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Glass bottle of apple cider vinegar with fresh red apple, apple slice, and green leaves on bright yellow background.

L'aceto di mele aiuta a perdere peso?

Apple cider vinegar is often praised by celebrities and wellness ‘influencers’ as a natural remedy for weight loss, appetite suppression, and better blood sugar control. But what does the science actually show? In this article, we look at what the research says and how you might use it safely for weight management.

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What does the research say?

Some studies have suggested that consuming apple cider vinegar - maybe a teaspoon a day or adding it to salad dressings - can help with perdita di peso.

In one study, 39 people followed a low-calorie diet for three months. Some of them took apple cider vinegar daily, while others did not. By the end of the study, the group who consumed apple cider vinegar lost slightly more weight than those who didn’t.

However, the study was small and short-term, so it’s unclear whether the vinegar was actually responsible for the extra weight loss1.

How apple cider vinegar might help you lose weight

It may boost insulin sensitivity

Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar, breaks down fat, and helps store energy. When your body doesn’t respond well to insulin-called insulin resistance-it makes more insulin, which keeps blood sugar high and can lead to diabete di tipo 2.

Some research suggests that apple cider vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity, helping the body use sugar and burn fat more effectively.

Reema Patel, registered dietitian at Dietician Fit, notes that it might lower blood sugar and insulin levels during high-carb meals2 which could help people with type 2 diabetes. However, the study was very small (only 29 people), and vinegar should not replace medical treatment.

The best way to manage blood sugar and support weight loss is a dieta sana, limiting refined carbs and sugar, and regular exercise.

It may help you feel full for longer

Research also suggests that apple cider vinegar may also help you feel full for longer, which could help reduce your appetite.

One review of studies that explored the short-term effects of apple cider vinegar found that people who consumed it with a meal felt full for two hours after eating and snacked less over the day. However, other studies carried out over longer periods did not find any link between apple cider vinegar and appetite suppression3.

Instead of relying on apple cider vinegar, it may be better to stick to a healthy diet with plenty of whole grains, which take longer to digest and help you feel fuller for longer.

It may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels

Other studies also suggest that apple cider vinegar may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels4. Cholesterol is a natural, fatty substance that is found in the blood, but having too much colesterolo can lead to malattie cardiache.

Are there any downsides to apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is acidic and can damage the enamel on your teeth, so it should be diluted or added to a salad dressing, instead of being consumed on its own. It may also cause an upset stomach and bruciore di stomaco.

Vinegar can also change your insulin levels, so people with diabetes should be careful and speak to their doctor before trying any supplements or dietary changes that may affect their medication.

Should you use apple cider vinegar for weight loss?

Overall, the results of studies are mixed. Apple cider vinegar alone - without eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise - is unlikely to lead to weight loss.

However, it may help support a healthy diet for some people. It can be easily drunk by the teaspoon, or added to salads or vegetables to add flavour. And even if it doesn't help with weight loss, it can make a great addition to a salad dressing.

Ulteriori letture

  1. Beneficial effects of apple cider vinegar on weight management, Visceral Adiposity Index and lipid profile in overweight or obese subjects receiving restricted calorie diet: A randomised clinical trial.

  2. Johnston et al: Vinegar improves insulin sensitivity to a high-carbohydrate meal in subjects with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

  3. The effects of vinegar/acetic acid intake on appetite measures and energy consumption: A systematic literature review.

  4. Hadi et al: The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.

Domande frequenti

What is insulin sensitivity and why is it important for weight management?

Insulin is a hormone vital for controlling blood sugar, breaking down fat, and storing energy. When your body has good insulin sensitivity, it uses insulin effectively. If your body doesn't respond well to insulin (insulin resistance), it produces more insulin, which keeps blood sugar high and can contribute to type 2 diabetes. Improving insulin sensitivity helps your body use sugar and burn fat more effectively, which can be beneficial for managing blood sugar and supporting weight loss.

Does apple cider vinegar have any effects on cholesterol?

Some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a natural fatty substance found in the blood, and keeping it at healthy levels is important because too much can lead to heart disease.

Are there any risks if I have diabetes and want to try apple cider vinegar?

Yes, if you have diabetes, you should be cautious. Apple cider vinegar can influence your insulin levels. It's important to speak to your doctor before you make any dietary changes or try new supplements, as they could affect your medication or blood sugar control.

What is the best way to consume apple cider vinegar to avoid potential side effects?

Apple cider vinegar is acidic and can damage tooth enamel, so it should be diluted before consumption. You can dilute it with water or add it to salad dressings. This also helps to prevent potential side effects like an upset stomach or heartburn.

How does apple cider vinegar compare to whole grains for feeling full?

While some research suggests apple cider vinegar might help you feel full for a short period, consistent effects over longer terms haven't been widely established. For a more reliable way to feel full for longer, it's often recommended to include plenty of whole grains in your diet, as they take longer to digest.

Informazioni sull'autoreVisualizza il profilo completo

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Lydia Smith

Scrittore di articoli

BA, MA, MSc

Lydia Smith è una giornalista pluripremiata e scrittrice di articoli che ha scritto ampiamente sulla salute delle donne e sulla salute mentale. Attualmente sta studiando per un MSc in psicologia.

Informazioni sul recensoreVisualizza il profilo completo

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Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

Medico di base, Autore medico

MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH

Il Dr Colin Tidy è un medico del NHS, con sede nell'Oxfordshire.

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