Q&A: Can Apple Cider Vinegar Really Help You Lose Weight?

The question: Miranda Kerr reportedly uses apple cider vinegar on her salads to stay slim, while Megan Fox mixes it with water to "clean out her system," according to The Daily Mail. So can apple cider vinegar actually help you lose weight?

The expert: Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., a senior dietician at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City

The answer: In short, no. Apple cider vinegar should not be considered a weight-loss aid, says London. "The studies that have been done are small and not well-designed." Something called "delayed gastric emptying" is the best argument among the theories circulating about apple cider vinegar's weight-loss power; the idea is that apple cider vinegar assists in this process, so you'll feel more satiated. Still, London says the research that's been done on apple cider vinegar so far isn't compelling enough to be a reason to consume it just to help you drop pounds.

That said, if apple cider vinegar will motivate you to eat more salads (like Miranda), then go for it. "I'm all about anything that will encourage people to eat more veggies and fruits, and apple cider vinegar does make a nice salad dressing," says London. On top of that, it'll add a sweet and tangy flavor for zero calories, which certainly can't hurt your waistline.

Another potential benefit of the liquid is its antioxidant power. After apples are fermented into vinegar, nutrients like beta-carotene, calcium, and potassium still remain. "The antioxidant, antimicrobial effect of the apple cider vinegar may help the skin, as some of the stars are claiming," says London. "We know diets high in antioxidants protect cells and provide a whole range of health benefits." When it comes to the skin, antioxidants have protective benefits, like helping protect against harmful UV rays and encouraging cell regrowth, which may be why celebs are crediting it for their youthful glows.

So, bottom line? Apple cider vinegar isn't bad for you, so if you're into the flavor then definitely feel free to add more of it to your meals—but don't expect it to make weight magically fall off, either.

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