Apple Cider Vinegar Review
What You Should Know
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a remedy for numerous ailments including acne, arthritis and high cholesterol. It is created from pulverized apples, and like most vinegar is highly acidic.
Apple cider vinegar is used for weight loss because it is believed to work by suppressing appetite, increasing metabolic rate and decreasing water retention. One of the proven benefits of apple cider vinegar is that it can create a sensation of being full which could potentially cause one to eat less.
Ingredients
Pulverized apples
Product Features
Apple cider vinegar is made up many acids, particularly acetic acid. When used as a health supplement or weight loss aid, it can be taken in either capsule or liquid form. The liquid form has a yellowish-brown color and often contains a dark sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Both the liquid and supplement form can be found in most health food stores.
Advantages
- A limited study in 2005 showed that White vinegar could cause one to eat less because of a sensation of fullness after taking it. Because of its similar properties this may also hold true for apple cider vinegar. It should be noted that his study was very limited and is not considered to be solid, credible evidence.
- There is some evidence that apple cider vinegar can help to lower blood glucose levels in diabetes patients.
Disadvantages
- The high acid content in apple cider vinegar can cause a burning sensation and may potentially inflict damage on the mouth and esophagus. When consumed it must be diluted with water, and even this may not protect the user from damage caused by long term use.
- Apple cider vinegar can cause general stomach upset, nausea and heartburn.
- Low blood potassium levels have been associated with the use of apple cider vinegar.
- There is no solid medical research to support the theory that apple cider vinegar aids in weight loss.
- It is possible that apple cider vinegar may cause harmful interactions with certain prescription drugs, specifically diuretics, laxatives and some diabetes medications.
Conclusion
Although the use of apple cider vinegar dates back to Biblical times, there is little or no clinical proof to support its effectiveness as a health tonic or weight loss aid. It is possible that it has some usefulness as an appetite suppressant, based on the small study indicating that it creates a sensation of fullness. This one potential advantage may not be worth all of the drawbacks. Apple cider vinegar can have serious side effects and medical consequences because of the high acid content, and it can also cause low potassium levels in the body. These are health risks that many people may not be willing to take without compelling evidence that apple cider vinegar will promote weight loss.
Talk with your doctor before taking apple cider vinegar if you are taking any other supplements or medications.
