Apple Cider Vinegar and Blood Sugar

Apple cider vinegar has gained enormous popularity as a home remedy for just about anything that ails you. From easing arthritis to erasing skin blemishes, apple cider vinegar is said to do it all. There is only a single benefit that is scientifically proven however, and its an important one.

For people dealing with diabetes or prediabetes, consuming vinegar with a meal has been shown to reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes by as much as 40% compared to people having the same meal without the vinegar. Much of the metabolic damage caused by diabetes is caused by these blood sugar spikes so this is significant.

It is the acetic acid in the vinegar that has the beneficial effect, blocking the absorption of carbohydrates and helping to clear excess sugar from the blood. Any vinegar will do this, not just apple vinegar.

It doesn't take a lot to get the benefit. In the studies confirming the effect, a dose of 2 tablespoons was used. Less was not as effective, and more did not seem to have any added benefit. Consuming the vinegar at or near the start of the meal seemed to be most effective.

If you are struggling to manage your blood sugar, try building some vinegar into your meals. Making your own vinaigrette salad dressing is a good way to do it. (Mix 1 part olive oil with 1 part red wine vinegar and add some herbs or a little mustard. This is less oil and MUCH less sodium than a store bought dressing). You can also use a flavored vinegar as a dip for bread in place of butter.

And you don't have to become a fanatic and do this every time you eat (although there would be nothing wrong with doing that). As with most things, even once in a while is better than not at all.