Apple cider vinegar has been touted as a panacea for decades. Dozens of allegations have surfaced in the space, including that it helps with hiccups, teeth whitening, dandruff and many more.
Whether all of these things are true, there is no conclusive evidence, but a new study claims that regular use of apple cider vinegar can help regulate blood sugar .
The study was published in Dibates Care and involved men and women with type 2 diabetes.
The researchers found that when participants consumed two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar at bedtime with something very light to eat (such as a piece of cheese), the next morning they had lower blood sugar levels than when they did not take vinegar, but water instead.
Another study, published in the same journal, compared the effects of apple cider vinegar on healthy adults, pre-diabetic patients and those with pre-existing type 2 diabetes .
Participants in all three groups were found to show better blood glucose levels if they consumed even just 1 tablespoon of high-carbohydrate vinegar than those who ate the same meal but did not drink vinegar.
People with pre-diabetes improved their blood sugar levels by almost 50% after using apple cider vinegar, while people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes reduced their blood glucose levels by 25%.
Some studies also show that apple cider vinegar can also help reduce weight . One study claimed that a high-fat diet combined with vinegar consumption helped reduce body fat by up to 10 percent.
Despite the claims about the usefulness of apple cider vinegar, we must keep in mind a few very important things before resorting to its regular consumption.
Experts do not recommend taking vinegar directly, but mixing it with food. The reason is that direct use can damage tooth enamel and the esophagus . In addition, eating too much apple cider vinegar can lower potassium levels in the body .