Drinking apple cider vinegar each day promotes weight loss, new study finds
Drinking apple cider vinegar has gained popularity as a weight-loss method, but does it truly aid in slimming down? (CREDIT: Creative Commons)
Drinking apple cider vinegar has gained popularity as a weight-loss method, but does it truly aid in slimming down?
A recent study observed Lebanese teenagers and young adults who consumed up to one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar daily for 12 weeks. The results, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention, & Health, showed an average weight loss of 15 pounds among participants.
Additionally, their blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels decreased by the end of the study. Notably, this research is the first to investigate the effects of apple cider vinegar on weight loss specifically in younger individuals.
Rony Abou-Khalil, PhD, head of the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at Holy Spirit University of Kaslik in Lebanon and lead author of the study, explained the rationale behind focusing on this age group: “We were motivated to explore potential natural remedies for weight reduction that could offer safe and effective alternatives to traditional interventions.”
The study aimed to address the lack of research on apple cider vinegar's effects on younger individuals and to potentially prevent long-term health complications associated with obesity.
The study recruited 120 participants aged 12 to 25 and divided them into four groups. Three groups were instructed to consume 5, 10, or 15 milliliters (ml) of apple cider vinegar each morning, while the fourth group received a placebo.
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Over the 12-week period, participants in the apple cider vinegar groups experienced weight loss, with the group consuming 15 ml daily showing the most significant reduction.
This group lost an average of about 18 pounds, while the 10 ml and 5 ml groups lost approximately 14 and 10 pounds respectively. Waist and hip circumference as well as body mass index (BMI) also decreased across all three apple cider vinegar groups.
Apple cider vinegar and weight loss: Study results
In addition to weight loss, improvements in blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were observed among participants. This study stands out as the first to evaluate apple cider vinegar's impact on health beyond weight loss, particularly among younger individuals.
Study results: Biochemical variables of the participants at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12. (CREDIT: BMJ)
Regarding the potential mechanisms behind apple cider vinegar's effects on weight loss, Abou-Khalil suggested a few theories. "One proposed mechanism is that ACV may help to increase feelings of satiety, leading to reduced calorie intake," he noted. "Additionally, ACV has been suggested to influence metabolism and insulin sensitivity, potentially contributing to fat oxidation and reduced fat storage."
Despite the promising findings, Abou-Khalil urged caution due to the study's limitations. The 12-week duration might not have been sufficient to establish a firm association between apple cider vinegar and weight loss. Longer-term studies could provide insights into the sustainability of the observed effects over time.
Additionally, the small sample size, focus solely on adolescents and young adults, and lack of diversity among participants limit the generalizability of the findings. Abou-Khalil emphasized, "Our study focused on the Lebanese population, and cultural and dietary practices may vary among different ethnic groups."
While the study suggests a potential benefit of apple cider vinegar in weight loss and improving metabolic health among teenagers and young adults, further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore its applicability across diverse populations.
Additionally, individuals considering apple cider vinegar as a weight-loss aid should approach it with caution and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
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