Researchers in Malaysia took an innovative approach to original research by combining a few known concepts. First, that hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose levels, was related to heart disease. Second, that a number of natural substances are known to have anti-glycemic properties.
Why not put them together?
The researchers decided to test the effects of an anti-glycemic cocktail made of;
- Lemon,
- Apple Cider Vinegar,
- Garlic,
- Ginger,
- Honey.
All of these natural substances have been shown to help modulate the body’s glycemic response in various research trials already on the record. What happens when they’re mixed together?
They looked at the effects of consuming the mixture, with and without exercise, specifically on what is called postprandial glycemia, using a group of non-diabetic female participants. The results were published in a Malaysian scientific journal.
Postprandial Glycemia
Postprandial hyperglycemia is a condition where the blood glucose levels are elevated following a meal. While that’s normal to a certain extent, acute postprandial hyperglycemia is like an abnormal spike in glucose levels, and it’s been found to be harmful – even if blood glucose levels later settle back to normal levels.
It can lead to a cascade of other issues, including:
- Damage to endothelial tissues (i.e. blood vessels, nerves);
- Oxidative stress;
- Inflammatory response.
Oxidative stress and inflammation are known to be triggers of cardiovascular disease, among other serious health problems. In fact, some research shows that postprandial hyperglycemia is a better way to predict deaths related to cardiovascular disease than diabetes.
The Study
Ten women in their mid-twenties participated in the regimen. The study was designed with four trials:
- The control (who did not consume the mixture or exercise);
- Mixture only (consuming 20ml of the anti-glycemic cocktail);
- Exercise only (brisk walking on a treadmill for 20 minutes);
- Exercise + Mixture.
Each day, the trial participants would eat a high-carbohydrate breakfast, followed by whichever trial they were in – i.e. rest for the control group, drinking the mixture for the second, and so on.
Each participant went through all four trials, separated by a week of rest in between. Blood glucose was measured at fasting, and at 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes after each meal.
The Results
It’s a combination of elements that produced the best results.
- Consuming the garlic, ginger, lemon, honey and apple cider vinegar reduced postprandial glycemia;
- Combining the mixture with exercise produced an even greater effect.
As the researchers note in conclusion:
“The findings of this study may represent a practical, non-pharmacological option in the prevention and management of hyperglycemia in individuals at risk. Future studies with clinically-defined participants, standardised preparation and dose, and across a wide range of metabolic parameters are warranted.”
