These days it’s really difficult figuring out which health claims are correct and which are not. Every second product on the supermarket shelves have bold labels declaring the product “Organic,” “Gluten free,” or “Natural.” How do we know that we can trust them?

Often there is some truth to the claims, but it can also be so small as to be almost insignificant. The manufacturers want to sell a product, so if one study finds even the slightest hint of a benefit, they’ll of course use that to promote it. Apple cider vinegar is one product that many claim has a lot going for it, an article in the Washington Post is examining whether we should believe them or not:

It turns out there is substantial evidence that consuming vinegar can help keep blood sugar under control, which in turn may ultimately decrease the risk of diabetes and heart disease, among other benefits. Carol S. Johnston, associate director of the nutrition program at Arizona State University, who has been studying the effects of vinegar for more than 10 years, says, “Vinegar appears to inhibit the enzymes that help you digest starch.” When starch is not completely digested, you get a smaller blood sugar (glycemic) response — “20-40% less in healthy people and in diabetics” — after eating a high-glycemic food such as a bagel, according to Johnston’s findings.

If you want to try to reap the benefits of vinegar — apple cider or any other variety — make sure you do it right, not only to get the most out of it, but because it can be harmful otherwise.

The claims are, as with most commercial products, not as substantial as companies would have you believe. Also, there are harmful effects of consuming vinegar the wrong way, so make sure to check out the full post for suggestions.

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