Apple cider vinegar has been used as a remedy for a long time. People used it to treat various problems like varicose veins and even sore throats.
However, no scientific evidence can prove its effects. That is why recently, researchers focused on finding out more about apple cider vinegar and why it was so popular in the past.
It was a popular remedy even in the days of Hippocrates. Ancient doctors in Greece used to treat patients wounded from the battle by adding apple cider vinegar to the wounds.
Moreover, they used it to treat dandruff, lose weight and even improve the health of the heart. Even though there is no proof these effects work, researchers have found that this vinegar may indeed treat different conditions.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Because apple cider vinegar contains antioxidants that can keep the cell damage in check, it can have many benefits. If these cells are not under control, they might cause diseases. Here is a list of some of the benefits this vinegar can provide:
- Might help reduce obesity;
- Can improve insulin levels and blood sugar;
- May destroy bacteria;
- Lowers cholesterol;
- Reduces the chance of getting heart disease.
The Connection Between Apple Cider Vinegar and Diabetes
There are many reasons why apple cider vinegar may prove useful for diabetes. Besides, it might have the ability to regulate blood sugar levels, which is a crucial part for people with diabetes.
On top of that, the study claims that it might be able to lower cholesterol levels, yet another thing important for diabetes.
Because those with diabetes are most prone to heart diseases, apple cider vinegar may be able to strengthen the heart and reduce the chance of getting heart conditions.
Even though researchers only experimented on animals to get these results, these facts might be useful for us.
Type 1 Diabetes
Apple cider vinegar might be harmful to people with type 1 diabetes. People with this type of diabetes have problems digesting food. This is a very common issue.
In other words, their food remains in their stomach for a very long time without being digested at all. Therefore, it makes it problematic for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
According to researchers from Sweden, apple cider vinegar can even increase the time of digestion and create even more problems for people with type 1 diabetes. There isn’t enough conclusive evidence yet for type 1 diabetes.
But researchers believe that this vinegar is better for people with type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
When it comes to patients who had prediabetes and diabetes type 2, researchers used meals rich in carbohydrates alongside apple cider vinegar to see how it will affect the blood sugar levels.
But if patients consumed meals rich in carbohydrates without vinegar, their blood sugar levels can rise. After that, another study followed. This one tried to see how apple cider vinegar can affect the body if a patient consumes it at bedtime.
Researchers compared it with water and decided that apple cider vinegar could indeed reduce the blood sugar levels the next morning. So, maybe it may have a positive effect on the fasting blood sugar levels as well.
What makes apple cider vinegar so powerful? The answer would be acetic acid. It helps with the removal of sugar from the bloodstream, and it balances the blood sugar levels.
How to Use It
Apple cider vinegar is usually safe to consume if you take it in normal amounts. People commonly dilute the vinegar in water and use about 1 to 2 teaspoons per day.
In their study, researchers concluded that this kind of consumption reduced blood sugar levels. Moreover, you can use it as a cooking ingredient in many salads, sauces, soups, and marinades.
Therefore, you can easily include it in your diet.
Side Effects of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar
According to research, we shouldn’t consume apple cider vinegar tablets or any other supplements. It may prove dangerous. Moreover, if we consume too much vinegar, our potassium level might drop and cause problems for the nerves and muscles.
Another reason for not drinking too much apple cider vinegar is because it can cause problems for our digestive system and may slow down the digestion process in our stomach. Besides, some people might even hate the taste of it.
Can We Use It with Other Medications?
There is a possibility that apple cider vinegar might affect medications that treat heart disease, laxatives, diuretics, or diabetes. These are the medicines that can help remove excess water and salt from the body.
Moreover, it might affect insulin and cause potassium levels to drop. So, make sure you don’t consume too much apple cider vinegar.
Summary
Apple cider vinegar has many benefits, but it may prove ideal for people with type 2 diabetes. It is safe to consume if we don’t overdose. However, more evidence is still necessary if we want conclusive and ideal proves.
If we want the vinegar to work, we must also follow a diet rich in fibers but low in carbohydrates. This way apple cider vinegar may prove effective.
Source: Medical News Today | HealthLine | WebMD | RxList
