Power Eating
Lauren Jacobsen
BSc. (Biochemistry)
Lauren received a degree in biochemistry from Trent University in Ontario, Canada where she studied creatine and its effects on sport performance. After graduating, Lauren decided to use her biochemistry background to develop performance-enhancing supplements for many of the top supplement companies in the industry. Lauren also practices what she preaches and has competed in bodybuilding and figure competitions throughout the world. In fact, Lauren placed 1st at the Canadian Natural Nationals, qualifying to compete at the IFBB Women’s World Championships in Spain as part of Team Canada! Lauren’s also a regular contributor to Inside Fitness. She’s also the co host of the hit TV show “Body Fuel” where she presents viewers with the proper use of sports supplements for enhancing athletic performance. Lauren will arm you with the latest research on novel ingredients, delivery systems and of course new product releases. If there’s something that works or is a downright scam, Lauren will be the first to report on it!
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Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help You Lose Weight?
Q. I keep seeing ads for apple cider vinegar that claim it detoxifies the body and helps you lose fat. Is there any science to this stuff, or is it an outright scam?
A. The supporting science for apple cider vinegar is weak at best. Apple cider vinegar is made by the fermentation of apple cider, whereby the fermentation process breaks down sugar in the apple cider into alcohol and vinegar—mostly acetic acid, which is supposed to be the active ingredient for fat loss.
Apple cider vinegar has been on the weight-loss market for a long time—since the 1970s—and in all that time, there is very little research to support its effectiveness for weight loss or fat burning. One small study found that obese individuals who consumed the active ingredient of apple cider vinegar (acetic acid) each day for 12 weeks experienced decreases in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels. It’s thought that the vinegar can reduce appetite, increase the body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates, and decrease gastric emptying.
Two studies showed that ingesting two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before meals could increase satiety. The same studies also showed a decrease in insulin dependency among type II diabetic suffers participating in the study. It has also been shown in mice that acetic acid can increase the expression of fatty acid oxidation enzymes, therefore decreasing stored body fat.
Further research on humans needs to be undertaken to truly understand if this vinegar is an effective weight-loss and fat-burning agent. As for detoxification, it’s thought that ingesting the acid can help remove toxins from the body, but there’s little evidence to support this.
Furthermore, ingesting too much apple cider vinegar can cause some serious side effects that aren’t beneficial to your health, including erosion and damage to the esophagus, kidneys, and stomach lining as well as tooth decay and bone loss.
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