Vinegar has been around for more than 10,000 years. There is much anecdotal evidence regarding the health benefits of vinegar, with some supported by science. However, today’s vinegar varieties provide so many options to support healthier eating.
Vinegar is made by fermenting anything that naturally contains sugar. In the case of distilled white vinegar, it is often made from corn. Apple cider vinegar is made from apples. All vinegars contain few calories but pack a lot of flavor.
Vinegar can be made from any fruit, or from any material containing sugar. Through the centuries vinegar has been produced from products like fruits, berries, melons, coconut, honey, beer, maple syrup, potatoes, beets, and grains – all natural products. But the principle remains unchanged – fermentation of natural sugars to alcohol and then secondary fermentation to vinegar.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tells us that more than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes, but 1 out of 4 of them don’t know they have it. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. With type 1 diabetes, your body can’t make insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar), so you need to take it every day.
Most people with diabetes — 9 out of 10 — have type 2 diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin well and is unable to keep blood sugar at normal levels. The sooner you find out, the sooner you can start making healthy changes that will benefit you now and in the future.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
There are so many choices to enhance your favorite recipe: apple cider, wine, red wine, balsamic, rice wine, raspberry, pineapple and chardonnay to name a few. These vinegars turn ordinary dishes, salads and desserts into something extraordinary!
Consuming small amounts of vinegar — one to two tablespoons — before a meal, such as in salad dressing, can reduce high levels of glucose in those with type 2 diabetes.
Making smart choices can be easy with these amazing recipes like The Ultimate Asparagus, Sea Salt Vinegar Kale Chips, Raspberry and Sesame Dressing, and more!
According to Dr. Carol S. Johnston, professor and associate director of the Nutrition Program in the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion at Arizona State University, vinegar can be part of a diet strategy to manage blood glucose.
Here’s why: Eating foods that are high in starch, such as bread and rice, causes surges in blood glucose levels, Dr. Johnston explains. These high levels of blood glucose have been linked to higher or increased cardiovascular disease risk in healthy populations and can also increase complications among those with type 2 diabetes.
Consuming small amounts of vinegar—one to two tablespoons— before your meal, however, can reduce these high levels of glucose, she says. In fact, for individuals with type 2 diabetes, studies have shown that consuming vinegar prior to meals on a daily basis can significantly reduce blood levels of A1c, a key indicator of average blood glucose concentrations.
In addition to consuming vinegar alone, consuming foods high in vinegar is an option. Vinegar is found in pickled products and salad dressings and can also be consumed before a meal on a salad.
It is claimed to lead to all sorts of benefits, some of which are supported by science. This includes weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and improved symptoms of diabetes. Here are 6 health benefits of apple cider vinegar, that are supported by scientific research
Vinegar is showing promise as a tool to improve blood sugar control and blood lipid (or cholesterol) levels – perks that stem largely from the polyphenols and the acetic acid in vinegar, and the probiotics (health-promoting bacteria) that result from the fermentation process.