Apple Cider Vinegar Diet Drink

For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been a go-to tonic of choice. It's supposed to be able to treat heartburn, arthritis, upset stomach, and a variety of other conditions. No claim about apple vinegar, is more popular than the notion that it can help you lose weight. As a diet drink, however, apple cider vinegar is ineffective at encouraging weight loss.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is thought to be a medical marvel because it contains nutrients and enzymes thought to aid with digestion and encourage weight loss. According to a review published in "Medscape General Medicine," apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, pectin, and potassium, all of which can help your body better absorb minerals from food. Despite these benefits, there is no scientific evidence that supports effectiveness claims regarding vinegar as a diet drink or aid.

Standard Drink Remedy

Many variations on the apple cider vinegar diet drink exist, but the most common is laid out in the book, "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar," by Earl Mindell, M.D. The drink simply consists of 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar mixed in 1 cup of water. Mindell recommends drinking it before each meal to get the best effects.

Reduces Appetite

Research published in 2006 by the American Diabetes Association showed apple cider vinegar might help to suppress the appetite. According to the research, when you drink vinegar before meals, your body digests the sugar contained within the food more slowly, helping to regulate your blood sugar. This also makes you feel fuller for longer and prevents overeating. At best, however, drinking vinegar would just make it slightly easier for you to lose weight. It wouldn't actually burn calories to help you shed pounds.

Results

Apple cider vinegar might moderately reduce your appetite, but it won't help you lose weight. According to Health Services at Columbia, the most vinegar can do for you is help you shed water weight since it acts as a diuretic. But even this is ill-advised, due to the potential for side effects such as burning your mouth or throat, stomach upset, ulcers and tooth erosion, says MayoClinic.com.