High levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia) play a substantial role in the development of metabolic disorders and, over time, this can lead to diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and blindness. Cells need insulin to take glucose from the blood and use it for energy. But when too much insulin is released too frequently the body becomes less sensitive to it, resulting in a condition called insulin resistance, and can lead to type 2 diabetes. Improving your diet, even in small ways, is the first place to start to combat metabolic disorders! Vinegar, for instance, is often hyped as a type of miracle food, but not all of it is hype. Vinegar does have some healing benefits, including help with glycemic control.
A study from the Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Research Center in Iran concluded that vinegar can be effective at reducing both glucose and insulin levels in healthy individuals and those with glucose disorders, and could be considered as an adjunctive therapy to improve glycemic control. Elevated postprandial glucose levels (after a meal) are considered an early risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as are elevated fasting glucose and Hemoglobin A1c levels. Vinegar consumption during meals helps control glucose levels after meals. Two teaspoons of vinegar ingested during meals composed of complex carbohydrates reduced postprandial glucose levels by 20 percent.
Apple cider vinegar is popular, partially due to its mild flavor and numerous other health claims, such as improved gut health. Give others a try too, like raspberry vinegar. You can make a simple vinaigrette dressing of 2 parts oil/1 part vinegar and add in some salt and herbs to your liking. Use it as a salad dressing, and make extra to use as a marinade. Nothing beats the fresh taste, and health benefits, of homemade salad dressings!
