Strange as it may be I’ve only used apple cider as a weight loss tool, I’ve never used it in a recipe before. I get the sense that other people also regard apple cider vinegar as an method to decrease your appetite and help burn off that extra fat you have. So just what are the real apple cider vinegar benefits? Does it really work, and why?
I write about this as part of my own personal closure with this weight loss tactic. I too once heard about the miracle weight loss results that apple cider had. Testimonies of people who had nothing to sell other than good news seemed convincing. I drank it accordingly, and begrudgingly, holding my nose and diluting it heavily in water. I did lose my normally hearty appetite, and got a little extra ‘zesty’ boost of energy immediately afterwards, but I didn’t notice any particular benefit other than not wanting to eat or drink anything else. I did this for about two weeks and ultimately went on to discovering the wonders and goodness of a high raw food diet- which ultimately worked and to date is the one food lifestyle I will recommend to anyone willing to listen to me.
But back to apple cider benefits- what are they? After researching a bit more, I found what first intrigued me. Here’s the dish:
There is no documented research or ‘proof’ that apple cider vinegar works as a weight loss tool, however there are many theories and even professional recommendations. Dr D.C. Jarvis, MD reportedly recommended people to take 1-2 teaspoons of the vinegar mixed with a cup of water before every meal. Honey can be added to help it go down.
Through regular use, a person is expected to continually lose weight slowly when taking this mixture. Again there is no proof on how this works, but the going guess is that it does affect most people as an appetite suppressant, while increasing your metabolism and reducing water retention. These are three key factors when it comes to weight loss.
Allegedly, apple cider vinegar dates back to Hippocrates who used a mixture of it as an energy booster and “healing” drink, the latter being interpretive surely.
Within the fermentation process, the benefits of apples are partially maintained and enzymes abound which are good for one’s digestion.
Many people are quick to point out that not all apple cider can be expected to have great benefits. The apple cider vinegar which has been pasteurized (heated) does not maintain the same qualities (so maybe that was my problem- not getting the best kind) but nonetheless has reportedly helped people.
Apple cider vinegar benefits the hair too. People have used the vinegar as a rinse mixed with water that reportedly improves hair quality and shine after just a few applications.
Seemingly, there are no shortages of apple cider benefits. What I like best about it is that it is a very affordable tip to try without any side effects if you use it reasonably. Who knows, it just may work for you- and if it does, I’d like to know about it!
