Apple Cider Vinegar May Not Help In Weight Loss, New Findings Debunk Myth

Fitness enthusiasts have time and again, in the recent few years, suggested apple cider vinegar for weight loss. The hype around this drink grew even more last year. So much so, that the product was even publicised as a healthy drink. Things are about to change though. The medical journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health recently retracted a study citing the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. This has shattered its image as a magic drink for weight loss. Here’s everything you need about this.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar? 

Apple Cider Vinegar is made by fermenting apples, sugar and yeast. The yeast digests the sugar over several weeks to make alcohol. After this, natural bacteria turns the alcohol into acetic acid. This gives apple cider vinegar its pungent odor and taste.

Types Of Apple Cider Vinegar

We generally get clear, pasteurised, and filtered apple cider vinegar in grocery stores. It is usually available in the following two types:

Apple cider vinegar with 'the mother'

You can buy raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. It contains a cloudy sediment, which is called ‘the mother’. This substance consists of settled bacteria and yeast. It is believed that apple cider vinegar gets its health benefits from ‘the mother’. It contains small amounts of probiotics (healthy bacteria) which are good for the gut. There is no concrete research available in this regard though.

Apple cider vinegar supplements

Apple cider vinegar comes in various forms like pills, powders, and gummies. The FDA doesn't regulate dietary supplements. Also, there hasn’t been any solid research suggesting whether these supplements have any effect.

What The Study Mentions 

The medical journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, published a clinical trial study last year, which was conducted in Lebanon. It talked about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. This caused its hype among fitness enthusiasts. The study drew flak from researchers. This prompted the journal's publisher to start an investigation on this.

The investigators discovered statistical errors. As a result, the study was retracted by the BMJ Group. The authors of the research said in a statement the errors were "honest mistakes".

The research claimed one or two teaspoons of the vinegar daily may cause striking weight loss and metabolic improvements.

Potential Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar

Studies regarding the benefits of apple cider vinegar are not conclusive. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at some of its probable benefits:

• It may help with weight loss.
• It may lower cholesterol.
• It may lower blood sugar.

Also Read: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar-for-glowing-skin-1726575857

Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar

Here are some of the possible side effects of apple cider vinegar:

• It could irritate the esophagus.
• Undiluted apple cider vinegar can break down tooth enamel.
• ACV may cause nausea and indigestion.
• The vinegar can interact with certain drugs like diuretics, laxatives, and insulin.
• If you have low potassium levels, too much apple cider vinegar may worsen the condition.
• Avoid overusing apple cider vinegar if you have kidney disease.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used in multiple ways and for different reasons.

• It can be used to enhance the taste of sauces and stews.
• Can be used as salad dressings and marinades.
• It can be diluted in hot or cold water and consumed.
• It can be taken as a pill, tablet, powder, or gummy.
• If the doctor advises, then it can be used to treat eczema. Even in this case, do a patch test first.

It is advisable to ask your doctor whether it is safe for you to use apple cider vinegar, especially if you are taking medications for a pre-existing condition.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Vinegar has been a popular drink among fitness enthusiasts. It was widely known for its potential benefits in aiding weight loss. However, this notion has been broken after the health journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health retracted their previous study making claims on the vinegar’s role in weight loss.