Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Boosts Weight Loss

What’s the Big Deal About Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar has been touted as a miracle cure for various health issues, from antibacterial properties to antioxidant effects and potential blood sugar management. But can it really help with weight loss?

A recent study published in a reputable medical journal aimed to investigate whether apple cider vinegar could be an effective aid for weight loss, reduce blood glucose levels, and lower blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in overweight and obese young people.

How Did They Conduct the Study?

The study involved a group of scientists in Lebanon who conducted a double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial with 30 participants aged 12-25 years. The participants were randomly divided into four groups: one group consumed 5ml, another group consumed 10ml, and a third group consumed 15ml of apple cider vinegar diluted in 250ml of water each morning for 12 weeks. A control group consumed a placebo drink made from lactic acid added to water.

The study used high-quality evidence, as it was a randomized controlled trial that can show cause and effect. The study was also double-blinded, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was in which group.

What Did They Find?

After three months, the apple cider vinegar groups showed significant falls in body weight and body mass index (BMI). On average, those who drank apple cider vinegar lost 6-8kg in weight and reduced their BMI by 2.7-3 points, depending on the dose. They also showed significant decreases in waist and hip circumference.

The authors also reported significant decreases in blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels in the apple cider vinegar groups. This finding echoes previous studies.

Is This Good News?

While the study appears promising, there are reasons for caution. Firstly, the study participants were aged 12-25 years, so we can’t say whether the results would apply to everyone.

The statistical methods used in the study don’t allow us to confidently say the same amount of weight loss would occur again if the study was done again.

Additionally, the researchers didn’t publish records of the participants’ diet and exercise during the study, making it difficult to determine if diet or exercise may have had an impact.

The study used a placebo, but people may still be able to determine differences. Unfortunately, the researchers didn’t test the integrity of the placebo by asking participants to guess which group they were in.

Finally, the authors didn’t report whether anyone dropped out of the study, which could be important and influence results if people who didn’t lose weight quit due to lack of motivation.

Any Other Concerns?

Apple cider vinegar is acidic, and there are concerns it may erode tooth enamel. This can be a problem with any acidic beverages, including fizzy drinks, lemon water, and orange juice.

To minimize the risk of acid erosion, some dentists recommend rinsing out your mouth with tap water afterwards, chewing sugar-free gum afterwards to stimulate saliva production, avoiding brushing your teeth immediately after drinking, and drinking with a straw to minimize contact with the teeth.

Conclusion

This study provides some evidence of a link between apple cider vinegar and weight loss, but before health professionals can recommend it as a weight loss strategy, bigger and better conducted studies across a wider age range are needed.

Still, if you don’t mind the taste of apple cider vinegar, you could try drinking some for weight loss, alongside a healthy balanced and varied dietary intake.

FAQs

Q: Can apple cider vinegar really help with weight loss?
A: Yes, according to this study, apple cider vinegar may be an effective aid for weight loss, but more research is needed to confirm the results.

Q: Who can benefit from drinking apple cider vinegar?
A: This study was conducted with overweight and obese young people, but more research is needed to determine whether the results would apply to other age groups or populations.

Q: How much apple cider vinegar should I drink?
A: The study used 5ml, 10ml, and 15ml of apple cider vinegar diluted in 250ml of water, but more research is needed to determine the optimal dose.

Q: Can I drink apple cider vinegar every day?
A: Yes, according to this study, drinking apple cider vinegar daily may be effective for weight loss, but more research is needed to confirm the results.

Q: Are there any side effects to drinking apple cider vinegar?
A: Yes, apple cider vinegar is acidic and may erode tooth enamel, so it’s important to rinse your mouth with water afterwards and take other precautions to minimize the risk of acid erosion.