Apple cider vinegar for weight loss has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 21st century that science began to back up traditional uses for ACV. Although there are several fad diet products on the market that claim to be able to magically help people lose weight without changing their routine (which usually means cutting out food that they love), the reality is that most of the diets out there aren’t nutritionally adequate and may even be harmful. And, believe it or not, ACV is one of the few diet products that can actually perform as advertised.
Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting started with ACV for weight loss.
How Does It Work?
The science behind ACV for weight loss is actually very simple. As the name implies, apple cider vinegar is composed of fermented apple juice. When ingested, the enzymes in the stomach break down the apple juice into polyphenolic compounds and organic acids. These compounds and acids travel through the digestive system and accumulate in the colon, where they serve a variety of functions.
Organic acids in particular act as a natural preservative, preventing food from rotting away. Meanwhile, the polyphenols in apple cider vinegar can act as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, protecting the body’s cells from damage caused by excess oxidation. When you consume foods that are rich in antioxidants, your body’s cells become more resistant to damage caused by free radicals, and may even begin producing more of these important substances.
Is There Anything Special About The Apple Cider Vinegar Brand?
When it comes to apple cider vinegar for weight loss, you really can’t go wrong with any brand. But there are a couple of reasons why you might want to choose one over the other:
- The taste: Some brands of ACV are more pungent than others and may even have a stronger, more tangy flavor. If you’re used to drinking the stuff, you might find that it’s a bit stronger than you anticipate. But, as we mentioned before, this depends on the brand and you might find that some ACV is more potent than others.
- The way it’s stored: If you purchase a glass bottle of ACV, you’ll notice that some brands may have a thick layer of what looks like mother of pearl on the surface of the liquid. This is the result of the way the vinegar is stored and it’s a physical phenomenon that doesn’t affect the way the vinegar tastes. Still, this may indicate that some brands are better stored and cooled than others so try out different products to see which one you like best once you’ve familiarized yourself with the general flavor of ACV.
- What type of vinegar it is: Some types of vinegar are better for certain health reasons. For example, we mentioned above that distilled white vinegar is commonly used in cooking, while red wine vinegar is considered an essential component of a healthy diet. So if you know that you’re particularly sensitive to the flavor of a certain type of vinegar, it might be best to choose an alternative that you know will suit your needs.
When Should You Drink It?
Although apple cider vinegar is a natural substance that has been shown to have many health benefits, it doesn’t provide the same benefits when you drink it daily. The human body needs time to get used to the taste difference and the enzyme present in apple cider vinegar can occasionally cause adverse reactions in people who consume it regularly. So, in order to reap all the perks of apple cider vinegar, you should drink it at least two weeks after purchasing it or buying it directly from a brewery.
However, if you purchase a bottle of ACV and keep it in your fridge, it can sometimes suffer from “off flavors” due to poor fridge ventilation. So, as a general rule, it’s best to drink fresh cider every other day or on rare occasions when you have it out for a special meal or activity. This will help you get the most from your bottle of ACV and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
How Much Should You Drink?
Just like with any food or lifestyle product, the amount that you should drink depends on the individual situation. But, as a general rule of thumb, it’s best to start out small and then gradually increase your consumption as you see fit. Most people choose to drink a half a glass or one of the smaller bottles per day, but this depends on the brand and how much you like the flavor of ACV. Some people even prefer their ACV undiluted while others use it as a part of their cooking or cleaning routines. So, as with any new dietary product or lifestyle change, it’s important to listen to your body and what it needs rather than blindly follow a recommended amount that was intended for someone else.
If you purchase a bottle of ACV, you’ll need to find out how much it weighs so you can determine how much you should drink. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, you’ll need to drink 90 grams of ACV per day. This will depend on the brand, however, so make sure you read the labels before buying any product.