What will happen to your body if you drink a spoonful of vinegar before meals?

Experts explain that the first thing to remember is that when buying vinegar, you must choose authentic vinegar, that is, vinegar that has efficacy. fermentation.It was none other than “Unfiltered vinegar”Here we might find floating ground, which, as García-Aurea points out, is the “mother of vinegar,” a gel-like substance formed by bacteria and yeast involved in the fermentation process.

This vinegar can be bought in almost any supermarket and you can choose from apples, cider, wine… you just need to make sure it says “unfiltered” on the bottle or label. Regarding the type of container, experts recommend avoiding plastic-wrapped containers because over time it can change the taste and quality of the vinegar due to the substances released from the plastic.

Once we have chosen the right option, it is recommended to specify its properties and elaborate on each of them:

One of its most interesting properties is that vinegar helps release glucose more slowly This helps the muscles absorb it faster, “so there’s less free glucose in the body and we need less insulin, which will help lower glucose spikes,” reveals @whitenutri.

How does vinegar regulate blood sugar?

As a nutritionist specializing in digestive medicine explains, acetic acid Vinegar contains substances that temporarily inactivate alpha-amylase, which converts starch into sugar in the mouth. “This way, sugars and starches are converted to glucose more slowly, and the glucose reaches our bodies in a gentler way,” he points out.

But acetic acid also helps muscles do their job glycogen Faster and therefore more efficient glucose absorption.

In this sense, experts clarify that in fact for Regulate blood sugar Any vinegar will do (certainly not the one from Modena), but if the vinegar is also “unfiltered” then the equation is complete, as multiple benefits can be achieved with a single product.

Does lemon have the same effect on blood sugar?

No, as Garcia-Aurea clarified, lemon does not have the same effect on glucose because it contains citric acid rather than acetic acid.

Can vinegar really acidify the stomach?

vinegar helps Acidify stomach pH, although experts clarify that we are not in any case talking about acidifying blood pH.In short, acidification of gastric pH helps Improve digestion As well as the absorption of vitamins and minerals through stomach acid.

How much should I take and how to take it

Recommended servings of Blanca García-Orea Haro are as follows:

– Dilute 1 tablespoon vinegar with 2-3 finger water and take it before meals, 1 to 2 times a day. “Once a day is enough,” he clarified.

In this sense, experts explain that it blood sugar regulation If taken before a meal rich in starchy carbohydrates (pasta, beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes…) or rich in sugar.

Under what circumstances should you not drink vinegar?

You should not consume vinegar if you have eosinophilic gastritis, gastric ulcers, or severe reflux.

For chronic gastritis, it can be consumed as long as there is no very obvious reflux.

Not recommended if you have lower levels Potassium in the blood, or if you have histamine High levels in the blood “In the latter case, the consumption of fermented foods is also not recommended,” reveals @blancanutri.

If consumed in large amounts, frequently, and not followed by anything else, it can have an erosive effect on tooth enamel. In this case, it is best to drink from a straw to avoid damaging tooth enamel.

Can I drink apple cider vinegar if I have fructose intolerance?

If you have a fructose intolerance, you probably already know that apples are one of the most fructose-rich foods. fructose Therefore, it is less well tolerated. However, as García-Aurea clarified, you can use apple cider vinegar without any problem, since the yeast present in the vinegar is responsible for utilizing the sugars (fructose and sorbitol) present in the apples to produce ethanol and, subsequently, In the fermentation, bacteria will convert ethanol. acetic acid. This way, this step will ensure that the apple cider vinegar is fructose-free once the yeast converts it through the fermentation process.

Can it be eaten during pregnancy?

Although vinegar is not pasteurized, nutritionists explain that it is one of the few products that can be consumed during pregnancy because its acidic pH does not allow pathogens to enter.

«The reason why pasteurized (rather than raw) products are recommended during pregnancy is the risk of bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes or any other pathogenic microorganisms.But the pH of vinegar is below 3.5, so pathogens cannot survive in the product, so pregnant They can take it without any problem,” Garcia-Aurea said.

Does vinegar expire?

Vinegar has been used for centuries as a natural remedy preserve food In a time when refrigerators or other modern methods of food preservation did not exist.so vinegar no expiry date (if consumption is preferred) and will remain in good condition indefinitely as long as it is stored correctly.

Indeed, as @blancanutri clarified, beyond its scope Best before this dateIts flavor and quality can change over time due to factors such as light or air.Vinegar is sensitive to light and heat, so it is best to store it in a cool, dry and dark place. It will stay in good condition in a storage room with these features. There is no need to refrigerate vinegar as its acidity acts as a natural preservative.

About the experts

Blanca García-Orea is a nutritionist and nutritionist at @clinicas.segura , a clinic specializing in digestion. She provides consulting services at Clínicas Segura and shares her nutrition and exercise challenges on her Instagram accounts @blancanutri and @viasanatio.

She is also the author of Tell Me What You Eat and I’ll Tell You What Germs You Have, Tell Me What I Eat Now, The Blanca Cookbook, Immunity, and Sanotes, Sanitos, among others.