Apple Cider Vinegar and YOU!....and possibly me.

source:http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/apple-cider-vinegar.html

So my post about the pink drink was really well received and it inspired me to follow up with some of these other weight loss scam.....er methods and see if there was a supplement out there that were worthy of  my (and possibly yours my faithful followers) time, energy and health. Today after a suggestion from a friend I decided to look into Apple Cider Vinegar. I remember years ago when I was a wee teenager, my mother coming home with a bottle of this stuff and some caplets from the health food store. She explained to me at that time that they were to help ease water retention and therefore shed some water weight but then, I made the bad decision to smell the stuff first....it never did make it past my lips. That stuff is NASTY! But I digress, after scanning the Internet for awhile and compiling what I could, here is the results.

The Claims: 

Apple cider vinegar is stated to work as an appetite satieatier (calmer downer in idiot terms) and suppressor of fat accumulation. Claims are also made that it helps with everything from acne to chronic fatigue, from sore throats to arthritis. Hell it'll apparently help you with a good old fashioned case of the gout. My god, why is the whole world not taking this stuff....it's a miracle I tells ya, a miracle....however,....did ya smell it yet?  "Proponents claim that consuming apple cider vinegar before a meal can help suppress your appetite, speed up your metabolism, prevent bloating and keep your blood sugar in check." (source: about.com)

The science behind it:

Acetic acid is a byproduct of the fermentation process that makes apple cider vinegar. Ahhhh fermentation...also makes a good wine......oops, sorry, got distracted, back to the cider (which is no where near as delicious or good smelling as wine....just saying) In studies that found some noticeable weight loss in people and mice (damn fat mice) it was theorized that the acetic acid may prevent the buildup of body fat by activating the genes involved in breaking down fats. It also works to regulate the glucose release, which in turn lowers the amount of insulin released into the blood system. Whats that you say sonny?
Insulin is a big ol' fat storer and therefore if there is excess amounts of insulin, your body will store fat even if you reduce your calories. Acetic acid helps to stop that. We think. Basically, acetic acid switches off the fat storing gene and regulates glucose metabolism. Yay vinegar...oh ya, did I mention that all vinegar has acetic acid...its what makes it sour. Certain vinegars have lower levels and cider vinegar seems to have a higher one. White vinegar has a higher level as well.
Also some studies have indicated an increase in metabolic rate which in turn would burn more calories, as well as the fact that it aids in digestion. The site that stated this didn't offer any proof or studies, but did offer some vague explanation why it might work. If your interested, feel free to visit http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/weight-loss-theories.html.

 

Research, we don't need no stinking research...

Mice on diets...?

Uhhhh....ya we do. Back in 2005 there was a study of 12 people that determined that those who ate a piece of bread along with small amounts of white vinegar felt fuller and more satisfied than those who just ate the bread.  Another study was done in 2009, found that obese people who consumed acetic acid daily for 12 weeks experienced significant decreases in body weight, waist circumference, and and abdominal fat. In another test on mice,(because apparently those fat bastards need some help)  they established that acetic acid may help prevent the buildup of body fat and certain liver fats. They did not, btw, specify if it was apple cider vinegar or another kind. There is a surprising amount of various vinegars out there fyi. So there have been studies done, and there have been positive results, however each site that I researched agreed that more studies would have to be done to state that there is an ABSOLUTE link to vinegar and weight loss.

So what's the bad news?

Who would want to burn something so cute...

Well lets look at how many times I said acetic and acid up there....I'm not counting, but I'm gonna guess enough that you all came to the same conclusion that I did and acknowledge that this, my dear friends, is a form of acid. Acid burns. Undiluted vinegar (apple cider, malt, white or whichever else you fancy) can cause damage to the esophagus and digestive tract. It can also wear away at tooth enamel and lower your potassium levels which interferes with bone density. Lastly while there is some proof to the studies, it's not stating that any of the weight loss is impressive. Comparably, it ranks right up there with someone who increases their exercises levels slightly and adjust their eating habits to a more healthy, Canada's food guide kinda diet...EVERY site I searched summed it up in basically the same way. If you are going to use it, use it as a supplement only in an already established regime of sustainable healthy diet and exercises.

In conclusion:

There does seem to be some health benefits to it and since I don't plan on drinking it undiluted, I am not overly concerned about my esophagus, therefore I am considering adding it to my regime....maybe....I don't know that I will be going with the apple cider vinegar though because I cannot stress enough how gawd-durn bad that stuff smells. It's like feet....seriously. And unfortunately the only sites that promoted vinegar therapy in pill form were the sites trying to sell it. All other health food sites and alternative medicine sites said the same thing. The pills were ineffective and didn't contain the necessary active components, therefore were just a big waste of your hard earned money. There really is no easy way out is there? If I decide to (and can stomach) the apple cider vinegar diet which consist of 2 to 3 tsp before each meal, I will let you know and then we can all follow together to see if it helps me.

Look, it's me, being helped by vinegar...yay me!!!