The Skinny on Apple Cider Vinegar

Though hundreds (thousands?) of diet fads have come and gone over the years, the science behind why apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help you with weight loss is pretty solid.

Apple Cider Vinegar Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

Several studies have shown that apple cider vinegar helps to lower blood sugar levels. When the blood sugar is high, insulin is released from the pancreas to bring it down.  Excess insulin gets stored as fat.  It is important for weight loss to maintain low blood glucose levels.

Better Digestion

The acids in apple cider vinegar help digest food, particularly protein.  In order for our hormones to function properly, they require proteins. Happy hormones are important for weight loss. One particular hormone called “growth hormone” is instrumental in maintaining a healthy metabolism and breaking down fat cells.

Cleansing & Detoxification

Apple cider vinegar helps to detoxify the body in a couple of ways. It assists in the break up of mucous throughout the body and cleanses the lymph nodes. A healthy lymphatic system will remove toxins from the cells.

Another way that ACV aids the body is by stimulating the circulation and helping the liver get rid of toxins. Ancient cultures used apple cider vinegar to cleanse the blood. Because ACV is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, it can help eliminate an overgrowth of candida. Candida is common in overweight people.

How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss

In order to benefit from apple cider vinegar’s health properties, it is very important that only raw (unpasteurized), organic ACV be used. You can find it in any health food store and many conventional supermarkets. For best results, take 1 tbsp in a glass of water before, or with a meal. (You may want to start with 1 tsp and work up.) Do this a minimum of 2 times a day. When you first start drinking ACV, you might find the taste slightly objectionable but that seems to pass very quickly. In fact, you may find yourself actually craving it.

In many studies, ACV was found to be helpful when used with good dietary habits for moderate weight loss.

Apple cider vinegar has a very high nutritional content. It is full of vitamins, minerals and enzymes and can benefit the body in may different ways. Even if you do not need to lose weight, ACV is a great addition to almost anyone’s diet.

To your Health!

Peter Gillham