There are new claims that apple cider vinegar can be used to help with weight loss.
A new study by the British Medical Journal into the substance, often held in high regard as a home remedy, has found that there could be actual evidence that it can be used to lose weight.
Researchers in Lebanon tracked 120 overweight people’s measurements during a 12-week period and found “significant reductions in participants in anthropometric variables (weight, body mass index, waist/hip circumferences and body fat ratio), blood glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels”.
Researchers also said: “No significant risk factors were observed during the 12 weeks of apple cider vinegar intake.”
But is this simple solution for weight loss too good to be true?
When asked by Breakfast, dietitian Caryn Zinn said: “When I see a headline and a study like this, the first thing do is get into the weeds of it and actually look at the quality of the study and try and pick it to bits.
“It turns out that that the study is actually quite solid.”
She said the study was pretty “squeaky clean”, with her only criticism that it didn’t discuss the participants different diets.
While Zinn said that apple cider vinegar was “hardly the new kid on the block”, she was “surprised” by the amount of weight loss shown in the study.
“That’s quite substantial,” she said.
She said the reason behind its weight loss properties is its insulin-sensitising effects – which make the body better at burning fat and blood sugar.
“It’s been used for lots of different elements, including skin conditions. Studies have also shown it to improve blood sugar control and digestion or indigestion.”
Zinn said it was different to weight loss drugs as there are no side effects – aside from some tooth decay, which can be reduced by drinking it through a straw.
However, like all weight loss remedies, she said: “I certainly wouldn’t rely on that for weight loss purposes alone.”
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