- By Prerna Targhotra
- Sat, 18 May 2024 03:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Apple cider vinegar is known to reduce weight and reduce acidity and heartburn. Some evidence-based studies have shown a reduction in blood sugar levels. This may be seen in both Diabetics and non-diabetics. ACV is currently explored in many research studies for its role in treating hyperglycemia. One study done on 8 individuals showed that ACV taken before meals lowered insulin and Triglycerides. It has shown results mainly to lower sugar spike postprandial that is two hours after a meal that contained ACV as compared to the meal without ACV.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Pooja Shah Bhave, Consultant Dietician and Diabetes Educator, Faculty at LSI, Mumbai explained how apple cider vinegar helps in lowering blood sugar levels.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Blood Sugar Levels
A systematic review by Amir Hadi et al compiled the results of all clinical trials investigating the role of ACV in lowering lipid profiles and blood sugar levels. Based on the investigations it was found that ACV significantly lowered cholesterol levels, fasting blood sugars and HbA1c (which is the average blood sugar for 3 months). ACV also lowered Triglyceride levels in Diabetic patients significantly.
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ACV has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and improve insulin sensitivity and it overall reduces blood sugar levels. But the change brought is often small like blood sugar reduction by 10 mg/dl or 0.5% in HbA1c. ACV taken in dosages 15-20 ml during the meal or after the meal lowered blood glucose levels post meal. Currently, there are mixed results as to how much exactly the blood sugar levels reduce and what should be the dosage, which needs to be further explored. However, there is no harm in adding ACV in small amounts to the diet.
So, this can work for Diabetic patients as an adjuvant to the medical treatment they are taking. However, ACV cannot replace medications nor it is the sole factor that can reduce blood sugars. If a person is taking ACV but is not following diet and exercise, having sugary and starchy foods and lacking fibre, the person will still have high blood sugar levels. So it is a collective effort to follow a good high-fibre protein complex carb balanced diet and regular exercise routine along with foods that can lower blood sugars including ACV.
