Apple cider vinegar is yet another of the fad diet trends. References to apple cider vinegar causing weight loss are actually nothing new. The first publication suggesting apple cider vinegar caused weight loss was the 1958 book, Folk Medicine by Dr. D.C. Jarvis. Jarvis’ book started fads and trends like the apple cider vinegar diet, which has come in and out of popularity since the 1960s.

The trouble with Jarvis’ book, and all other books that followed his advice is that studies have shown apple cider vinegar does not cause weight loss. Advice for using apple cider vinegar suggests taking two tablespoons before each meal. Theoretically, this might make a person want to eat a little bit less, since many find the taste of apple cider vinegar unappealing. In other words, it might make you slightly less hungry.

To counter the rather nasty taste of apple cider vinegar, some companies now sell it in pill form. If any potential benefit is to be derived from this vinegar, putting it in pill form eliminates it. The very sour taste is key to eating less, and thus possibly shedding a little bit of weight. Taking away that taste means the appetite will not be suppressed as a result of apple cider vinegar.

The good news about apple cider vinegar is that is unlikely to harbor the many side effects of other weight loss medications. It doesn’t stimulate the central nervous system and thus doesn’t risk problems people encounter with caffeine or ephedrine based diet pills. Apple cider vinegar also has some minerals and vitamins, which make it good for you, even if it isn’t promoting weight loss.

In a diet-obsessed culture like the United States, we continue to look for the miracle drug, or the miracle diet that will provoke instant weight loss. Many years of research into this matter have found that only a sensible diet and sufficient exercise promotes healthy weight loss. While instant weight loss from products like apple cider vinegar would be wonderful, consumers should beware false claims, urban legends, and untested substances.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) suggests that people avoid diets that claim huge weight loss amounts, which is more than two pounds a week. According to the AAFP, people should also not try any diet that isn’t based on nutritional foods, that makes dramatic weight loss claims, or that advocates eating only one kind of food (protein, the ice cream diet, etc). Consumers should also be wary of any diet that demands a great deal of money upfront.

In reality, products like apple cider vinegar make us avoid the reality of losing weight. This simple truth proved over and again by research, is that the surest way to lose weight is to eat a healthy moderate diet and get plenty of exercise. This is not a miracle cure but a healthy approach to eating and living, which can promote gradual weight loss.