Every other influencer on the internet is raving about the use of apple cider vinegar a.k.a. ACV for weight loss. Although there is no scientific proof yet, doctors’ opinions are also not in favor of ACV as a weight-loss ingredient. If you are also contemplating whether to include the ACV diet then this blog will help you decide. 

Apple cider vinegar is made through a two-step fermenting process. The apples are crushed and squeezed and their juice is fermented by yeast, turning their sugar into ethanol. In the second step, the ethanol is converted into acetic acid by acetic acid-forming bacteria yielding apple cider vinegar.  

Studies done on the effects of Apple Cider Vinegar

According to a study in 2009, a human trial of 175 people was conducted. People who consumed 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar in a drink had modest weight loss and lower triglyceride levels than those who drank no vinegar.  

Another study conducted in 2018 assigned 39 individuals to follow a restricted-calorie diet with apple cider vinegar, and a restricted-calorie diet without apple cider vinegar for 12 weeks. Weight loss was noticed in both of the groups but the group that consumed apple cider vinegar lost more weight compared to the group that didn’t consume ACV.  

How does ACV affect the human body?  

Few studies suggest that apple cider vinegar induces a feeling of fullness and reduces the appetite resulting in low calorie intake. ACV is also related to the levels of insulin in the human body. It is said that ACV lowers blood sugar and insulin levels in the body and also improves insulin sensitivity in the body. Apple cider vinegar also helps in reducing high cholesterol levels. 

A 2021 research review of 9 clinical trials has found that apple cider vinegar helps reduce the amount of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. Some research also shows that apple cider vinegar helps kill harmful bacteria and germs like E.coli and S. aureus bacteria as well as resistant Escherichia coli (rE. coli) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

What do doctors have to say?

Some doctors believe that apple cider vinegar should not be used for weight loss. It is because if taken in a wrong way it can result in more harm than good. As apple cider vinegar is highly acidic in nature, it should always be consumed diluted or in the form of a salad dressing to avoid erosion of tooth enamel and damage to the food pipe.  

Long-term use of ACV can also result in peptide ulcers and a constant feeling of nausea in some people. Although ACV has multiple benefits apart from weight loss. It should be consumed cautiously and with the consideration of your health expert or a nutritionist. Apple cider vinegar has been used for ages for its benefits but it being a weight loss hack is still a debate in the health sector. 

Lastly, it is recommended to think wisely before adding apple cider vinegar to your diet as its ideal quantity and duration are still unknown. It would be wiser to contact a health expert or nutritionist and get a proper diet plan if you want to include ACV in your diet.