At a time when more people fall prey to obesity and diabetes, we are so desperate to look for cure or solution that will rid us of these diseases. We try every known diet plan and stick to what works for us. One of the more popular diets out there is the apple cider vinegar diet. A lot of people have tried it and according to them, this diet really works. But what really is an apple cider vinegar diet?
The truth is that an apple cider vinegar is the product of fermenting apple cider. Through fermentation the sugar present in the apple cider is broken down by yeast and bacteria transforming it into alcohol and, eventually, into vinegar. A light, yellow brown liquid, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid (present in most types of vinegar) as well as citric, malic and lactic acids. It is sold unpasteurized and unfiltered often with a cloudy and dark sediment known as mother of vinegar (composed mainly of acidic acid bacteria). While most vinegars like white vinegar, cane vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar are used for cooking, an apple cider vinegar is mainly used for health purposes (hence the apple cider vinegar diet). A health tonic of sorts, it is said that this is used by American soldiers to fight scurvy, pneumonia, and indigestion. But the main reason why it has become popular among consumers since the ‘70s is its alleged fat burning properties. Some say that it is a natural appetite suppressant. In fact, one study shows that a person who eats bread with apple cider vinegar feels fuller that that of a person who eats bread alone. A medical doctor named D.C. Jarvis introduced the solution in the late ‘50s. According to him, an apple cider vinegar is a cure-all solution since it is surprisingly rich in potassium (although not as high compared to other food sources). Almost 20 years after its introduction, those who believed in Jarvis’ findings created a pill (food supplement) which they added with vitamin B6 and lecithin to enhance its so-called fat burning capabilities by speeding up metabolism as well as burning fat at a faster rate.
Still there are those who prefer the vinegar solution over the food supplement—however unproven the treatment is. There are no official recommendations or dosage since a lot of experts believe that further studies are needed in order to prove its therapeutic claims. With apple cider vinegar diet one has to take two teaspoons daily (usually mixed in a cup of juice or water). For pills and dietary supplements, anything that is not more than 300 milligrams is a good dosage.
It is advisable to consult your doctor first if you are planning to have an apple cider vinegar diet. Because if this is taken without consultation, it may do more harm than good for your body. Of course one cannot rely on diet alone to be healthy. Regular exercise and choosing a healthier lifestyle are also important for you to achieve an overall well-being.