Consuming vinegar before meals and at bedtime has been shown to lower post-meal glucose by 34%, according to an Arizona State University study.
The subjects took 20 grams of apple cider vinegar with 40 grams of water and (don’t use this—use stevia instead) saccharin.
It is thought that the vinegar slows the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood or slows the breakdown of starches eaten into sugars. The study also shows that vinegar increases insulin sensitivity, perhaps acting similarly to metformin, a common diabetes drug.
And other studies have shown that vinegar at bedtime reduces fasting blood glucose in the morning as well. Postprandial glucose measurements (post meal) actually make up the majority of the HbA1c level in the blood—one of the most important measurements of long-term blood sugar stability.
Pretty amazing for something you can pick up at your grocery store for a just a couple dollars! Apple cider vinegar is good for everyone, so get in the habit of taking a little bit of it every day. I like it on salads with a bit of extra virgin olive oil, too!