Vinegar, citrus fruits and other acidic foods can be healthy foods because they have unique glycaemic effects. These effect occur because acidic foods delay gastric emptying and thus slows the passage of starch and sugars through the gastrointestinal tract. The site of digestion for most starch and sugar is the small intestine, but when the food is held in the stomach, no digestion or absorption can occur. By delaying gastric emptying, acid foods therefore prevent rapid rises in blood sugar following a meal. This beneficial glycaemic effect may decrease the risk of weight gain, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Sourdough bread, an acidic firm of bread containing lactate from bacterial fermentation has also been shown to possess these beneficial glycaemic effects. The lactic acid in yoghurt may also explain some of the health effects of regular consumption of yoghurt, and some of the beneficial glycaemic effects. Adding lemon juice or vinegar to carbohydrate containing meals may therefore have significant health benefits.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
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