Apple Cider Vinegar and Blood Glucose Response: The Science Behind the Claims

TLDRApple cider vinegar (ACV) is believed to suppress glucose spikes and benefit metabolic health. However, the effects of ACV on blood glucose response vary depending on the meal. Drinking ACV before a high-carb meal may attenuate the glycemic response, while incorporating it into a salad dressing or consuming ACV gummies may have no significant impact or even worsen the response. ACV's mechanisms may include inhibiting carb digestion enzymes and slowing down carb absorption. It is not a reliable strategy for controlling glucose levels, and other dietary and lifestyle tweaks may be more effective.

Key insights

🍎Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is fermented apple juice that contains acetic acid, which is thought to suppress glucose spikes.

🥗Drinking ACV before a high-carb meal may dampen the glycemic response, resulting in a lower and more gradual rise in blood glucose.

🍞Incorporating ACV into a salad dressing or consuming ACV gummies had no significant impact or even worsened the glycemic response.

📊The effects of ACV on blood glucose response vary depending on the meal and individual factors such as insulin sensitivity.

ACV is not a reliable strategy for controlling glucose levels. Other dietary and lifestyle tweaks, such as exercise and pairing carbs with protein, may be more effective.

Q&A

Does drinking diluted ACV before meals lower blood glucose levels?

Drinking diluted ACV before meals, especially high-carb meals, may attenuate the glycemic response and result in a lower and more gradual rise in blood glucose levels.

Is incorporating ACV into a salad dressing effective in controlling blood glucose levels?

Incorporating ACV into a salad dressing or consuming ACV gummies had no significant impact or even worsened the glycemic response.

Why do ACV gummies worsen the glycemic response?

ACV gummies may worsen the glycemic response due to their small acetic acid dose and added sugar content.

Is ACV a reliable strategy for controlling glucose levels?

ACV is not a reliable strategy for controlling glucose levels. Other dietary and lifestyle tweaks, such as exercise and pairing carbs with protein, may be more effective.

Are there any potential benefits to consuming ACV?

While ACV may have health benefits, such as aiding digestion or promoting a feeling of fullness, its effects on blood glucose control are inconsistent and not a primary reason for consuming it.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to apple cider vinegar (ACV) and its potential impact on blood glucose response.

07:46Experiment 1: Evaluating the impact of ACV on glycemic response to a salad. Results show a lower and more gradual rise in blood glucose levels when ACV is consumed before the meal.

08:42Experiment 2: Evaluating the impact of ACV on glycemic response to a high-carb bagel. Results show a larger and prolonged glucose spike when ACV is consumed before the meal.

10:05Conclusion: ACV's effects on blood glucose vary depending on the meal and individual factors. It is not a reliable strategy for controlling glucose levels, and other dietary and lifestyle tweaks may be more effective.