DOACEO expert says spoonful of vinegar a day lowers blood sugar, cholesterol and visceral fat
A biochemist says a tablespoon of a common kitchen cupboard item a day can make a huge difference to your health. Speaking to BBC Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett on a new episode of his Diary Of A CEO podcast show, Jessie Inchauspé explained the benefits of vinegar.
Jessie Inchauspé is otherwise known as the Glucose Goddess. She is also the bestselling author of books such as Glucose Revolution: The life-changing power of balancing your blood sugar and The Glucose Goddess Method.
The health expert says vinegar is a powerful substance to take if you want to reduce your blood sugar levels, and if you have high cholesterol and visceral fat. "Vinegar contains acetic acid, which interacts with your digestive enzymes and cuts the glucose spike of your meal by up to 30% with no effort," she said.
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"So if you want a super low effort, albeit not very delicious, super low effort hack to try, do that and see how you feel." Consuming one tablespoon of any type of kitchen vinegar diluted in a large glass of water approximately 10 minutes before your largest meal of your day can reduce glucose spikes from food by up to 30%, she told viewers.
After downing the drink, Inchauspé says you'll likely see a smaller spike in your blood sugar levels. She says you will also probably have a "smaller crash, fewer cravings and feel less fatigue."
When asked by Steven what kind of vinegar people should use, she said any kind, but recommends straight vinegar without any added sugars or fruit juices. "It can be the vinegar you have at home, literally tonight just grab the white vinegar in your kitchen - and not the cleaning vinegar."
To manage glucose levels, she advises people to consume one tablespoon of vinegar before meals, particularly those containing carbohydrates. "Add one tablespoon in a big glass of water dilute it drink it 10 minutes before having your dinner. See how you feel," she said.
Upon being quizzed on the reason for diluting vinegar with a big glass of water, Inchauspé said dilution is important "so that it doesn't hurt your teeth." She added: "Your dentist won't be very happy if you take a shot of vinegar, it can hurt your teeth's enamel."
Research indicates that vinegar can have beneficial effects on glucose, insulin, visceral fat, and cholesterol levels. Visceral fat, which is located under the muscle layer and around the organs, is regarded as especially harmful to health.
Vinegar works by temporarily deactivating enzymes in the stomach that break down starches and sugars into glucose, slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. Consuming something acidic like vinegar and water or eating foods like broccoli, cherry tomatoes, carrots, or almonds before consuming sugary foods can help reduce glucose spikes too.
Studies show consuming vinegar can reduce glucose and insulin spikes by up to 30%. A four-week experiment consisting of Inchauspé's four hacks was conducted with 2,700 participants from 110 countries between the ages of 20 and 70.
The experiment involved implementing one hack per week for four weeks: savoury breakfast for four weeks, adding vinegar once a day for three weeks, adding veggie starters for two weeks, and moving after eating for one week. Up to 90% of participants reported reduced cravings and increased energy, with notable impacts on sleep, hormones, skin, mood, and diabetes, she said.
Always consult a doctor before making any major diet and lifestyle changes. Speaking to them will help you understand if you're suitable for such a diet and can help you follow a eating plan if necessary.