Apple cider used to be considered as the elixir of life in the ancient times. It was used for treating a variety of diseases like a sore throat, obesity, dandruff, heart conditions etc. Though doctors are in the habit of ruling out ancient wisdom, they too harp on the benefits of apple cider. A study has shown that consumption of apple cider vinegar increases glucose uptake in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. This is indeed beneficial for diabetes. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which doctors admit may well have some benefits for diabetes. But before you proceed to try apple cider for diabetes, here’s what you need to know.

What is apple cider vinegar?

It is apple juice that has been fermented by adding yeast to it and converted to alcohol. Further probiotic bacteria turn the alcohol into acetic acid, the main ingredient of apple cider vinegar. It is used for cooking, baking and as a preservative. But apart from acetic acid it also contains minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, amino acids, and some other acids. But it does not add calories to your body. The original concoction appears cloudy due to the probiotics. The probiotics can be removed by filtering, but that may make it a less potent product.

What are the benefits of apple cider for diabetes?

As per a study, apple cider vinegar can reduce blood sugar levels significantly after taking a starchy meal. This study showcased in particular that the uptake of sugar by the forearm muscles had increased significantly after ingestion of apple cider. Other studies have shown it can reduce the glucose levels in blood if taken regularly. If this is taken at bedtime it may your blood sugar level in the next morning. What it does is it improves the function of insulin which makes tissues more responsive to it. What is more, no side effects of vinegar ingestion were reported during the study.

Apple cider vinegar and obesity

Obesity and diabetes, particularly type diabetes, are pretty much interlinked. In fact by some count obesity is responsible for diabetes in about 80% of patients. In fact, studies have indicated that obese people are almost 80 times more susceptible to diabetes than others. A study by some Japanese scientists has shown that Apple cider may help reduce obesity as well. Therefore, it seems that this product not only benefits patients with diabetes but also prevents people from falling victim to diabetes by regulating body weight.

How to take apple cider vinegar

Now when the benefits of apple cider for diabetes are known, you need to know how you can consume it so as to retain its beneficial properties and use it for effective diabetes control. Apple cider is acidic in nature and it is difficult to take it alone. The best way to take it is as salad dressings, as a marinade or by adding it to a smoothie. You don’t need to take it in higher quantity, one to two spoons are enough. However, you need to make it a habit to take it regularly. You can add one to two spoons of it in your servings or salads every day. You can also take it as a beverage. To make a beverage take one or two spoons of apple cider and add about 6 ounces of water to it. If it tastes too tart, you can add some honey to it. You can also add some maple syrup or stevia drops to reduce the tangy/tart feeling.

Apple cider vinegar and honey – A powerful combination

Honey and apple cider vinegar has some complementing and some supplementing properties. If you take the two together you can neutralize some of the tartness of apple cider vinegar while also reaping the benefits of honey. Apart from being a healthy sweetener honey also helps in weight management, boosting energy levels, regulating sugar in blood and insulin etc. So, a combination of apple cider vinegar and honey can be a potent concoction for diabetes control.

Can large quantities of apple cider vinegar for diabetes be harmful?

Notwithstanding all the health benefits, you must take apple cider for diabetes in moderate quantities. Otherwise, it may harm you instead of benefits. It may damage your teeth, hurt your throat, and also upset your stomach if taken in large quantities. It may also lower your blood potassium levels. As muscles and nerves depend on potassium for proper functioning, apple cider vinegar may cause irregularities in the working of your muscles and nerves. Moreover, a study on people affected by type 1 diabetes has found that apple cider vinegar has the effect of slowing down digestion. If that is the case, then it would become difficult for patients suffering from type 1 diabetes to control blood sugar. Apple cider vinegar may also have some effect on diabetes medicines, diuretics, and medicines for treating heart ailments as well as laxatives. So, you should consult your doctor about taking the right quantity of apple cider for diabetes control in order to prevent any side effects.