Friday, July 30, 2010

Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss

Apple cider vinegar as a health remedy has been around for thousands of years. There are many claimed benefits of apple cider vinegar, the most captivating being weight loss. Differing opinions as to its effectiveness run wild. Some people declare they lost fifteen pounds by only taking apple cider vinegar and doing little else, while others claim that apple cider vinegar did nothing for them.

So how does this ancient diet work? It is not in reality a diet, so much as diet addition. It has been stated that apple cider vinegar decreases appetite and minimizes cravings. It has also been determined to reduce glucose levels, which means that it helps the body break down sugar. Sugar, when not burned by the body in the form of energy, is transferred into fat storage. It could be assumed that if apple cider vinegar reduces the body’s sugar level fat storage would be decreased.

It is recommended that drinking two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar three times a day before each meal will produce the desired results. While someone with an iron throat may be able to drink it straight, it is recommended that apple cider vinegar be diluted in water or juice. A bit of honey makes it potable and much more pleasant. Because it contains acetic acid which can damage the esophagus and teeth, consuming it properly is essential. Some people add baking soda to the mixture to reduce the acidity of the apple cider vinegar and the potential harm as it is goes down.

Using the right apple cider vinegar determines the most benefit. Processed, filtered Heinz brand vinegar does not contain the necessary ingredients and those who tried it seemed unsuccessful. Organic apple cider vinegar is the answer to this weight loss plan. Braggs raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar is considered the essential brand due to the “mother” it contains. According to the bottle, it occurs naturally as connected strand-like chains of protein enzyme molecules. To the regular person, that declaration doesn’t mean much, but according to those who have tried this diet, it is the determining factor.

Bragg’s can be found for less than five dollars at health stores. Apple cider vinegar pills can also be found at a health food store for considerably more money, if the taste of apple cider vinegar turns you off. It has been argued however, that the pill form of apple cider vinegar does not contain the active ingredients that organic apple cider vinegar does. Supplements are not monitored by the FDA, so consequently there is no guarantee as to what is actually in the apple cider vinegar pills compared to what the packaging states. This is fact for vitamins as well. Quality is mandatory when it comes to effective supplements and a bit of research helps ensure you get the quality you deserve. Pharmaceutical grade supplements contain what the packaging states as well as maintain a high level of quality.

Organic apple cider vinegar may boost your dieting efforts, but the other benefits of apple cider vinegar may also be appealing. Studies of apple cider vinegar have shown promising benefits to lowering blood sugar levels caused by diabetes, high cholesterol, lowering blood pressure and destroying cancer cells. Drinking apple cider vinegar also reduces or eliminates heart burn by providing acid in the stomach and sending signals to the brain that no more is needed. While there are low risks to trying this means of weight loss, if you have serious health concerns always discuss any changes to your diet with your doctor to avoid drug interactions.

Many people have combined apple cider vinegar with decreased food intake and increased physical activity. These changes are healthy and practical, however, it does pose the question of what triggered the weight loss, the vinegar or the lower calorie diet and exercise? There is no magic formula in the world that allows us to eat fried chicken, soda and chips to our hearts content and not gain weight. Discipline and common sense will always be at the forefront of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Apple cider vinegar may give you the boost you need to get started down that healthier path.

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