Apple cider vinegar, otherwise called “sour wine” has been used since ancient times, by the old Babylonians (5,000 B.C). Moreover, its benefits were also appreciated and used by Hippocrates (the Father of Medicine) in the case of injuries or as a tonic for treating persistent cough.
Numerous studies have shown that apple juice vinegar can significantly improve the regulation of blood sugar levels, and helps in the process of weight loss.
There are two phases of producing it, the first one is when the yeast and the bacteria turns sugar into alcohol and the second one is the oxidation of alcohol into acetic acid caused by acetobacterium.
The acetic acid distinguishes apple acid vinegar by giving it a sour and bitter taste and by leaving a cloudy substance (the mother) in the bottom of the glass. This substance is in fact the fermenting portion of the apple and it contains a lot of enzymes. Undoubtedly, the best version to buy is the raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the mother intact.
Control Of Blood Sugar Levels
The most common way to incorporate the cider vinegar in a dietary dose is to use it as a salad dressing. Moreover, you can take a small shot glass of the tonic before consuming a high caloric meal such as beef (which requires a longer period for digestion).
Namely, a Japanese study published in 2003 found that the glycemic index was reduced by 30% when the change of a pickled cucumber was made for a fresh one.
Moreover, some researchers claim that apple cider vinegar plays a significant role in regulating sugar levels in type 2 diabetics due to its anti- glycemic characteristics.
It seems that the main component of the vinegar acts as an antiglycemic agent, blocking the pathway of the metformin, the drug used by diabetic patients. The metformin has many side- effects such as nausea, drowsiness, diarrhea and others. Also, it is connected to liver disease and heart issues.
Post prandial glycemia is a spike in an individual`s blood glucose levels following meals. Many studies show that if you consume vinegar with your meals, you can improve the blood glucose sensitivity.
The Diabetes Journal published a study in 2007, which assessed the effects of vinegar on hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic, a phenomenon known as “dawn phenomenon”.
There was a reduction in fasting glucose levels of 4-6 % when individuals received only 2 tablespoons of apple cider before a meal. Findings pointed out that there was a 3-6 % fasting glucose reduction when some individuals received medical treatment.
Furthermore, another study showed that women who consume a morning meal containing vinegar, have a 55% reduction in the blood glucose.
Weight Loss Benefits
Weight loss occurs naturally in individuals who take a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar every day. The anti-glycemic index of this tonic inhibits enzymes and thus represses carbohydrate synthesis. These enzymes improve blood concentration and help in regulating appetite and satiety.
Both lipogenesis and synthesis of fatty acids regulate cholesterol levels. Acetic acid increases the tolerance to both acids and thus protects the liver. Insulin activity and increased blood flow have a synergistic nature which later relays into energy boost.
Furthermore, apple cider vinegar triggered a healthy weight loss process in 155 Japanese. The results showed a decline in BMI, visceral fat, serum triglyceride and others. Certain factors stimulate detoxification and improve liver health, apple cider vinegar stimulates the fecal bile acid which contributes to a healthy weight loss.