Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a fermented apple drink that is regularly raved about for its health benefits. The acidic tonic is considered a diet must-have if you want to lose weight. But if you’ve put on a few lockdown pounds and are thinking of giving it a go, you may find it’s a bit hard to stomach if you’ve not tried it before.
The drink is a bit of an acquired taste – but if you can get it into your diet, it’s thought to be an effective weight loss aid.
Though it started out as a celebrity weight loss trend, there is some basis to its proclaimed health benefits.
Emily Rollason, nutritionist at Holland & Barrett explained: “A recent study featured in the Journal of Functional Foods found that dieters who drank just 1.5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar a day lost more weight than those who followed a simple diet.”
It’s thought that this is down to the way it affects your digestion.
“Many experts believe that ACV may work by helping to reduce appetite as a result of its high level of acetic acid,” continued Emily, “which can help reduce the absorption of starch in food and slow down the digestive process, meaning we don’t feel hungry and reduced to snacking.”
READ MORE: Apple cider vinegar: The key weight loss ingredient to check for
The findings could be good news for Britons who are hoping to shape up now that the country is slowly easing restrictions on going out and travelling.
The UK Lockdown Diet Report revealed that almost half of Brits (47 percent) say they have put on weight since the start of lockdown.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also announced the government’s efforts to tackle obesity, after concluding that his own weight may have impacted his experience of the coronavirus.
But while apple cider vinegar might be beneficial for those looking to lose weight, the fermented drink isn’t the most delicious diet aid.
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What’s more, it’s not just the unique taste that might put some dieters off – but the potential side effects too.
However, by cheating it into your diet in different ways, you can still reap the rewards of the superfood.
“Some people simply don’t like the taste of ACV, but there are other reasons to look into different delivery methods,” agreed Emily.
“The vinegar is naturally very acidic, so may erode tooth enamel.
“And although drinking water afterwards could help, if you’re prone to acid reflux, take care; vinegars generally can exacerbate acid reflux.”
Read on for Emily’s inside secrets on how to keep your apple cider vinegar habit up, without the aftertaste.
Just add water
If you’re going to drink it, don’t have it neat – always dilute it. Stir two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a large glass of water before bedtime. On its own, vinegar’s acidic nature means it can be harsh on your throat and damage your teeth.
Use it as an alternative to salt
Trying to cut down on your sodium intake? Swap salt for a dash of apple cider vinegar to enhance the flavour of your usual meals.
Take it with honey
has combined its unfiltered apple cider vinegar with organic honey for a sweeter taste that’s still packed with all the nutritional benefits of ACV, or you can mix your own. Use it as a salad dressing, cereal topping or diluted as a refreshing drink.
Dissolve it
Effervescent drinks help with quick absorption, and can often combine additional vitamins, which can boost your weight loss goals further.
from Holland & Barrett features chromium, which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels and helps your body metabolise macronutrients, as well as Vitamin B6, which contributes to your metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Take a daily supplement
If you’re watching your weight, it’s likely that you’re also missing out on your favourite sweets. Satisfy your sweet tooth with an ACV boost with Yumi Nutrition ACV gummies, developed with a blend of apple cider vinegar, pomegranate, beetroot, vitamin B12 and folic acid.
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