The Success of The Vinegar Diet

Pick the “right” vinegar. The vinegar in “the vinegar diet” refers to apple cider vinegar, not white vinegar. Raw, organic, unpasteurized apple vinegar, which has pectin and vitamins and minerals found in apples may be the most nutritious form (as opposed to more refined versions found on many supermarket shelves that has the fiber removed). Vinegar capsules and pills are also an option for those who don’t like the vinegar’s strong taste.

History

• Consider the sources. People ranging from the 19th century poet, Lord Byron, to herbologist Earl Mindell, through his 1998 “The Amazing Cider Vinegar Diet” book have touted this type of vinegar as a nutritious adjunct and a way to suppress appetite and lose weight. Although the vinegar has reportedly helped induce satiety (alleviating hunger pangs), no clinical studies have been conducted to scientifically back these claims, the Dietspotlight.com Web site reports. But the long history of this diet helps it stay popular.

Methodology

• Take before meals and use as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle. Proponents of the apple cider vinegar diet say that taking a few tablespoons of the vinegar (which can be diluted with water and sweetened with honey) before meals suppresses appetite and speeds up the metabolism, according to DietSpotlight com.

  Carol Johnston, a nutrition professor at Arizona State University reported that drinking cider vinegar before meals helped prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels in people with insulin resistance (which could prevent hunger) and that those who followed this regimen for four weeks lost weight. The Diethealthclub.com Web site suggests that the ability of the vinegar’s acetic acid to release iron from food “results in increased energy consumption. Thus, metabolic rate increases, resulting in weight loss.” This site also claims that the vinegar helps reduce water weight gain and decreases cravings for sweets, and high-salt/high-fat foods. Connecticut Women’s Gynecology and Obstetrics and Indianchild.com’s Lata Batra also endorse it for increased metabolism-triggered weight loss.

  Batra and Johnston urge people not to rely on vinegar dosing alone to improve nutrition and lose weight but to eat a “sensible” diet and exercise as well. Always consult your doctor before beginning any kind of specialized diet to make sure the diet is right for your situation.