Apple cider vinegar has a number of health benefits, some of which still need further research. One the benefits that’s becoming more certain has to do with diabetes management. Research involved in finding out whether apple cider vinegar can help diabetics is growing, and the findings show a lot of promise.
Can apple cider vinegar actually curb diabetes risk and keep your blood sugar within normal levels? Current studies show it can.
WHAT IS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR?
It’s a type of vinegar fermented using apples. Basically, crushed apples are placed in storage containers and allowed to ferment. After some time, the juices in crushed apples turn acidic. Most people don’t realize the tremendous health benefits of apple cider vinegar. It merely sits in most kitchen cabinets to be used as a common ingredient in many recipes.
When buying apple cider vinegar, you will notice that many brands on the shelves are refined and crystal clear. You don’t want those ones. Raw organic apple cider vinegar has sediments that turn the bottle murky when it is shaken. These sediments are known as the “mother”—a result of fermentation, and they are alive with enzymes and beneficial bacteria.
HOW DOES APPLE CIDER VINEGAR PREVENT DIABETES?
Most people do not know that this vinegar is rich in probiotics or good bacteria that play a major role in digestion. Your gastrointestinal tract needs to have a good amount of beneficial bacteria for proper functioning, prevention of digestive problems and gastrointestinal diseases.
Studies show that lack of beneficial bacteria in your intestines may raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. Thus, including apple cider vinegar and other sources of probiotics in your diet is a good way to prevent and help manage diabetes and many other chronic diseases.
Just by consuming a few tablespoons of this vinegar a day can stabilize your blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity after meals. The vinegar owes this benefit to the combination of acetic acid and chromium.
INCORPORATING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TO YOUR DAILY DIET
There are several ways to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your daily diet by being creative. Here are some suggestions:
- Add it in your juices and smoothies!
- Make a salad dressing using apple cider vinegar, raw honey, pepper, and olive oil.
- Include it in marinades.
- Include it as an ingredient for dips and sauces. In fact, the vinegar alone can be used as dips for certain dry dishes and fruits.
- Dilute it in your drinking water. This is probably the most convenient.
Note that it’s best to add this vinegar into dishes that don’t require heating, because heat destroys the probiotic bacteria.
HOW MUCH TO TAKE
You don’t need a lot. Two tablespoons a day are enough to improve your insulin sensitivity. You don’t even have to swig it right from the tablespoon. Diluting two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water reduces the acid sensation in your mouth and reduces risk of corroding your teeth. It is also recommended to add the vinegar into salads or recipes or drinks, instead of consuming it right from the bottle.
CAUTIONARY NOTE
Remember, however, that apple cider vinegar is not a diabetes cure and should never be taken as a substitute to your diabetes medications. It is good as a complement to standard diabetes treatment and a healthy diet and lifestyle.
If you’re prone to hyperacidity, be careful in consuming any type of vinegar. Ask your doctor regarding precautions. Check with your doctor about consuming apple cider vinegar if you’re taking medications. Vinegar may interact with certain medications.
Source: Juicing For Health
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