Dr. Pierce's Tip of the Week - Archive

How To Control Blood Sugar Levels With Lemon Juice!
February 06, 2004

Compelling evidence suggests that adding a little lemon juice (red wine or vinegar can work as well) to your side order of salad can significantly reduce the blood sugar spike caused by your main course meal!

Studies show that as little as 4 teaspoons of lemon juice in a salad taken with an average meal (ex. chicken and rice) lowered blood sugar levels by as much as 30 percent! The effects appear to be related to the acidity because other organic acids (such as lactic acid) also have a blood sugar lowering effect. For years now we have known that acidity in food can dramatically alter the natural rate of stomach emptying, resulting in a slower delivery of food to the small intestine. Digestion of the carbohydrate in the food is therefore slowed and the final result is that blood sugar levels are significantly lower.

So the next time you are eating out or sitting down with your family for a nice supper, add a side order of salad with lemon juice sprinkled on top!

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