katherinecroftonWhat if there was a simple trick to help you curb sugar cravings? Would you try it? Well, apple cider vinegar may be just what you need.
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (often abbreviated as ACV) can be applied to your health in so many ways. It truly is a cure-all product. For example, it can be used to improve digestion, reduce appetite, and control sugar cravings. This is great if one wants to lose weight or focus on eating healthy.
How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Curb Sugar Cravings
ACV Reduces Blood Sugar Levels After Eating
The Journal of Functional Foods published a study that proved Apple cider vinegar reduces blood sugar levels. Specifically, “vinegar ingestion at mealtime reduced fasting blood glucose concentrations in healthy adults at risk for type 2 diabetes.” (Journal of Functional Foods)
All the participants had to do was drink one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water before consuming their meal. Participants in the study who consumed the apple cider vinegar had reduced blood glucose levels.
ACV Slows Digestion
Although not scientifically proven, many people who consume apple cider vinegar tend to feel full faster and for a longer period of time. This is great if a person needs a little something to help them eat less during the day.
ACV Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Research shows that apple cider vinegar consumption increases insulin sensitivity. “Vinegar can significantly improve postprandial insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant subjects. Acetic acid has been shown to suppress disaccharidase activity and to raise glucose-6-phosphate concentrations in skeletal muscle; thus, vinegar may possess physiological effects similar to acarbose or metformin.” (American Diabetes Association)
Acarbose and Metformin are common medicines for treating type 2 diabetes. Test results on healthy persons who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes show apple cider vinegar improves insulin sensitivity. (Diabetes Care) This also means a person will be less likely to feel hungry after eating and seek out a snack.
OK – But Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Stop A Present Craving?
Apple cider vinegar may reduce sudden cravings for sweet foods. But, really, the best way to stop such cravings is to avoid refined carbs and sugary foods altogether. Right? In addition, apple cider vinegar consumption offers a whole bunch of other health benefits.
As we discussed above, Apple cider vinegar improves insulin function and blood sugar levels. This helps the body deal with higher carbohydrate meals, but no research has demonstrated that it curbs cravings.
As an added bonus, ACV may help to increase weight loss. A 2009 study in the Journal of Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry found that consuming acetic acid (found in ACV) for 12 weeks led to significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides.
It will stop your cravings and help the body in many other ways including as an energy and blood sugar stabilizer, a digestion booster, an appetite crusher, and also a weight loss aid.
If one is feeling adventurous, the apple cider vinegar detox is something to consider.