contains very little nutritional value -- no calories, no fat, no fiber and no protein -- so it is probably not the magic bullet for weight loss that Dr. Jarvis suggests. In fact, consuming large amounts of apple cider vinegar may irritate the throat and may cause interactions to some prescription medications, like insulin and diuretics, says Zeratsky.
Healthy Weight Loss
Drinking apple cider vinegar before every meal is not proven to be effective, but sticking to a regular exercise program and a diet of healthy foods in moderation might be. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise nearly every day of the week, and eat meals that consist of whole grains, lean protein and fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Your doctor may recommend a weight-loss program that is tailored to your specific needs.
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