{"id":537,"date":"2023-11-07T16:20:15","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T16:20:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/?p=537"},"modified":"2023-11-17T17:21:47","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T17:21:47","slug":"apple-cider-vinegar-and-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mydiabetes.health\/blog\/apple-cider-vinegar-and-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple Cider Vinegar and Diabetes: Truth or Fallacy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Apple is one fruit with various uses; whether it’s apple pie, apple juice or just as a snack, this fruit sure makes delicious delicacies. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a type of vinegar obtained from fermenting crushed apples (usually with high vinegar\/acetic acid concentrations). It\u2019s popular for its many uses, including as a preservative, cooking agent, etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Many have praised it for its health benefits, claiming it can cure illnesses, including chronic ones like diabetes and cancer. Although apple cider vinegar does offer various benefits to the body when consumed, these claims are backed by little to no scientific research and can\u2019t be relied on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This piece debunks popular myths about apple cider vinegar and throws light on its purported effectiveness in battling illnesses like diabetes, the existing varieties, and more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Debunking Myths About Apple Cider Vinegar\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For some years now, many have regarded apple cider vinegar as one of the healthiest foods. Some even named it a cure-all, home remedy for ailments. Namely, it\u2019s received credit for helping with weight loss, lowering blood sugar, giving softer skin, etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While drinking ACV does have certain health benefits, many of these claims aren\u2019t\u2019 entirely true. Apple cider vinegar might not be the magic potion many think it is. Hence, in this section, we\u2019ll be debunking some myths about ACV.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Myth 1: ACV lowers bad cholesterol<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

One of the major myths about ACV is that vinegar consumption helps reduce the amount of cholesterol and triacylglycerols in the body. This notion was made popular by a 2006 study claiming that acetic acid in vinegar helps reduce these \u201cbad\u201d cholesterols. What\u2019s more, recent studies corroborate these findings, showing ACV does help lower lipid levels and protect the kidneys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Unfortunately, both types of research featured rats and mice. There have been no further human trials to confirm ACV truly helps humans control their cholesterol levels. Although scientists are optimistic about these previous studies, there\u2019s a need for more extensive studies that involve humans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Myth 2: ACV can prevent cancer<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Several foods have been tagged with the ability to prevent cancer or help manage its effects on the body, and ACV isn’t exempt from this list. While some of these foods might positively impact cancer patients, one shouldn’t place much faith in them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For example, a few studies show apple cider vinegar can help slow the growth of cancerous cells. However, most of these studies are preliminary, and some are found inconclusive. Summarily, consuming ACV does have its health benefits, but \u201cit shouldn\u2019t be tagged as a miracle cure for cancer.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Myth 3: ACV lowers blood pressure<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In most people diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure is usually not far off. Statistics show that more than 5 out of 10 diabetes patients will eventually develop high blood pressure<\/u><\/a>, reinforcing the prevalence of HBP among people with diabetes. Many natural remedies have been prescribed as cures for high blood pressure, which can either cause serious harm or just not deliver on their miracle cure promise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Apple cider vinegar won\u2019t lower your blood pressure. Most research suggesting that ACV lowers blood pressure feature only rats. Hence, we can\u2019t expect the same result in humans, at least not until human clinical trials verify these claims.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Myth 4: ACV is just as nutritious as an apple<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Yes, apple cider vinegar materializes by fermenting apples. However, it doesn\u2019t contain the same nutrients as the parent fruit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Apples are rich in potassium, vitamin C, fiber, etc. Most of these nutrients are absent or not in the right proportion in ACV as in apples. Hence, ACV shouldn\u2019t be mistaken as a direct substitute for apples.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Myth 5:\u00a0 ACV has no side effects<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some claim consuming ACV comes with no side effects. This isn\u2019t entirely true, as drinking too much ACV can be potentially damaging.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

ACV contains acetic acid, which can erode the tooth enamel. Consuming it without adequate dilution can mean bad news for your teeth. It can also exacerbate some conditions like gastroparesis\u2014a partial stomach paralysis, delaying emptying\u2014especially in people with diabetes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar to People With Diabetes<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"benefits<\/picture><\/p>\r\n

Having debunked some of the myths surrounding ACV, one question lingers \u2014 “Is it beneficial for people with diabetes?”<\/em> Whether you\u2019ve been diagnosed with diabetes or are nursing a prediabetes condition, you\u2019re likely watchful of what you consume.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some researchers have highlighted apple cider vinegar\u2019s impact on diabetes. Are these health benefits baseless, or is there some truth to them? This section analyzes all of that and more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

ACV Controls Blood Glucose Levels<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

People with diabetes have a lot riding on their blood sugar levels. Excessively high levels can cause health hazards or even make a person with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes. Hence, health professionals always promote a diabetes diet that aids less sugar intake.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

People with this illness are advised to avoid processed foods with added sugar and foods with high carb content. This helps prevent blood sugar spikes and, in turn, lower blood sugar levels.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, there are other foods you can consume that\u2019ll help with blood sugar management. Foods particularly rich in fiber are appropriate for a diabetes diet, and studies have also shown that consuming apple cider vinegar can reduce blood sugar levels.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A 2018 study<\/u> on patients with diabetes showed a significant but small reduction in mean HbA1C (glycated hemoglobin)\u2014a blood sugar marker\u2014after administering vinegar. However, researchers concluded there\u2019s a need for more extensive trials to truly ascertain this treatment\u2019s effectiveness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Another study published in the <\/u>Diabetes Care<\/u><\/em> journal<\/u><\/a> looked into how vinegar can help manage blood sugar levels. It concluded that consuming vinegar before bedtime significantly affects waking glucose concentrations in people with type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Additionally, a 2015 randomized study concluded that apple cider vinegar decreases postprandial hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperinsulinemia in people with type 2 diabetes. In simpler terms, this aqueous solution helps the body absorb sugar better and improves insulin sensitivity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Looking at all these studies, we can boldly say that apple cider vinegar’s effects on blood sugar levels are evident, however small. Hence, taking ACV daily can positively influence a person’s with diabetes health.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, experts call for further studies to ascertain the influence of ACV on blood sugar control. In this light, you\u2019re advised not to substitute medical treatment with apple cider vinegar, at least for now.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

ACV Helps With Weight Loss<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Although many consider losing weight the healthy way to go, the truth is that \u201cit’s easier said than done.\u201d<\/em> Regardless, you\u2019d certainly feel a lot healthier after losing excess weight. Being obese is a risk factor for diabetes. Hence, people diagnosed with diabetes or those at risk of developing the illness are advised to maintain a healthy weight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Whether to fit into that dress or reduce the risk of developing diabetes, maintaining a moderate weight can be daunting. The best way to do this is to do physical exercise and invest in a healthy diet. However, there are other means you can consider when looking to lose weight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some studies link apple cider vinegar with weight loss. Notably, animal studies point out that ACV helps burn fat, reduce appetite, and reduce fat storage, all of which collectively help with weight loss. While there\u2019s no evidence that ACV will yield the same results in humans, it outlines a clear path that\u2019ll most likely lead to losing some weight following ACV consumption.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Taking apple cider vinegar also leads to delayed gastric emptying, which is the time it takes food in the stomach to move to the duodenum. This delay causes the stomach to feel full for a longer while, preventing overeating and hence helping maintain a healthy weight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, a 2007 research<\/u> on apple cider vinegar’s effect on type 1 diabetes patients with diabetic gastroparesis points out some alarming reports. Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach muscles can\u2019t push digested food further down the digestive tract. The research concluded that ACV intake in these patients might extend gastric emptying time, worsening glycemic control.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sticking to a proper diet plan that includes nutrients like fiber and protein will also go a long way in helping you lose weight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Other Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Apart from the diabetes-inclined effects that ACV manifests, it has additional health benefits, as highlighted below:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n