There are many products which claim to be quick fixes when it comes to weight loss.
Diet pills, fads and unrealistic fitness trends can suck you in only to fall flat in delivering on their one promise.
But scientists have been investigating the effects of apple cider vinegar on weight loss in recent years and there has been consistently encouraging evidence of its beneficial effect on the body.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made from crushed apples combined with yeast and bacteria for fermentation.
The major active component of ACV is acetic avid, also known as ethanoic acid.
This organic compound has a sour taste and strong smell. It also has powerful benefits for weight loss, according to research.
A 2008 study on normal and diabetic rats found ACV lowered their LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fat), while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
This led researchers to conclude the vinegar may help to manage diabetes complications such as heart disease.
Another study in 2005 found intake of acetic acid in rats helped lower blood sugar levels, decrease insulin, improve metabolism, reduce fat storage, burn fat and suppress appetite.
ACV is power packed with nutrients, including pectins, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.
A 2005 study found a link between ACV and suppressed appetite, which led to decrease caloric intake.
Those who took vinegar with a high-carb meal reported a 55 per cent drop in blood sugar response one hour later.
They also consumed 200-275 few calories over the course of the day.
A study from 2009 on adults proved even more promising. Average weight loss after consuming one tablespoon of ACV per day for 12 weeks totalled 2.6lbs.
Consuming two tablespoons for the same length of time resulted in 3.7lbs average weight loss.
While there is a lot of evidence to suggest ACV has incredible benefits when it comes to helping you lose weight, not all research has confirmed a definitive link.
One study in 2011 found the vinegar actually increased both good and bad cholesterol in rats.
Taking it over a long period of time has sometimes resulted in conditions like low potassium levels, but short term use is relatively low risk.
Whether or not it actually aids the weight loss process, there are many other purported benefits of the substance.
Research suggests ACV can be helpful with teeth cleaning and whitening, skin, hair and nails, coughs and sore throats and even as an all-purpose cleaner.
Apple cider might also help to get rid of dandruff.
It can be taken by the tablespoon, in juice or water or used directly on meals, in cooking or as salad dressing.
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