What Are the Potential Benefits of a Vinegar Diet?

The potential benefits of a vinegar diet are weight loss and heart health. Vinegar is also believed to aid diabetics in controlling the amount of sugar in their blood stream. These possible benefits are not supported by scientific research or study and are conjecture.

The primary ingredient used in the vinegar diet is apple cider vinegar. This liquid is produced as a result of the fermentation process in which the sugars of pulverized apples are broken down over time by bacteria and yeast. This solution contains a high concentration of acetic acid.

Participants in the vinegar diet program are instructed to take between two and three tablespoons of vinegar every morning or before each meal. This amount should be mixed with a small glass of water or juice due to the high acidic content of the vinegar. If the vinegar is taken without diluting it first, the solution has the potential to cause long term damage to the mouth, esophagus, and tooth enamel. Those who have difficulty stomaching the taste and high acidity of the diluted solution can elect to take the vinegar in pill form. This supplement may be purchased online or found in the vitamin and nutrition section of most local grocery stores.

A vinegar diet is thought to help in the control of diabetes. This claim, however, is unsupported by medical testing or research. When given daily to a small sample group of diabetics, apple cider vinegar did appear to lower the amount of glucose present in the blood stream by a small percentage. The long term effects of this type of treatment are unknown as are any possible interactions with the patients ongoing medications.

Similar beliefs exist regarding the ability of a vinegar diet to help control weight, cholesterol, and improve heart health. Few published studies have been conducted regarding the effects the properties of vinegar have on the digestive system and their potential to have a positive impact on weight. Some individuals claim to have an increased feeling of being full or satisfied while eating, and believe the vinegar improves their ability to stop eating sooner. Any resultant weight loss, however, could also be attributed to eating smaller portions rather than to the vinegar alone. This solution does not cause the body to burn fat quickly.

Apple cider vinegar is also occasionally used by some as a digestive system cleanser. No evidence exists to support the theory that this type of vinegar can remove toxins from the body or has any type of positive influence over the way nutrients are absorbed. Long term intake of vinegar does have the potential to reduce bone density and, in some cases, can cause a potassium deficiency.