Just a Spoonful of Apple Cider Vinegar Has Very Interesting Effects on the Body
Apple cider vinegar has gotten a lot of attention in the past few years as a miracle ingredient for all kinds of health benefits. New research has shown that just a spoonful of apple cider vinegar has actually found some interesting results.
Keep reading to find out how apple cider vinegar can be used to boost health, potential benefits, side effects, and much more today!
What is Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from crushed apples, yeast, and sugar, all of which are fermented. It is commonly used in sauces, salad dressing, marinades, and other savory meals.
Potential Benefits
The internet has taken apple cider vinegar and run with it. For many years, it has been a cure-all for everything from heartburn to fighting off germs to weight loss. However, the main topic of this article is related to a recent study that found some real health benefits to apple cider vinegar. In fact, these health benefits pertained to any type of vinegar, from white vinegar, apple cider, or pineapple vinegar. The only prerequisite is to avoid kinds of vinegar with added sugar such as balsamic vinegar. So, what exactly is the health benefit that research has found so interesting related to apple cider vinegar? It relates to our metabolism, our blood sugar levels, weight management, and more.
Research for Apple Cider Vinegar
New research has found that just a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 10 to 20 minutes before a meal can have a great impact on how our body processes that meal. Apple cider vinegar has been found to reduce spikes in blood sugar levels which can help reduce insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, and aid in healthy weight management.
Insulin Resistance
Why is insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome something everyone is so worried about? Usually, when we eat our body releases insulin in order to redirect glucose that comes from our food out of the blood and into our cells. In cases of insulin resistance, the body starts to release more and more insulin to manage the same amount of food we consume. Too much insulin resistance leads to detrimental diseases such as diabetes in the body. Apple cider vinegar is a great way to reduce blood sugar levels.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that together increase our risk for stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. These conditions include high blood sugar, excess body fat, and high blood pressure. Apple cider vinegar has been linked to many health benefits. These include healthy weight management, lower blood sugar, and regular blood pressure. It is a triple threat in combating metabolic syndrome and other health issues.
Apple Cider and Health
High blood sugar levels are also thought to be a cause of aging and other chronic illnesses. This makes apple cider vinegar a great way to boost overall health easily. Other potential benefits of apple cider vinegar include healthy weight management and heart benefits. Apple cider vinegar is beneficial in managing cholesterol and lowering triglycerides, though more research is needed. So, how exactly should you take apple cider vinegar before your meal, and are there any side effects?
How to Use Just a Spoonful of Apple Cider Vinegar
You can use any sort of vinegar such as white vinegar or apple cider vinegar before a meal. Make sure it is not a sweetened vinegar, as this does not have quite the same effect as regular vinegar. All you have to do is drink about a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 4 to 8 oz of water 10 to 20 minutes before a meal. This works very well for managing blood sugar, even if your meal is high in carbohydrates. Apple cider vinegar helps to redirect the glucose from carbohydrates into useful ways in the body. As opposed to your body storing carbohydrates as fat, apple cider vinegar directs glucose from carbohydrates into the muscles, which can be a great place to store energy especially if you’re going to hit the gym later.
Try to either drink the apple cider vinegar through a straw or rinse your mouth out afterward. The acetic acid from vinegar can be detrimental to your tooth enamel. To avoid harming tooth enamel, use a straw or rinse your mouth out with water. Avoid brushing your teeth 30 minutes after drinking apple cider vinegar or any other form of vinegar.
Side Effects
Apple cider vinegar is well tolerated by many individuals. If you feel that apple cider vinegar is aesthetic for you, try to start small with one to two teaspoons instead of one tablespoon. It is recommended to use organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Some side effects in studies were observed, such as stomach ache, loss of potassium and sodium, and muscle cramps. However, those symptoms occur with an incredibly high dose of vinegar per day over the course of months.
As long as you start small with a teaspoon, you should experience no stomach issues. Work your way up to a tablespoon as needed, and only use apple cider vinegar once or twice a day. This way, you will likely not have any detrimental side effects.
The Takeaway
Just a spoonful of apple cider vinegar has very interesting results, some of which are great health benefits to us. Taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water about 10 to 20 minutes before a meal can have an awesome effect on blood sugar levels. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar keeps our blood sugar from spiking too much and allows us to use that energy more efficiently. This can be a great option for individuals with high blood sugar as it can prevent diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses associated with high blood sugar.
Remember that health comes from within. Eat nutrient-dense meals, exercise when you can, at least 3 times a week, and take care of your mental health. Daily habits become the building blocks for emotional, mental, and physical health. Take care of your gut health too! Learn everything you need to know about gut microbiota today for free here.
