We all know the saying “it’s what’s inside that counts” and nothing could be more true when talking about our organic Apple Cider Vinegar and the impact it has on your blood sugar levels. So what about our ACV makes the magic happen? Two little words: acetic acid.
Sit back and read all about acetic acid and how it works with your blood when taken daily before a meal to regulate your blood sugar levels. Looks like an apple a day may help keep the doctor away.
MEET THE GOOD STUFF
Acetic acid has been around for a long time. 1845 to be exact. But what exactly is it? Glad you asked.
Acetic acid is the main component of most vinegars. It gives it that vinegar smell and the benefits of daily consumption are pretty impressive. Which is why our Apple Cider Vinegar contains a clinically proven amount of acetic acid. So, how does our ACV get this do-good acid in the first place?
First things first: organic apples are crushed and juiced. Then the first of two fermentations occur when bacteria and yeast convert sugars in the apple juice to alcohol. Don’t worry about an ID check though, the alcohol is finally converted into vinegar during the second fermentation which creates, you guessed it, acetic acid.
Whether you choose a straight (tablespoon) shot of ACV or our supplements, studies suggest your body gets 750mg of the good stuff with every serving to:
- Help maintain healthy blood sugar levels
- Help control appetite and manage weight gain
- Help maintain healthy cholesterol levels
LET’S TALK BLOOD SUGAR
You’ve no doubt heard about blood sugar from Google or maybe a doctor but what does it mean and how does it work?
Long story short, blood sugar (aka glucose) is the main sugar found in your bloodstream. You get your levels from what you eat. And it’s this very blood sugar that provides energy and nutrients to your organs, muscles, and nervous system. Sounds pretty important, right? Right.
As you’d suspect, you can have high, low, and just-right levels which your endocrine system tries to keep in check. But sometimes, your body needs a little help. Enter ACV and acetic acid.
BETTER TOGETHER: ACETIC ACID & BLOOD SUGAR
So now that you know all about the good stuff, how does acetic acid work with your blood when taken daily before a meal to regulate your blood sugar levels?
Let’s break it down:
- Disaccharidase (try saying that 5 times fast) is a key enzyme involved in your digestion of carbs.
- When you consume acetic acid, it stops this enzyme from doing its thing which greatly reduces the number of sugar molecules from starch digestion, and in turn, reduces your blood sugar levels.
But wait, there’s more. Another way consuming acetic acid can maintain those healthy levels is by increasing blood flow and sugar uptake in your skeletal muscles. Which means there is no build up of sugar in your blood, resulting in nice and normal levels.
Healthy blood sugar levels thanks to a daily shot of wellness? We’ll drink to that.
Dr. Jeffrey B. Blumberg, PhD, FASN, FACN
Professor Emeritus, Tufts University
