One of the causes of disease is an inability to properly control blood sugar levels. Large fluctuations in the amount of glucose in the blood, over time, may lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, central adiposity and diabetes. It is known that a number of foods have particular beneficial effects at stabilising blood sugar through their ability to slow digestion rates of starch, and slow the absorption of glucose and other sugars. Vinegar is one such food that may play an important part in the stabilisation of blood sugar. For example, in one study, researchers administered vinegar with a meal and observed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels following consumption of the meal. In addition, those who consumed the vinegar experienced a significant reduction in energy intake over the course of the rest of the day that equated to around 200 to 275 kcals. Vinegar therefore appears to show beneficial glycaemic properties that may result in long term health improvements, including weight loss.
Acids such as vinegar may affect blood sugar levels because they have an ability to prevent gastric emptying. Acids prevent gastric emptying because the small intestine inhibits gastric emptying when acid foods enter the lumen. This is a protective mechanism to prevent acid damaging the small intestine with stomach acid and physiological mechanisms to ensure correct digestion of protein in the acid environment of the stomach. Acids applied directly to the small intestine have been shown to inhibit gastric emptying, with the degree of inhibition relating to the strength of the acid and the particular section of the small intestine upon which it is applied.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
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