Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been proclaimed to be beneficial for such ailments as muscle cramps, obesity, joint conditions, digestive disorders, high blood pressure and even sinus problems. But one of its most amazing benefits is the effect that it has on insulin levels. Of course, insulin levels are the key component in the regulation of diabetes.

According to studies done at both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, ACV has shown to improve insulin resistance. This is a condition where muscle, fat and liver cells become resistant to the uptake of insulin and blood sugar glucose (which provide us fuel that gives us our energy). Insulin resistance is common among diabetics and others who are considered prediabetic, meaning their insulin and blood glucose levels are “borderline” in approaching the numbers that define actual diabetes. People with insulin resistance typically are overweight, have high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and are hypertensive.

The theory behind the insulin benefit of ACV is that the acetic acid, vinegars most common ingredient, interferes with the key enzymes that help with digestion of carbohydrates. Basically, the carbs go through the digestive tract without being absorbed. It has also shown to affect enzymes that alter the metabolism of glucose in the liver, which will reduce insulin spikes.

These high levels of insulin also promote inflammation and play a big part in any inflammatory response in the body. This is a valid reason why I instruct all my arthritic patients to start taking a healthy dose of ACV.

Vinegar has been around and used since the beginning of time, in fact, Hippocrates treated his patients with it in BC times. Julius Caesar supposedly gave it to his army to fight off disease and Christopher Columbus took barrels of vinegar for his sailors on his long travels to protect from scurvy and other nasty diseases.

According to Bragg health products, who happen to be one of the leading ACV suppliers in the world, ACV also has a wonderful effect on healthy skin and hair. Using it topically can help with acne and dry skin.

But incorporating it into your regular diet is what’s recommended and aside from the health benefits listed above, can also assist us in:

                                 - flushing out of the elimination organs ( kidneys, colon, skin, etc)

- increased energy

- decreased joint aches

- balancing of PH levels

When choosing ACV, make sure that you are getting the raw, unfiltered and organic type and that it contains what is called the “mother”, a strand like substance at the bottom of the bottle.

Any distilled, clear vinegar should be avoided because it has lost most, if not all, of its natural enzymes during the distilling process. ACV should be pungent, brownish in color and have a visible “mother” at the bottom. I highly recommend Bragg ACV (http://bragg.com/index.html), who has been a highly reputable company since 1912!

As far as dosage, if you are a beginner I would start with a couple of teaspoons daily mixed with some good water at the beginning of each meal. Try to work your way up to a tablespoon or two mixed with the water. It’s always a smart idea to read the directions of usage on the bottle just to make sure.

Another final word: if you suffer from active ulcers, this may be the only time that ACV is not recommended. Speak with your holistic health provider first to discuss your options.