(NaturalNews) We've all heard the claims about achieving weight loss with the help of apple cider vinegar. Some sources imply apple cider vinegar is some kind of magical substance that burns fat, but of course most of us are bright enough to see through that facade. But the claims make you wonder: can apple cider vinegar really support weight loss? Or is it just another diet sham?
In reality, the answer to both questions is yes. Apple cider vinegar itself is not a weight loss fad. It's a traditional remedy which has been used successfully for centuries for a variety of medicinal purposes. There's no doubt in many people's minds that apple cider vinegar can be a useful tool in alternative medicine.
However, there is no evidence that apple cider vinegar is a miracle weight loss cure. In fact, as much as we would like to find the magic pill for weight loss, it's extremely doubtful anyone ever will. Having said that, apple cider vinegar's medicinal qualities may be able to support weight loss in a few different ways:
- There have been several studies which show that apple cider vinegar helps balance blood sugar levels. This may be the result of apple cider vinegar's ability to lower the glycemic index of a meal, which prevents blood sugar spikes. This could influence weight loss, especially for people who are insulin resistant or diabetic.
- One study indicated that taking a small amount of apple cider vinegar before mealtimes helped improve satiety levels and could prevent overeating.
- Although
apple cider vinegar is acidic, it actually helps balance the acidity in the body by helping it become more alkaline. Some experts suggest that this can support weight loss.
- One 2006 study suggested apple cider vinegar may have properties that lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These same properties could help you lose fat weight.
- Apple cider
vinegar can fight candida. If you have candida overgrowth, you may crave more carbohydrates and sugar, which could be undermining your weight loss efforts. Eliminating candida may help you lose weight.
Aside from weight loss support,
apple cider vinegar has many other health benefits. Daily apple cider vinegar intake can help with free radical damage, arthritic pain, high blood pressure, and acid reflux. It's a decent source of potassium and calcium. Apple cider vinegar also has strong anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties.
So, even if apple cider vinegar can't promise overnight
weight loss, it can still support a healthy lifestyle conducive to weight loss. With all the associated health benefits and the possibility of weight loss, it certainly can't hurt to add apple cider vinegar to your daily regimen.
Tips for using apple cider vinegar:
- Choose quality apple cider vinegar. Look for organic, unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar with lots of "mother" in it. Pills are a second-rate source of apple cider vinegar, so stick with the liquid for the best results.
- Start small. Try one teaspoon before meals and gradually work up to three teaspoons (or one tablespoon).
For More Information:
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/applecidervinegardiet/a/applecidervin...
http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/How_Does_Vinegar_Help_You_Lose_Weight
http://www.ghchealth.com/natural-health/the-benefits-of-apple-cider-v...About the author
Elizabeth Walling is a freelance writer specializing in health and family nutrition. She is a strong believer in natural living as a way to improve health and prevent modern disease. She enjoys thinking outside of the box and challenging common myths about health and wellness. You can visit her blog to learn more:
www.livingthenourishedlife.com/2009/10/welcome.html
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