Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apples. It has a deep amber colour though the unpasteurised versions (the kind with the “Mother”) have a cloudy appearance. It is made by squeezing the juice from apples, and then infusing it with yeast to ferment and create an alcohol. It then goes through a second fermenting stage, which makes acetic acid, finally forming a vinegar.
Originally used to make salad dressing and chutney, recent studies have revealed a number of health properties.
5 Reasons Why It Works!
- ACV Helps Control Your Appetite
ACV contains the same amount of pectin as apples (1.5 grams). Pectin causes you to feel fuller and more satisfied, thus including ACV in your diet can suppress your appetite, keeping you from eating very large portions of food. So why does Apple Cider Vinegar encourage more weight loss than apples? Research done in the U.K has shown that its high levels of acetic acid keeps blood sugar levels evenly maintained, controlling the usual craving for sugar, sweets and other junk food.
2. It Improves Protein Utilisation
Acids help with the digestion of proteins which serve as the building block of hormones. By taking ACV before a meal, you increase the amount of acid present in your stomach which leads to thorough digestion and increased supply of protein for hormone synthesis. This is why taking Apple Cider Vinegar before your evening meal is important — it helps in the formation of growth hormone which keeps your body’s metabolism going while you rest, allowing you to burn more fat in your sleep!
3. It Stimulates Digestion
The fact that Apple Cider Vinegar promotes digestion means that fats remain in the digestive tract for shorter periods, keeping them from being absorbed. Also, according to a study by Carol Johnston, PhD, at Arizona State University, ACV blocks enzymes that break down starch for digestion thus keeping them from being absorbed into your bloodstream. This keeps you on a more regular eating pattern due to controlled blood sugar levels.
4. Great Source Of Potassium
Regular intake of Apple Cider Vinegar contributes the needed potassium for a sodium-balanced diet. Top foods like proteins and vegetables with apple cider vinegar whenever you are tempted to put in some extra salt for great tasting and healthier meals!
5. IT BURNS FAT!!!
True, ACV does all these great things like controlling eating habits and improving digestive functions, but does it actually burn fat? YES, it does. Though further studies need to be done to help identify why this is so, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 175 obese subjects showed that continuous intake of ACV reduces body weight, BMI and belly fat. One theory is that it promotes the production of a fat burning enzyme. Whatever the reason is though, we sure are glad for Apple Cider Vinegar!
NB: ACV for weight loss does not happen overnight; experts say it trains your fat cells to accept your weight loss and new weight over several months (it could take up to 3 months!). The good news however is that once you’ve lost the weight, it’s not coming back!
Remember the recipe from our previous blog? It is perfect for achieving the above; especially if made with hot/warm water. However if you are feeling quite fancy, try this ACV Cranberry Cocktail Instead:
- 1 cup of water or seltzer
- 1 tablespoon raw, organic & unfiltered ACV (like Bragg’s)
- honey or maple syrup to taste, optional
- ice, optional
Instructions: Combine in a glass and stir (Serves 1)
Pro Tip: drink with a straw to protect your teeth enamel from damage by ACV’s high acidic content over time.
Check out the next blog post in this series — Apple Cider Vinegar for clear, blemish-free skin! :)
