Vinegar may help control glycemic response
POSTED November 30, 2009 - 14:30 | POSTED BY Kangna Agarwal
Last edited by Kangna Agarwal on November 30, 2009 - 15:14
Those suffering from diabetes are likely to benefit from this unusual discovery. Such people should consider adding a drop of vinegar in their meals as it will enable them in controlling excessive blood sugar levels, they marked.
Vineger linked to reduced blood sugar levels
In an Italian study, participants were given meals including 50 grams of carbohydrates, white bread and salad with white vinegar as a salad dressing.
Researchers noted a 30 percent reduction in the glycemic response or the rise in blood sugar levels of those who consumed salad with vinegar dressing compared to others who had a salad with a dressing of neutralized vinegar.
The participants were offered salad with 4 teaspoons (20 mililiters) white vinegar as a salad dressing.
Another study published in Diabetes Care in 2004 claims to have found similar effects in people with diabetes who were given vinegar solution or a placebo treatment before carb-heavy meal. When given the vinegar solution, the participants showed lower blood sugar levels.
Researchers explained that vinegar slows down the absorption of sugar by our body after a high carb diet into the bloodstream. The apparent reason is that vinegar blocks the digestive enzymes, which help in converting the carbohydrates to sugar.
Past studies have also shown that including some vinegar in the meals could be very helpful in lowering the impact of diet rich in carbohydrates.
More research required
Regardless of the findings, researchers caution that further research is needed to evaluate existing evidence and see whether these claims are true.
Proper diet and regular physical workouts are still the key factors in controlling diabetes.
Sue McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the diabetes association was reported by Top News as saying that nothing can replace increased physical activity and portion control, however, diabetics may find taking vinegar worth a try. But people with diabetes might find it worth a try, she said, to consume two similar meals — one with vinegar, and another without — and compare their effect on blood sugar.
