Vinegar and weight loss

June 23, 2:33 PMIndianapolis Diets ExaminerCathy Chambers

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  A study that will be published in  the July 8,2009 edition of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" suggests that vinegar may help prevent accumulating fat and weight gain. Japanese researchers fed mice a high fat diet combined with acetic acid, the ingredient that gives vinegar its strong smell and sour taste. The mice given the acetic acid developed 10% less body fat than mice not receiving the acetic acid.  Other recent research has suggested that vinegar might help lower blood pressure and blood sugar. 

Vinegar has been touted for its health benefits for many years. Apple cider vinegar, in particular has been linked to folk cures for everything from obesity to head lice. While some of the claims are either unproven or debunked, some appear to have some validity.

The affect of vinegar on type 2 diabetes is perhaps the best researched claim. A small study in 2007 found that diabetics who took 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed lowered their morning glucose levels by 2% to 4%. Other studies suggest that people who ate oil and vinegar on their salads several times each week had a lower incidence of heart disease. These studies were too small to be considered conclusive however and more research is necessary to provide definitive evidence of vinegar's health benefits.

Before considering the addition of vinegar to your diet, there are some facts that should be taken into consideration.

Vinegar is acidic. Apple cider vinegar should be diluted in water or some other liquid before being ingested. The acid in vinegar could erode the enamel of your teeth.

Long term use of vinegar could lower potassium levels, which could be problematic for some patients.

Vinegar contains chromium which can alter insulin levels in diabetics.

The new evidence of vinegar's potential role in weight loss does seem promising but it is important to remember that these findings are considered preliminary. Until all the evidence is in, it might be best to use vinegar as a salad dressing. If you do decide to try supplementing your diet with vinegar, check with a medical professional  first.

 For more information: Vinegar May Aid Weight Loss

Apple Cider Vinegar