Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular food supplement that has been touted as a miracle cure for weight loss. ACV is often paired with the keto diet, which is a high-fat, low-carb diet. The combination of the two is said to accelerate fat-burning and lead to rapid weight loss. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims. While some studies have shown that ACV may aid in weight loss, improve digestion, and regulate blood sugar levels, these studies are limited and not specific to individuals on the keto diet.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 1 tablespoon (15ml) of apple cider vinegar contains 1 gram of total and net carbs. |
Calories | Apple cider vinegar has no fat, calories or protein. |
Weight Loss | A 2009 study found that apple cider vinegar modestly reduced body weight and belly fat in obese adults. However, the results were not conclusive and more research is needed. |
Blood Sugar Control | Some research suggests that apple cider vinegar may help lower blood sugar levels. |
Cholesterol Lowering | A meta-analysis of nine studies found that apple cider vinegar lowers total cholesterol. |
Antimicrobial Properties | Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. |
Improved Insulin Sensitivity | Some studies show that having apple cider vinegar with meals improved the participant's insulin response. |
Improved Mood | A recent study found that college students taking apple cider vinegar experienced an improvement in mood. |
Cardiovascular Health | Apple cider vinegar may contribute to heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels. |
Detoxification | Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which is said to help cleanse the body of toxins. |
Improved Digestion | Apple cider vinegar may enhance digestion by increasing stomach acid and aiding in the breakdown of food. |
Increased Energy Levels | Apple cider vinegar contains B vitamins, which help convert food into energy. |
What You'll Learn
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is keto-friendly
ACV is keto-friendly because it is a low-carb condiment. One tablespoon provides only 0.1g of carbohydrates along with a small dose of several minerals and phytochemicals. The acetic acid in ACV has been found to slow the breakdown of starches and provide a more gradual release of blood glucose. A review of clinical trials concluded that adding vinegar to the diet for 8-12 weeks resulted in a small but significant reduction in mean HbA1c, an indicator of long-term glycemic control.
ACV can be beneficial for people on a keto diet in several ways. Firstly, it can help with blood sugar control by reducing blood glucose levels and the resulting insulin response after meals. Secondly, it can aid in appetite control as it slows down digestion and improves overall blood glucose levels. Thirdly, ACV may contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation. Additionally, ACV has antimicrobial properties and can help fight bacteria, fungi, and possibly even viruses.
There are several ways to incorporate ACV into your keto diet. You can add it to salad dressings, use it as a marinade for chicken or fish, or add it to stir-fries. You can also make a "detox" drink by adding a spoonful of ACV to a glass of water, along with ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, or lemon juice. However, it is important to consume ACV in moderation as excessive intake can lead to side effects such as tooth enamel erosion and digestive issues.
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ACV may help with weight loss
Secondly, ACV may aid in weight loss by improving blood sugar control. Several studies have found that ACV can help stabilise blood sugar levels, which can reduce instances of hanger and subsequent snacking or overeating.
Lastly, ACV has been linked to increased fat loss. A 2009 study found that participants who consumed 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar per day for 12 weeks experienced a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference. However, it is important to note that the weight loss observed in this study was modest, and more extensive studies are needed to confirm these effects.
While ACV may have potential weight loss benefits, it is not a magic bullet for weight loss. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are still the most effective strategies for healthy and sustainable weight loss. Additionally, it is important to consume ACV in moderation and dilute it with water to prevent potential damage to the teeth and digestive tract due to its high acidity.
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ACV can help with blood sugar control
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been touted as a cure-all for many ailments, but does it really work? While ACV is not a cure-all, it does have some proven health benefits. One of the most well-researched benefits of ACV is its ability to help with blood sugar control.
ACV has been shown to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. Several studies have found that consuming ACV with meals or at bedtime can significantly lower blood glucose levels. One small study published in the Journal of the American Association of Diabetes in 2004 found that participants who consumed 20 grams of ACV after a meal had lower blood glucose levels 30 and 60 minutes later. Another clinical trial published in Diabetes Care in 2007 found that participants with type 2 diabetes who took 2 tablespoons of ACV at bedtime had lower fasting blood sugars in the morning.
The mechanism behind ACV's blood sugar-lowering effects is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve delaying gastric emptying, or the time it takes for food to leave the stomach. ACV may also increase glucose storage in the liver and increase the metabolism of fats. Additionally, research suggests that ACV is most effective at lowering blood sugar when consumed with meals that include complex carbohydrates rather than simple sugars.
While ACV is not a replacement for diabetes medication, it can be a safe addition to a diabetes treatment plan for those who do not have kidney disease. It is important to note that ACV should be consumed in moderation, as large amounts can reduce potassium levels and cause side effects such as tooth enamel erosion. The recommended dosage is typically 1-2 tablespoons diluted in a glass of water.
In conclusion, while ACV is not a cure-all, it can be a helpful tool for people with diabetes or prediabetes who are looking for ways to manage their blood sugar levels. However, it is always recommended to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before adding ACV or any other supplement to your diet.
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ACV can help with appetite control
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used as a health tonic for thousands of years. ACV is made in a two-step fermentation process. First, apples are cut or crushed and combined with yeast to convert their sugar into alcohol. Second, bacteria are added to ferment the alcohol into acetic acid. Acetic acid is the main active component of apple cider vinegar.
ACV has been linked to several health benefits, including improved gut health, lower blood sugar and insulin levels, improved insulin sensitivity, lower fasting blood sugar, and decreased cholesterol levels. ACV has also been shown to kill harmful bacteria and viruses.
While ACV has been touted as a weight loss aid, the research supporting this claim is limited and inconclusive. However, one particular benefit of ACV that may aid weight loss is its potential ability to suppress appetite.
A 2022 literature review examined seven studies, and found that four out of six short-term studies showed that apple cider vinegar reduced appetite. However, none of the long-term studies indicated this result. It's important to note that the short-term studies used vinegar containing at least 24.6 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) of acetic acid, and it's unclear if the same results would occur with vinegars of different concentrations.
Additionally, a 2018 clinical trial found that participants who consumed about 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of apple cider vinegar daily over 12 weeks lost significantly more weight and body fat than those who did not. However, this study had several limitations, including a lack of a control or placebo group, and the fact that it did not account for other factors influencing weight loss, such as nutrition or exercise.
While the available research suggests that ACV may help suppress appetite, more studies, particularly long-term ones, are needed to confirm this effect. Furthermore, it's important to note that consuming too much ACV can have side effects, such as tooth enamel erosion and gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, it's recommended to consume no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of ACV per day, diluted in water, and preferably before meals.
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ACV may have antimicrobial properties
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been hailed for its antimicrobial properties. ACV is made from an alcoholic fermentation process of a combination of apples, sugar, and yeast. The constituents include 5% acetic acid, mother of vinegar enzymes, as well as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. One of these ingredients, acetic acid, has potent antimicrobial properties.
ACV has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. In one study, the minimum dilution of ACV required for growth inhibition varied for each microbial species. For C. albicans, a 1/2 ACV had the strongest effect, for S. aureus, a 1/25 dilution of ACV was required, and for E. coli cultures, a 1/50 ACV dilution was required.
ACV has also been found to be effective at killing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which is the bacteria responsible for staph infections. Another test tube study found that ACV was as effective as 5% sodium hypochlorite at killing Enterococcus faecalis, which occurs naturally in the bowel and gut of healthy humans but can cause serious infections.
ACV has also been shown to have antibacterial properties against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and resistant Escherichia coli. The minimum dilution of ACV required for growth inhibition was comparable for both bacteria (1/25 dilution of ACV liquid and ACV tablets at 200 µg/ml were effective against rE. coli and MRSA).
The antimicrobial capabilities of ACV have been verified clinically in a case of vaginal candida. A study in which diabetics were given ACV orally found that it increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. This could be an important factor in its antimicrobial attributes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, apple cider vinegar is keto-friendly. A 1-tablespoon serving contains only 3 calories and trace amounts of carbs (about one-tenth of a gram).
Some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may aid weight loss by promoting fullness and increasing fat loss. However, the effects are not specific to people on keto, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Apple cider vinegar is believed to have several health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, appetite support, cardiovascular health, and protection against bacteria and viruses.
You can add apple cider vinegar to your keto diet in several ways, such as making a "detox" drink, adding it to salad dressings, using it as a marinade, or including it in stir-fries. Just be mindful of the amount you consume, as excessive intake can have side effects.