The Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

In the search of health and longevity, I stumbled upon Apple Cider Vinegar. It’s reputation as a folk medicine had apparently brought it under the gaze of people within the health and science industry. Research by nutritionist Carol S. Johnston of Arizona State University East in Mesa suggests that vinegar packs a punch in more than just salad dressings. Now, instead of merely being touted as a stout cleanser of the body when taken internally, it also has been shown to have beneficial effects towards weight loss and stabilizing blood sugar in non-diabetics.

In Prevention of Diabetes

Johnston’s study showed it had a stabilizing effect on blood sugar on people who were not diabetic. The stabilizing effect was most pronounced on pre-diabetics whose blood glucose-levels were almost cut in half. In fact, the effectiveness was comparable to that of the diabetic medication Metformin.
A Swedish research team, led by Elin M. Ã?Â?stman, discovered that the benefits of vinegar can be reaped by other methods as well. Participants in a study ate pickles after a high-carb breakfast and the other participants did not. It was shown that even pickles had a beneficial effect on the blood glucose levels.

Vinegar and Weight Loss

Other studies soon followed and it was shown that people who take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before two meals each day lost an average of a half pound each week. It is speculated that it inhibits carbohydrate absorption.
The chemical suspected of creating this effect is the acetic acid. Due to the cringe-worthy sourness of vinegar, however, many companies have tried to formulate pill forms of vinegar. The effectiveness of the pills are highly questionable in general, though, and people are encouraged to stay with the true vinegar, instead.
An average half pound weekly weight loss would result in an overall average weight loss of 26 pounds in one year. A sizeable loss if you can stand the procedure.

Hard to Swallow: Getting Vinegar in Your Diet

It is recommended that red, white or wine are the types of vinegar chosen. Other kinds, such as balsamic or rice, do not contain as high of concentrations of acetic acid. Easy, more palatable forms of vinegar can be found in pickled vegetables or in oil and vinaigrette salad dressings. For the bold of heart, it is recommended to choose organic apple cider vinegar as the taste seems to be a bit more mild than the regular apple cider vinegar. Measure the vinegar into a shot glass and toss it back. And, it’s always best to follow it with a nice chaser. I prefer a little regular apple juice.