:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Heres-What-Dietitians-Really-Think-About-Drinking-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-to-Help-You-Lose-Weight-416effbf7e74459aa97f42c595dded16.jpg)
Apple Cider Vinegar‘s Weight Loss Claims Remain Unsubstantiated, Experts Say
New York, NY – Despite surging popularity fueled by online trends, the purported weight loss benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) lack robust scientific backing, according to dietitians and research findings. While ACV is generally safe to incorporate into foods and beverages, experts caution against relying on it as a weight loss supplement.
The appeal of ACV stems from its fermented nature and anecdotal reports of metabolic benefits. However, most commercially available ACV undergoes pasteurization, a process that eliminates perhaps beneficial bacteria.Even raw, unfiltered ACV doesn’t contain a sufficient quantity of live bacteria to be considered a probiotic food, as defined by the National Institutes of Health.
Dietitians emphasize that while some research suggests ACV may aid in blood sugar management – specifically in individuals with diabetes - these findings don’t translate to a guaranteed weight loss effect for the general population. Preliminary studies hint at potential cholesterol-lowering properties, but further investigation is required.
“I would not recommend consuming it as a stand-alone daily beverage,as it is vrey acidic and could damage your tooth enamel,increasing the risk of tooth decay,” warns Salge Blake,a registered dietitian. Consuming ACV undiluted can also cause throat irritation and stomach upset.
Experts agree that enjoying ACV’s flavor in salad dressings, marinades, or mocktails is acceptable, but advise against drinking it straight. A “food-first approach” - incorporating ACV as a flavoring agent rather than a therapeutic remedy – remains the most sensible strategy. Currently, there isn’t enough research to definitively link ACV to weight loss, and it’s unlikely to address issues like bloating or constipation.
