Does apple cider vinegar really have health super powers? | BBC News

Summary

This script by a registered nutritionist delves into the wellness buzz around apple cider vinegar, addressing its claims for weight loss and insulin sensitivity. Despite a recent 2024 study, the expert calls for larger sample sizes for robust conclusions. The 'health halo' effect is highlighted, cautioning against overestimating its benefits without sufficient evidence. The speaker advises consulting healthcare professionals before incorporating it into one's diet to avoid digestive issues, emphasizing the need for more rigorous research.

Takeaways

• 🍎 Apple cider vinegar is a popular topic in the wellness space, often discussed for its purported health benefits.
• 📊 A new 2024 study, a randomized control trial, provides some data on apple cider vinegar's effects, but the speaker suggests a larger sample size is needed for definitive conclusions.
• 🌟 The speaker refers to apple cider vinegar as having a 'health halo', meaning it's perceived as superior in health benefits without full scientific backing.
• 🐁 There's a mention of rodent trials and a small number of human trials, indicating that research is still in early stages.
• 🔍 The most recent study focused on overweight and obese individuals, suggesting potential benefits for weight loss, but more research is needed.
• 🏥 The speaker advises caution, especially for those with type 1 diabetes, as the effects of apple cider vinegar on type 1 diabetes are different from type 2.
• ⚠️ There's a warning about potential digestive discomfort if apple cider vinegar is not properly diluted, highlighting the need for correct consumption methods.
• 🧑‍⚕️ The speaker recommends consulting with a healthcare professional before incorporating apple cider vinegar into one's diet due to its potential effects on the digestive system.
• 🧪 The science behind apple cider vinegar's health claims is described as 'on the edge' and not robust enough for broad public health recommendations.

Q & A

What is apple cider vinegar often associated with in the wellness space?

Apple cider vinegar is often associated with health benefits such as weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, and it is frequently discussed in the wellness space.

What is the speaker's profession and why do they encounter apple cider vinegar discussions frequently?

The speaker is a registered nutritionist, and they encounter discussions about apple cider vinegar frequently because many people come to them with claims they've heard about its health benefits.

What type of study was mentioned in the script that was released in 2024?

The study mentioned in the script is a randomized control trial with good data behind it, but the speaker believes more research with a larger sample size is needed.

What does the term 'health Halo' refer to in the context of the nutrition industry?

The term 'health Halo' refers to a perception that certain foods, like apple cider vinegar, are superior to others due to their associated health benefits, even if the scientific evidence is not yet robust.

Why might people be more inclined to consume apple cider vinegar?

People might be more inclined to consume apple cider vinegar because it is perceived as a health Halo food, linked to health benefits, which makes it more appealing for consumption.

What are the current limitations in understanding the mechanisms of apple cider vinegar's effects on health?

The mechanisms of apple cider vinegar's effects on health are not fully understood due to a lack of extensive human trials, with most existing studies being rodent trials or very small human trials.

What was the most recent study mentioned in the script conducted on which group of individuals?

The most recent study mentioned in the script was conducted on overweight and obese individuals.

What is the potential link between apple cider vinegar and diabetes mentioned in the script?

The script suggests that apple cider vinegar may potentially be beneficial for type two diabetes, but it is important to note that type one diabetes is an autoimmune condition and may respond differently.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the consumption of apple cider vinegar?

The speaker advises people to consult with their healthcare professional before suddenly taking a shot of apple cider vinegar, as it can cause digestive discomfort if not diluted correctly, especially for those with underlying digestive issues.

What does the speaker suggest about the robustness of the science behind apple cider vinegar's health claims?

The speaker suggests that the science behind apple cider vinegar's health claims is not yet robust enough for them to recommend it universally on a public health level.

What is the term used in the script to describe a food item that was once perceived as extremely beneficial for health?

The term used in the script for such a food item is 'superfoods', which was a term widely used to market various foods, including protein-rich ones, as being exceptionally beneficial for health.

Outlines

00:00

🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar: Wellness Staple with Mixed Claims

The speaker, a registered nutritionist, discusses apple cider vinegar, a popular wellness item often associated with health benefits. They mention its frequent appearance in conversations about weight loss and insulin sensitivity. A new 2024 study, a randomized control trial, is referenced, suggesting some support for these claims but also emphasizing the need for a larger sample size. The term 'health Halo' is introduced to describe the perception of apple cider vinegar as superior due to its supposed benefits, similar to how 'superfoods' were once marketed. The speaker also touches on the limited understanding of its mechanisms, with most studies being rodent trials or small human trials, and a recent study focusing on overweight and obese individuals. There's a note of caution regarding its potential benefits for type two diabetes, which may not apply to type one diabetes, an autoimmune condition. The advice given is to consult healthcare professionals before consuming apple cider vinegar, especially in its undiluted form, to avoid digestive discomfort.

Keywords

💡Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apple must and apple skins. It has been a staple in the wellness space for its purported health benefits. In the video, it is discussed as a popular item with claims of aiding weight loss and improving insulin sensitivity, reflecting its central role in the video's theme.

💡Wellness space

The wellness space refers to the industry and practices focused on promoting health and well-being. The term is used in the script to indicate the context where apple cider vinegar is commonly discussed and consumed, highlighting its popularity among health-conscious individuals.

💡Registered nutritionist

A registered nutritionist is a professional who has met certain education and training standards and is registered with a recognized body. In the script, the speaker identifies as a registered nutritionist, lending credibility to their perspective on apple cider vinegar.

💡Weight loss

Weight loss refers to the reduction of body mass, often through diet and exercise. The script mentions weight loss as one of the claims associated with apple cider vinegar, indicating it as a common belief among those interested in the product.

💡Insulin sensitivity

Insulin sensitivity is the body's ability to respond to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. The script discusses apple cider vinegar in the context of improving insulin sensitivity, suggesting a potential health benefit that is part of the ongoing discussion.

💡Randomized control trial

A randomized control trial is a type of scientific experiment that compares an experimental group that receives a new treatment with a control group that does not. The script mentions a 2024 study of this type, emphasizing the need for robust scientific evidence to support health claims.

💡Sample size

Sample size refers to the number of subjects in a study. In the script, the speaker expresses the need for a larger sample size in studies about apple cider vinegar to ensure the validity of the findings, which is crucial for drawing reliable conclusions.

💡Health Halo

A health halo is a perception that a food item is healthier than it actually is due to certain associations or marketing. The script uses this term to describe the potentially misleading perception of apple cider vinegar as a superior health product.

💡Superfoods

Superfoods are foods that are considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being, often due to their nutrient density. The script contrasts the term with apple cider vinegar, suggesting that both are examples of items that may be overhyped in the wellness space.

💡Type two diabetes

Type two diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body's ineffective use of insulin. The script suggests that apple cider vinegar may have potential benefits for individuals with type two diabetes, but cautions against assuming it is a cure-all.

💡Type one diabetes

Type one diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The script differentiates between type one and type two diabetes, noting that the potential benefits of apple cider vinegar may not apply to all diabetes types.

💡Digestive discomfort

Digestive discomfort refers to any form of stomach upset or intestinal distress. The script warns that consuming apple cider vinegar without proper dilution can cause digestive issues, emphasizing the importance of moderation and caution.

💡Healthcare professional

A healthcare professional is a person trained and qualified to provide health services. The script advises consulting with a healthcare professional before incorporating apple cider vinegar into one's diet, underscoring the importance of personalized health advice.

Highlights

Apple cider vinegar is a popular topic in the wellness space.

Registered nutritionists frequently encounter discussions about apple cider vinegar's health claims.

A new study in 2024 provides data on apple cider vinegar's effects, but a larger sample size is needed for conclusive results.

Apple cider vinegar is perceived to have a 'health halo', similar to how 'superfoods' were once marketed.

The health benefits of apple cider vinegar are still not fully understood due to limited human trials.

Recent studies focus on the effects of apple cider vinegar on overweight and obese individuals.

There is potential for apple cider vinegar to be beneficial for type two diabetes, but it's different for type one diabetes.

Consumers are advised to consult healthcare professionals before incorporating apple cider vinegar into their routine.

Apple cider vinegar can cause digestive discomfort if not properly diluted.

The science behind apple cider vinegar's health claims is still considered preliminary and not robust enough for widespread recommendations.

The term 'health halo' refers to the perception of a food item as superior due to its association with health benefits.

The nutritional industry has a history of promoting 'superfoods', which may not always live up to the hype.

The study on apple cider vinegar's impact on weight loss is a randomized control trial, indicating a higher level of scientific rigor.

The potential link between apple cider vinegar and insulin sensitivity is a topic of ongoing research.

For individuals with pre-existing digestive issues, apple cider vinegar may exacerbate symptoms if not used correctly.

The nutritional community is cautious about recommending apple cider vinegar for public health without more substantial evidence.

The discussion around apple cider vinegar reflects the broader challenge of interpreting preliminary health research for public consumption.

Transcripts

apple cider vinegar I think is something

that's been around for I think quite a

while in the wellness space I myself as

a registered nutritionist encounter it

probably every week if I'm being honest

in terms of the amount of people that

come in having heard claims about weight

loss about insulin sensitivity and there

is a new study that came out in 2024 so

it's a randomized control trial it's got

good data behind it but we still need in

my opinion a larger sample size when it

comes to weight loss and the claims that

apple cider vinegar has around it it's

almost got what I call a health Halo

[Music]

impact a health Halo food is what we

tend to call in the nutrition industry

an item that is perceived as Superior to

others so you probably heard the term a

while ago superfoods for once it was

protein you know protein was on every

single packet on even chocolate bars and

therefore people seem to think it's

better for their health I feel like

apple cider vinegar is one of those

items now that people kind of have an

idea that it's Associated or linked to

health benefits therefore they are more

likely to consume it for that

reason the mechanisms are still not

fully understood we've got rodent trials

we have a very small amount of human

trials and in fact the most recent study

was conducted on overweight people and

obese individuals there's also a

confusion around links with diabetes so

it may potentially be beneficial for

type two diabetes that's a very

different issue for people with type one

which is

[Music]

autoimmune I would honestly say for

people that are going to suddenly take a

shot of apple cider vinegar please

consult with your healthc care

professional and do it in the right way

because it can cause all sorts of

digestive discomfort if you haven't

diluted it to the correct ratio for some

people it can flare up digestive systems

that are already underlying we're

looking at very on the edge science I

would say some that isn't quite robust

enough for me to say on a public health

level everyone should be taking apple

cider

[Music]

vinegar