The Blog
A Drink To Help You Lose Weight?
Thursday 20th April 2017
Interested In A Drink To Help You Lose Weight?
I love this Feel Good Month - dog walking after dinner in the warmer weather, not weighed down by the hideous heavy coat that would never see the light of day, literally! The air filled with the heady scent of oilseed rape and drying, cracked bridleways, no longer throwing mud up my legs with my water seeking dog! It's probably my favourite time of year as I look forward to the holidays, sun and fun ahead!
So, whilst we are busy peeling the layers off, absorbing Vitamin D from the warming sun to areas of our bodies that have not felt such freedom since the clock move last Autumn, we wouldn't be normal to not be slightly alarmed by that little bit of winter support eating that has decided to morph from comfort to company! The need to lose those few pounds before the vest tops and shorts are pulled out of storage suddenly becomes a little higher up the agenda again.
Fancy a tip? Apple Cider Vinegar.
What is it?
It' s been about for years and was actually first recorded to have been used around 5000BC. Used as a preserving and pickling agent, flavouring agent and as a medicine, a tonic, disinfectant and as a dissolving tool for stone! Vinegar is certainly no new kid on the block and has had a variety of uses.
How Is It Made?
Step 1 - crushed apples are exposed to yeast, which ferments the sugars and turns them in to alcohol.
Step 2 - bacteria is added to the alcohol solution, which ferments the apples further and turns it in to acetic acid, which is the main compound found in vinegar, which gives it the distinct sour taste and pungent smell.
Did you know the word "vinegar" actually means "sour wine" in French?
What are the benefits then?
Well, there aren't actually a great deal of vitamins and minerals present, apart from a tiny amount of potassium so not a great deal of nutrition to be consumed. Some of the good quality apple cider vinegar does contain some amino acids and antioxidants though, so maybe seek out those if you're going to give this a go. With only 3 calories per tablespoon it certainly won't be adding much to your daily calories so if you are someone who likes to try various approaches to losing weight, this can't hurt if you follow the instructions.
Satiety Benefits
For weight loss, there are studies (these are ongoing) to suggest that a daily consumption of unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar can help you feel full and eliminate some of the need for picking, or overeating. Diluting 1-2 tablespoons of it with a glass of water and sipping it before a meal or during a meal can help you eat less and feel full quicker.
Gut Bacteria Benefits
We've all heard about the gut bacteria issues related to weight gain. There is growing research to suggest that the more diverse your gut bacteria, the less likely you will be to gain weight. The way to do this would be to consume fermented, raw products in your diet, like unpasturised sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi and the unfiltered apple cider vinegar. This looks quite murky, with protein strands and enzymes, full of friendly bacteria. A good boost to your gut bacteria can do your digestion and gut health the world of good when trying to adopt a new healthier eating strategy.
Lowering Blood Sugar Benefits
There is definitely a new awaking of lowering your sugar consumption and being much more aware of blood sugar levels in our diets, and all the health implications associated with this. Some research has suggested that a daily drink of the apple cider vinegar could actually help lower your insulin response and blood glucose during meals. It could also lower your fasting blood sugar levels if you have a drink of this before bedtime. So, if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes or just wanting to reduce those insulin spikes in your day, apple cider vinegar could be one to try. If you are taking blood sugar lowering medication already though, please do speak to your doctor before embarking on it. This theory shows great promise so don't take it lightly.
Cardiovascular Disease Benefits
After some happy rats have been applied with a diet of the apple cider vinegar, theory has arisen that there are benefits to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels have both been shown to be possible. But...maybe take that fact with a pinch of salt with your vinegar, this was in rats and us humans could have a very different result.
Cancer Benefits
Back to those rats again, so not sure how encouraging this is for humans. Observational studies have shown that rice vinegar can slow the growth of tumours and cancer cells in rats in a lab environment so another area showing some potential.
Beware
If you are going to give the apple cider vinegar a go just be a little cautious of how you ingest it. It appears to be safe with no side effects from normal consumption, so keep it at that...normal! 1-2 tablespoons a day, diluted or used in dressings would be ideal. And try and get the good stuff, unfiltered and a little cloudy.
There are no scientifically backed theories here to have us all running for the shops, but there are many benefits that could very well be worth trying it for. Lowering blood sugar and assisting in weight loss are two very possible results so if you do enjoy a little bit of self-experimenting, go and stock up and give this a go.
If you find it really isn't something you can stomach, you can always use it for a whole range of other things -
- skin toner
- hair conditioner
- a marinade (with garlic, wine, soy sauce and onion)
- to wash pesticides of fruit and vegetables
- to add to your baking
- dressings for salads
- in a hot drink with cinnamon and honey, lemon and hot water
- a flea spray for your pet (1 part water, 1 part vinegar)
- detergent for cleaning
- as a weed killer
Let me know if you have any other uses! There are so many claims of weight loss products on the market it is kind of nice to see something natural to assist us a little. Not produced in a lab, altered and then filled with multiple other ingredients to form a plastic coated tablet, costing a bomb - but a naturally occurring process with the benefits of fermentation and good bacteria. No need to cut out food groups here - just feel full by this drink and eat smaller portions of wholesome foods and cooking from scratch.