At the end of the 1950’s Dr. D.C. Jarvis published a book called Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor’s Guide to Good Health. In his book Dr. Jarvis claimed that apple cider vinegar was a cure all remedy for many of the diseases and ailments that people were suffering from. He believed that the use of apple cider vinegar was an effective treatment for diabetes, arthritis, and migraines. He also believed that the vinegar could kill lice and infections, and that it would help a person burn fat and lose weight.  In the 1970’s, apple cider vinegar’s popularity boomed, as people once again discovered Dr. Jarvis’s book and began trying to drop some unwanted pounds with a natural remedy.

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider. During the fermentation process sugar in the apples is broken down into alcohol by bacteria and yeast, then the alcohol is further broken down into vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a light yellowy-brown color. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar is believed to be the most beneficial type, and looks cloudy or murky. This type would contain the “mother of vinegar,” which is the pulp or sediment left over from the crushed apples and contains high quantities of acetic acid bacteria, as well as most of the vitamins and nutrients.

How does it Work?

Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains, potassium, phosphorus, silicone, pectin, and other vitamins and minerals.  In certain studies the different compounds found in the apple cider vinegar were shown to boost metabolism, regulate blood sugar, and increase feelings of satiety.  In other words the vinegar helped people feel fuller longer, and may also have helped prevent them from over eating. Taking apple cider vinegar regularly may also help control fat production, decreasing the amount of fat that is stored in the body.

Side Effects

Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic. Undiluted apple cider vinegar, both in liquid and pill form, may cause erosion of tooth enamel and other damage to your teeth. The vinegar may also cause damage to the esophagus, stomach, and other areas of the digestive tract.

Conclusion

In research and testing, apple cider vinegar has shown some promise in regards to the treatment of illness and weight loss. Most of the studies done on the vinegar though, have been very small and didn’t provide enough consistent results to be conclusive. The apple cider vinegar diet tells you to take 1 to 3 tablespoons of the vinegar before each meal.  Participants are also told that they should watch what they eat and implement an exercise routine.

Overall apple cider vinegar could be an inexpensive alternative to other weight loss supplements, and might be worth a try.  There is not enough evidence to fully support its use though, so you may not see the results you are looking for. Eating a balanced, quality diet and getting regular exercise can help you lose weight whether or not you use vinegar.