It is said that vinegar - in its various forms - is a "miraculous" substance that can cure anything from flu, to arthritis and ...
It is said that vinegar - in its various forms - is a "miraculous" substance that can cure anything from flu, to arthritis and acne . And in recent months a lot of information has emerged about a type of vinegar, apple cider, and its supposed health benefits.
One of the most popular beliefs is that cider vinegar promotes weight loss. The idea arose from a study carried out in Japan in 2009 . In this 175 obese people followed the same diet for 12 weeks. Half took a drink with one or two tablespoons of vinegar each day and the other half drank water.
(The study used apple cider vinegar because it is considered a more palatable form of the substance).
At the end of the study those who took vinegar achieved a modest loss of between half and a kilo,those who drank water did not lose weight.It has not been scientifically proven that vinegar stimulates weight loss.
The researchers then suggested that vinegar could have an impact on the genes responsible for breaking down fat. All participants, however, regained weight after the study.
Since then other studies have been carried out but until now none has corroborated the linkbetween vinegar and weight loss.
Effects
Carol Johnson, a professor at the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion at Arizona State University, has been investigating the effects of vinegar on health for some time.
As he explains, although popular belief suggests that cider vinegar is special, in reality all vinegars are similar and the only thing that distinguishes them is taste.
All contain an active ingredient, acetic acid, which is produced by the fermentation of alcohol by Mycoderma aceti bacteria.
It is also said that vinegar can be useful in cleaning the home.
Professor Johnson was initially interested in knowing the effects of vinegar on blood glucose levels.
After 10 years of studying the compound, he found that, in effect, it can help regulate these levels by reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The researcher has conducted several experiments that show that drinking a diluted solution of vinegar before a meal high in carbohydrates reduces the glycemic response (the increase in blood glucose that occurs after consuming a food).
His theory is that acetic acid blocks the enzymes responsible for digesting starches(carbohydrates of grains and vegetables), and thus prevents the absorption of the glucose they contain.
Experts emphasize, however, that not digesting these starches (which are calories) does not necessarily lead to weight loss.
"The effect is extremely imperceptible, " American nutritionist Debbie Davis told the website MDD.com. "Maybe this can have some benefits in terms of weight loss and control, but it's definitely not a quick fix."
"If you want to lose weight, what you need is to exercise and control your food consumption," hesays.
Professor Johnson was initially interested in knowing the effects of vinegar on blood glucose levels.
After 10 years of studying the compound, he found that, in effect, it can help regulate these levels by reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The researcher has conducted several experiments that show that drinking a diluted solution of vinegar before a meal high in carbohydrates reduces the glycemic response (the increase in blood glucose that occurs after consuming a food).
His theory is that acetic acid blocks the enzymes responsible for digesting starches(carbohydrates of grains and vegetables), and thus prevents the absorption of the glucose they contain.
Experts emphasize, however, that not digesting these starches (which are calories) does not necessarily lead to weight loss.
"The effect is extremely imperceptible, " American nutritionist Debbie Davis told the website MDD.com. "Maybe this can have some benefits in terms of weight loss and control, but it's definitely not a quick fix."
"If you want to lose weight, what you need is to exercise and control your food consumption," hesays.
In addition, as Carol Johnson told the Washington Post, " there is a huge publicity behind apple cider vinegar. This works in the reduction of the glycemic response, but the fact that it is cider vinegar does not make any difference, because acetic acid is found in any type of vinegar. "
Dangers
The experts do not recommend eating vinegar as a method of prevention or treatment of diabetes. And they affirm that one must be very cautious with the product .
Because of its antiglycemic effect, vinegar can interact with medications and can be dangerous for diabetics who must be treated with insulin.
Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, USA, told the New York Times : "If someone with diabetes thinks, 'Oh, I do not want to take medicine, I can treat myself with vinegar', the recommendation is: Do not".
Experts also warn of the risks of ingesting or applying vinegar without diluting it in water. Acetic acid is a very strong and potentially dangerous compound .
It can damage the tooth enamel, cause burns to the mouth and esophagus and can be inhaled inadvertently and reach the lungs, causing serious injuries.
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