Does drinking apple cider vinegar or taking supplements that contain it help with weight loss?
Do you know someone who swears by apple cider vinegar (ACV), for suppressing their appetite when they’re on a diet? What about you? Have you ever given it a try?
If you have tried it as a diet aid, you would certainly not be alone. The popularity of using ACV for weight loss rises and falls but never seems to go away. This is true, whether talking about its traditional liquid form or one of the newer supplements, like the gummies that are currently being advertised on TV.
What Exactly Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is apple juice that has been fermented by adding yeast. It then converts the sugar in the fruit into alcohol. Bacteria then interact with the alcohol to form acetic acid. This is where we get the unique sourness and pungent odor associated with vinegar.
The U.S. does not specify what constitutes ACV, so, depending upon the process and the manufacturer. Thus, it can be difficult to know the exact makeup and amounts of components contained in commercial products. That said, most from reputable sources will contain some amount of pectin, which is fiber from the apples, and may have various vitamins and minerals added.
What Are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?
Other than having the power to spice up a salad dressing, what is ACV used for? It would seem that there are quite a few ways that people make use of it and have been for a very long time.
For thousands of years, many different cultures have believed that apple cider vinegar possessed a variety of healing properties. Therefore, it has been used as an antibiotic, detoxifier, strength enhancer and to treat scurvy. The ancient Greeks thought it beneficial for aiding in the treatment of wounds. Lastly, even Hippocrates, known as “the father of modern medicine”, was said to have used it, as well as honey, to treat a wide range of ailments.
Today, the list of applications for ACV is long. From topical uses for sunburn, mosquito bites, acne and dandruff to serious conditions like osteoarthritis, diabetes and even cancer. There are those who believe that it is an effective treatment. It should be noted, especially with serious issues like diabetes and cancer, almost all evidence is anecdotal: very little science-based research has been done.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss
The one area where you most hear about apple cider vinegar is weight loss. Once again, the research on this is negligible. That said, from the research that has been done it is believed that there is a possibility that it may help stabilize blood sugar levels. This would be significant because it’s those fluctuations that so often lead to sugary snack cravings.
There are also those who feel that ACV may cause you to want to eat less. What isn’t understood, however, is whether this is due to any intrinsic appetite suppressing quality. Conversely, is this just because the taste of the vinegar turns you against wanting any sort of food for the rest of the day? The latter would likely not be a viable long-term solution for weight control.
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict on apple cider vinegar? Lack of research does not mean that it doesn’t have potential, and, for the most part, as long as used properly and in moderation, it is likely to do no harm. As for whether it is some sort of miracle cure or if it will actually help you lose weight, the verdict is still out.
For now, the best way to take care of your health, including finding a weight loss program that works for you, is to find an experienced healthcare professional that you trust.
The Southern California Center for Anti-Aging in Torrance, CA focuses on the practice of advanced, preventive and regenerative medicine. Serving all of Los Angeles county, we strongly believe correcting imbalances and deficiencies in nutrition. Further more, we believe that along with improving fitness and balancing and restoring hormones with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, can help with creating the foundation for a healthier and happier life. To learn more about our holistic approach or if you have questions about any of our services, take advantage of our Free Consultation by clicking here to use our convenient online form.
