Empirical Studies on the Uses of Vinegar as an Agent to Control Diabetes

Previously published in Examiner
Conclusion of the vinegar and diabetes article

Diabetes is the sixth most common cause for death in Canada. The statistics vary from province to province. The rates for Diabetes in Canada is among the highest compared to other OECD (Convention on the Organization for Economic Co-operation) countries. Treatment for diabetes is the third leading reason to see a doctor in Canada. Concerned Montrealers need to see their family doctor to see if they are diabetic or pre-diabetic. The doctor will refer them to highly trained Montreal diabetes specialists or endocrinologist for blood testing.

More studies on the efficacy of using vinegar to lower blood sugar levels

Another study was done to see if vinegar would lower cholesterol. Unfortunately it did not, but what it did do was help people lose a few pounds. Since type 2 diabetes are mostly obese this serendipitous finding is a godsend in itself. Vinegar has been used in diets before, but there was no empirical evidence to show that people actually lost weight because of the vinegar, now the research is in to confirm what has been known for many decades.

Vinegar contains acetic acid which gives the liquid its pungent taste, however, it also does more than that. Acetic acid has carbohydrate-digesting enzymes such as amylase, maltase, sucrase, and lactase. Therefore, when the intestines have vinegar in them, some of the sugars and starches are not digested and pass right though. This means they have less of a chance to enter into the blood stream. Dr. Johnston recommends taking apple-cider vinegar and says that the results will differ among users. Earlier, Lund University's (Sweden) Dr. Ostman discovered that consuming vinegar and bread, and not just bread alone decreased hunger, (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition September 2005).

Most Montrealers do not like the taste of this pungent liquid on an empty stomach. Taking straight vinegar can also cause heartburn, and burping; therefore, Dr. Johnston, recommends putting vinegar, on salads, making a vinaigrette for vegetables such as cauliflower, eating it with whole wheat breads and best still eating it with sour-dough bread which is also know to lower blood sugar levels. Vinegar can also be used as a meat tenderizer and a marinate for meats and vegetables.

Dr. Johnston is hoping to come out with a pill form to make vinegar more palatable and easier on the stomach.

Sources:

http://www.dlife.com/diabetes-food-and-fitness/diabetes-superfoods/special_nutrients/spoonful_of_vinegar

http://www.webmd.com/video/vinegar-for-diabetes?ecd=wnl_dia_062211