Part 3 in a series about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar.
As mentioned in previous posts, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a beneficial natural healing remedy that reduces blood pressure and also helps control blood sugar in diabetics. It has also been shown helpful in weight loss.
There are various theories about the mechanism by which ACV aids weight loss. These theories state the beneficial enzymes and acids in ACV work to cause appetite suppression, increased metabolism, reduction of water retention, and encouraging a general feeling of well-being leading to weight loss.
APPETITE SUPPRESSION and the INSULIN CONNECTION
A Swedish study showed that vinegar taken in liquid form before a meal, helps dieters eat less. According to Elin Ostman, “There is a direct relationship between increased acetic acid and satiety.” The study can be found here. However, what I find more interesting in this study is the reduction of glycemic index (GI) of the meal resulting in lower insulin output. Less blood sugar and less serum insulin means fewer carbohydrate calories are shuttled to the cells to be stored as fat. Voila! Weight loss!
I have been using ACV myself – 1 tablespoon in water at mid-day – for a few months now. I have lost about 8 lbs without really paying much attention to my diet. I still eat way too much chocolate and other sweets; however, I believe the ACV does seem to be having an effect on my insulin levels and thus my weight.
INCREASE IN METABOLISM
Some theorists believe ACV increases your metabolism, thus allowing you to burn more calories throughout the day. The acetic acid (the primary acid found in vinegar) can help release iron in the foods you eat and make it more available for oxygen-carrying hemoglobin. The more iron that is absorbed, the more oxygen is made available to your cells for energy production resulting in weight loss.
At rest, our body’s metabolism is fueled by a substance called growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. ACV helps with digestion of protein – the building block of growth hormone. More protein available allows more growth hormone to be produced thus increasing your metabolism while you are at rest. Every calorie burned, whether actively or while your body is at rest, contributes to weight loss.
REDUCTION IN WATER RETENTION
ACV contains potassium which balances the sodium in our diets that can contribute to water weight-gain. The less excess water in our cells, the less bloat we have, and that shows favorably on the scale.
FEELING GOOD
As mentioned above, ACV contributes to the breakdown and assimilation of proteins. Tryptophan is an amino acid made from protein. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin – the “feel good” neurotransmitter. When our serotonin is optimized we feel happy, calm, relaxed and much less prone to stress or binge eating. Fewer empty calories shoveled into our mouths at times of stress or depression potentially leads to weight loss.
Remember – the Apple Cider Vinegar referred to here, as a natural healing remedy for weight loss, is raw, unfiltered, natural ACV. It will be brown and contain a brown sediment referred to as “the Mother of Vinegar”. To order, please click here.
