Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple juice. It is a natural remedy for a variety of health problems and has been used for years. It has a lot to offer when it comes to weight loss: it helps break down fats and complex carbohydrates; lowers blood sugar and cholesterol; reduces food cravings; It helps in digestion and detoxification of the body.
It is a natural low-calorie supplement with various nutrients and active ingredients -minerals, vitamins, soluble fibers, antioxidants and natural acids and enzymes- that helps fight obesity. It is wise to know that apple cider vinegar in its concentrated (undiluted) form is a strong acid that should never be consumed raw. Our esophageal tube (feeding tube) is not equipped to handle the same and may be seriously damaged. Therefore, it makes sense to dilute it with water to lower the intensity. In addition, it is important to monitor the dose regularly. Start with 5-10 ml per day and gradually increase up to 30 ml (2 tablespoons) per day. Generally, it is not recommended to go beyond 30 ml.
Let’s break down how apple cider vinegar will help you lose some weight and change your life forever:
• Helps reduce cholesterol level
Bile is a sticky, yellowish fluid produced by the liver that helps break down dietary fats and remove extra cholesterol and other toxins from the liver. Poor bile production hampers the liver’s activity, which can result in the accumulation of fats and cholesterol to cause obesity. Consuming a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar early in the morning initiates the production of bile to promote the breakdown of fats and cholesterol.
• Lowers blood sugar level
A spike in blood sugar increases cravings for unhealthy snacks and processed foods, which is a huge drawback if you’re trying to lose a few pounds. According to a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, apple cider vinegar helps lower blood sugar. Participants who drank 8 ounces of water (mixed with vinegar) before meals had lower blood sugar levels than those who didn’t.
• Helps in blocking carbohydrates (starch)
Gone are the days when carbohydrates were believed to be bad for your health. The new age of dieticians recommends the consumption of carbohydrates on a regular basis to ensure a balanced diet.
The starch contained in carbohydrates has a tendency to quickly convert to glucose and stimulate the release of insulin in the body. Insulin triggers the storage of glucose as fat. Therefore, eating starchy foods pushes your body into fat storage mode.
How is apple cider vinegar going to help here?
The acetic acid content in vinegar interferes with the body’s ability to digest starch. Helps reduce glucose storage as fat. Over a period of time, this starch blocking activity would definitely have an effect on body weight.
• Promotes a healthy digestive system
Your gut contains trillions of probiotics (healthy bacteria) that help break down complex food particles; fights the growth of disease-causing microbes and regulates the immune system. Apple cider vinegar acts as a catalyst for these probiotics. Probiotics feed on the pectins contained in apple cider vinegar for growth and development. Therefore, apple cider vinegar helps maintain optimal intestinal flora for smooth digestion and body metabolism.
• suppress appetite
Apple cider vinegar contains pectins, a type of soluble fiber that provides a feeling of fullness to suppress your appetite for all the good reasons.
• It acts as a mild laxative and diuretic in nature.
Apple cider vinegar acts as a mild laxative to speed up the elimination process and ensure regular bowel movements. In addition, it has a diuretic effect to release excess water stored in the body.
• Promote detoxification of the body
Body detoxification refers to the deep cleansing of the body to get rid of accumulated bodily waste: undigested food, cholesterol, saturated fat, and disease-causing microbes. Due to unhealthy diet and bad lifestyle habits, the metabolism of the body slows down and the accumulation of toxins in the body begins. The combined effect of slow body metabolism and accumulated body toxins would result in obesity. Apple cider vinegar is a safe, natural detoxifying elixir. It promotes digestion, speeds up the body’s metabolism, relieves constipation, and excretes excess water from your body to detoxify it from within.
How to consume apple cider vinegar
Add 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of raw apple cider vinegar to a glass (250 ml) of water, stir well and drink before meals. If it causes heartburn or temporary irritation, simply dilute it with more water. You can also mix it with your juice or other drinks. Some people prefer to sprinkle on salads and other food preparations according to their taste.
The maximum and optimal dose per day is 30 ml.
Precautionary measures and possible side effects
In general, apple cider vinegar is a natural and safe drink for people of all ages. Consider the following security measures to get the best benefits:
• Avoid drinking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, as it can irritate the lining of the intestine and cause a burning sensation.
• Dilute it enough: a teaspoon in a glass of water seems like a good ratio.
• Due to the acid content, excessive consumption of apple cider vinegar can damage the esophageal tube and tissues. Also, it can cause hypokalemia, a condition when the potassium in the blood falls below the required level.
• Don’t forget to rinse your mouth well after drinking apple cider vinegar, otherwise the acid in the vinegar can erode tooth enamel. Also, it can cause yellow stains on the teeth.
• During the first few days of use, you may experience temporary symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, heartburn, or headache. In most cases, these symptoms would go away within a few days. If symptoms persist, stop using it and talk to a health expert.
• Pregnant and lactating women and people with chronic health conditions should consult their doctors before consuming it.
In short, start slowly with a small amount and gradually increase up to 2 tablespoons a day in a well-diluted form for optimal results.
last words
The benefits of apple cider vinegar for weight loss are obvious. But, being a natural remedy, it should not be considered a miracle and would bring the best results when combined with a healthy, low-calorie diet and a positive lifestyle with regular physical exercise.
