Apple Cider Vinegar and Artichokes as Appetite Suppressants

Suppressing your appetite is usually a good strategy for weight loss because of the likelihood of eating less, although the type of food you eat is also an important factor. Some pharmaceuticals are effective at suppressing appetite, but they can cause serious side effects. There are a variety of natural appetite suppressants that cause fewer side effects and work by impacting insulin release and blood sugar levels. Research indicates that apple cider vinegar and artichokes may be effective at suppressing appetite and beneficial for losing weight. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about safe and appropriate methods of controlling your appetite and losing weight.

Appetite, experienced as the sensation of hunger, is simply the desire to eat. Appetite exists in all animals and serves to regulate energy intake in order to maintain metabolism, growth and repair. Appetite is regulated by close hormonal communication between the digestive tract, adipose tissue and specific regions of the brain, such as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, according to “Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism.” A decreased desire to eat is termed anorexia, although reduced appetite is common among the elderly. Increased appetite, or hyperphagia, is often considered healthy in people recovering from illness, but it can also be considered problematic if it leads to overeating or binge eating. Pharmaceutical and natural appetite suppressants are commonly used for weight loss.

Apples are good appetite suppressants for a variety of reasons. For one, apples are high in soluble fiber, including pectin, which triggers feelings of satiety, or stomach fullness. Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider. It contains less fiber than raw apples, but it impacts insulin release and affects blood glucose levels. Specifically, ingesting a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before eating a meal can reduce glucose and insulin responses by up to 25 percent, according to “Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference.” Keeping insulin levels stable after eating a meal prevents blood glucose spikes, which moderates appetite and helps reduce the urge to binge between meals. Apple cider vinegar is very sour, but it can also be taken in tablet form.

Some research on rats indicates that an extract from artichokes called Cynara scolymus may act as an appetite suppressant and promote weight loss by moderating insulin secretion and causing a slight hypoglycemic effect. Studies published in different editions of “Phytotherapy Research” in 2011 found that rats given extracts of Cynara scolymus, from artichokes, and Phaselolus vulgaris, from beans, were less hungry and lost weight.

In addition to apple cider vinegar and extracts from artichoke, there are a variety of other natural appetite suppressants widely used, such as pine nuts, almonds, grape seed oil, cayenne pepper, ginger root and green tea. Less common appetite suppressants include glucomanna, a plant fiber derivative that absorbs water and expands in your stomach, and grifonia simplicifolia, an herb that increases serotonin levels in your brain and signals fullness. Consult with your doctor before taking any appetite suppressants.

Article reviewed by TimDog Last updated on: Jun 9, 2012

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