Effective Home Treatment for Heart Health

What if one of the most potent remedies for supporting blood sugar, managing cholesterol, and potentially fighting inflammation isn't found in a pill bottle, but quietly resting in your pantry? For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been celebrated as a traditional medicine cure-all, and now contemporary science is starting to catch up. A recent study subjects this unassuming kitchen staple to testing—with unexpected results that could reshape your perspective on your next salad dressing.

Overview

• Blood Sugar Support: Apple cider vinegar enhanced blood sugar by 36% following a carb-heavy meal—surpassing malt vinegar.

• Cholesterol Advantages: Participants who consumed ACV showed 13% better total cholesterol after two months.

• Distinct Effects Beyond Acetic Acid: Unlike malt vinegar, ACV exhibited unique effects, indicating that specific compounds contribute to its advantages.

Folk Remedy or Real Medicine? This Study Might Alter Your Perception

The fermented mix of chopped apples, water, and sugar—commonly known as apple cider vinegar—is purportedly beneficial for a wide range of conditions from healing acne to reducing warts.

Its usage as a therapeutic remedy dates back to ancient eras, but it wasn't until Dr. DC Jarvis published Folk Medicine in 1958 that a significant number of individuals began to recognize apple cider vinegar (and honey) as potent "medicines."

Supporters claim it can alleviate numerous ailments, and there is interest in its potential to lower blood sugar levels, aid in weight loss, reduce inflammation, and manage cholesterol.

Existing Evidence Provides Backing

All of these health assertions, except for inflammation, had some scientific support prior to the recent UK study. Here are some discoveries predating the latest research.

A study featured in Diabetes Care revealed that compared to a placebo, apple cider vinegar taken after consuming high-carb food enhanced insulin sensitivity by 34% in individuals with insulin resistance and by 19% in those with type 2 diabetes.

The researchers inferred that vinegar could help regulate blood sugar levels.¹

A few small human studies also indicate that vinegar induces a feeling of fullness after a carb-rich meal,² leading to reduced calorie intake,³ and weight loss.⁴

There exists some animal research suggesting that vinegar might impact cholesterol levels, although no human trials had been conducted until recently.

Enhances Healthy Blood Sugar By 36%

For the recent study, UK doctor, author, and science journalist Michael Mosley collaborated with biologist Dr. James Brown from Aston University to evaluate the effects of apple cider vinegar on blood sugar.

Following an overnight fast, 13 volunteers had their blood sugar levels measured before and after consuming two bagels. As expected, there was a significant spike in blood sugar after ingesting the bread.

This process was repeated the next day, with seven participants consuming diluted apple cider vinegar before eating the food.

The same was done with the remaining six participants, but they consumed diluted malt vinegar before consuming the bagels.

The unexpected results showed that malt vinegar had minimal impact, yet apple cider vinegar contributed to healthier blood sugar by 36% over a span of 90 minutes. This implies that the benefits extend beyond its acetic acid content, which is present in both types of vinegar.⁵

Subsequently, the researchers investigated the impact of apple cider vinegar on weight loss, inflammation, and cholesterol.

Boosts Favorable Cholesterol By 13%

A total of 27 volunteers were divided into three groups. The first group consumed two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar diluted in 200 ml of water, twice daily before meals. The second group followed the same regimen but used malt vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar. The third group (placebo) drank colored water.

Two months later, the results revealed that none of the participants had shed weight.

C-reactive protein levels, a marker for inflammation, increased in the malt and placebo groups but decreased in the apple cider group. However, the impact wasn't substantial enough to be deemed significant.

Nonetheless, Mosley and Brown were "extremely encouraged" to witness a 13% improvement in total cholesterol, despite the volunteers having normal levels at the study's commencement.⁵

Thus, apple cider vinegar can indeed have beneficial effects on health. It is certainly valuable in managing blood sugar and probably aids in regulating cholesterol.

As for its detoxifying properties, ability to combat poison ivy, alleviate seasonal allergies, and other purported benefits, while these claims may hold true, they have yet to be validated in published research. You might need to experiment with it yourself.

Summary