Dieters can attest to the fact that all diet plans entail discipline and hard work. Diet regimens alter your eating habits and that’s enough to make you grumpy and you fell deprived of the foods that you have come to enjoy eating. But most of these foods are trashy foods that your body doesn’t really need. Changing something that you have been doing for so many years is going to be a long process. There are some people who easily develop the discipline to change their eating habits and lifestyle because they want to make a big change. Unfortunately, not everyone is as strong-willed, that’s why some people take comfort in the fact that there are diet plans to choose from, depending on the degree of difficulty.
One of the “easier” diet regimes is the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet. The diet is getting a lot of attention lately because it doesn’t take too much work and they are seeing some results. It will only let you swallow 2 to 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar before every meal. Sounds very easy, but before jumping into the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet bandwagon, you need to know what it is and what it does to your body. Apple cider vinegar is acetic acid created when apple undergoes fermentation. When a fruit undergoes fermentation, the sugars are broken down by bacteria and yeast. The sugars are then converted into alcohol and further fermentation results into an acidic solution known as vinegar.
There is really no required dosage but people take 2 to 3 teaspoons of the apple cider vinegar. It is believed that the combination of the acidic solution and fruit pectin creates a “fat-burning effect” that helps you lose some of the excess fats in your body. This is the main belief that Apple Cider Vinegar Diet is built on. The reasoning behind the diet is so simple that’s why it becomes very appealing. But more than the “ease-of-use”, vinegar has been used for thousands of years to cure whatever ails people back in the days. It’s used to cure head lice; used as a disinfectant; eases digestion; washes toxins; and helps in weight loss, among other things. Recent studies also suggest that vinegar helps lower glucose levels, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. It is also said to slow down the growth of cancer cells. So, it’s no surprise that apple cider vinegar is being marketed as a miracle tonic.
With any other diet plans, you also need to know the risks or the disadvantages. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic. When consumed, there is a chance that you can damage your tooth enamel, tissues in mouth, throat, esophagus, or even stomach. Hence, it is recommended that you dilute the vinegar with juice or water before swallowing. Long-term use of apple cider vinegar may also cause low potassium levels. If you are suffering from osteoporosis, then you might want to steer clear of this diet. Also, since vinegar is acetic acid, it may cause interaction with medicines that you take. If you are currently under medication, it’s best to consult your physician before starting the diet.
With small amounts of apple cider vinegar being ingested, there is no substantial risk at all. However, if you consume larger amounts over a long period, you might be exposing yourself to some health risks.