Acetic acid has been all the rage lately, thanks in part to Jessie Inchauspé, aka glucosegoddess on social media, a French biochemist, blogger and natural health coach.
Acetic acid: what is it?
Acetic acid is a chemical compound that belongs to the carboxylic acid family. Its chemical formula is CH3COOH. It is a weak organic acid, also known as ethanoic acid. Acetic acid is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor, and it is widely used in many fields.
Some key points about acetic acid:
- Natural sources: It is present in some foods, such as vinegar, which is an aqueous solution of acetic acid.
- Industrial production: Acetic acid can be produced by acetic fermentation, a biological process involving acetic acid bacteria, or by chemical synthesis.
- Uses: It is commonly used in the food industry as a preservative and in the manufacture of vinegar. It is also used in the chemical industry for the production of various products, such as plastics, textiles, and medicines.
- Chemical reactions: As an acid, acetic acid reacts with bases to form salts, and it can also react with certain metals to form specific compounds.
- Properties: Acetic acid is soluble in water, and its aqueous solution is known as vinegar. In high concentrations it can be corrosive.
FERMENTATION PROCESS
There are two main methods of producing acetic acid: acetic fermentation and chemical synthesis. Both methods result in the formation of acetic acid, although the processes differ considerably.
Acetic fermentation:-This method uses acetic acid bacteria to convert ethanol into acetic acid. The process of acetic fermentation can occur naturally in vinegar when favorable conditions are met.
- Acetic acid bacteria, usually of the genus Acetobacter, oxidize ethanol (ethyl alcohol) to acetic acid in the presence of oxygen. The chemical equation for the reaction is:
C2H5OH+O2 -> CH3COOH + H2O
This method is widely used in vinegar production, where liquids containing ethanol are exposed to air to allow the growth of acetic acid bacteria.
-The chemical synthesis of acetic acid often involves the oxidation of ethanol using chemical reagents. A catalyst may be used to speed up the reaction.
-The general chemical equation for this oxidation reaction is:
CH3CH2OH + O2 -> CH3COOH + H2O
-This process is more commonly used on an industrial scale to produce acetic acid in large quantities.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between acetic fermentation and chemical synthesis often depends on the specific needs of the industry and the costs associated with each method.
BENEFITS
According to Jessie Inchauspé, aka glucosegoddess, acetic acid is associated with various health benefits such as:
Improved digestion
Acetic acid helps to give a little boost to stomachs lacking acidity that sometimes seek to compensate too much. As a result, its consumption helps to reduce heartburn and bloating.
Promote intestinal transit
Acetic acid is rich in prebiotics, nutrients that feed the good bacteria present in our intestines. However, the intestines are, along with the liver, a major organ in the evacuation of waste. Who says good bacteria, therefore says good intestines and good transit, increasing the regularity of stools and the elimination of toxins that the body wants to reject. Limiting digestion time, and therefore fermentation, is also essential for good transit.
Helps with hunger management and weight loss
Acetic acid is an excellent appetite suppressant. Taken before a meal, it provides a feeling of satiety and allows you to be more easily satisfied, reducing the number of calories absorbed. Taken during the day, it also helps fight against nasty cravings. Better yet, studies indicate that acetic acid prevents the storage of fat and even promotes its destocking, as well as that of the waste trapped there, reducing body fat mass, BMI and serum triglyceride levels.
Regulate blood sugar levels
A meta-analysis has confirmed that consuming acetic acid before a meal reduces its glycemic impact by 30%, i.e. the amount of glucose present in our blood. Indeed, acetic acid regulates blood sugar and insulin, thereby limiting the transformation of sugars into triglycerides and the formation of new fat cells. An experiment validated in the same way in diabetic people as in non-diabetic people.
Strengthen the immune system
Known for eliminating bad bacteria, acetic acid is an antibacterial that acts as a 100% natural disinfectant. For example, it can relieve a mild sore throat or a congested nose. Scientific research has also shown that a healthy intestinal microbiota protects us from the onset of diseases. However, to keep it in good shape and strengthen our immune system, it is important to diversify the sources of good bacteria.
Improve skin condition
For skin problems, the secret of acetic acid lies in its PH, similar to that of healthy skin (around 5): it balances oily skin (alkaline PH higher than 6) and dry skin (acid PH lower than 4). Acetic acid thus promotes the elimination of toxins accumulated on our skin (air quality, pollution, perspiration, etc.) and naturally fights against skin problems, imperfections, redness, tightness and excess sebum. The good bacteria it contains also help maintain a healthy skin microbiome and radiant, toned and glowing skin.
Taking care of our hair
Acetic acid is a great ally for our hair: it purifies and regulates oily scalps thanks to its PH, it tightens the scales of our hair, giving it softness and shine, it is a spectacular natural anti-dandruff agent thanks to its antibacterial properties and finally it helps to stimulate the growth of our hair.
Acetic acid is known for its regulating effect on blood sugar.
How does it affect our blood sugar?
Acetic acid slows down the breakdown of sugars and starches, while stimulating faster absorption of glucose by our muscles. This reduces the amount of glucose in circulation, thereby reducing blood sugar spikes.
A comprehensive meta-analysis confirmed that a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, diluted in water before a meal, can reduce glycemic impact, or the amount of glucose present in the blood, by 30%.
This regulation is made possible by the action of acetic acid, which is involved in the regulation of blood sugar and insulin. As a result, this regulation has the effect of limiting the conversion of sugars into triglycerides, as well as the formation of new fat cells.
Here's how acetic acid affects blood sugar:
- Improved insulin sensitivity : Some researchers have suggested that acetic acid may improve insulin sensitivity, meaning that the body’s cells are more responsive to insulin. This could help lower blood glucose levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes, who are often insulin resistant.
- Slowed gastric emptying : Acetic acid can slow the emptying of the stomach, meaning that food is digested more slowly and glucose is released into the bloodstream more steadily. This can help prevent blood sugar spikes after meals.
- Reducing the Glycemic Index of Foods : When added to meals, acetic acid reduces the overall glycemic index (GI) of the meal. Low GI foods are digested more slowly and cause a slower rise in blood sugar after meals.
Apple cider vinegar, a formidable ally for lowering the GI of your meals .
The food that allows you to lower your GI at every meal is cider vinegar, rich in acetic acid. We heard a lot about it when the book Glucose Revolution came out, because its author, Jessie, promotes cider vinegar in particular.
So how does it work?
One of the mechanisms by which vinegar works is that it delays gastric emptying, which means that food stays in the stomach longer. This slows the release of sugars into the bloodstream, thus reducing the overall glycemic index of a meal. In addition, vinegar can also improve insulin sensitivity and promote better utilization of glucose by cells. Vinegar, and in particular the acetic acid it contains, partially deactivates the alpha-amylase enzyme that converts the starch in carbohydrates into glucose. And when absorbed into the bloodstream, acetic acid allows for better consumption of glycogen by the muscles. Apple cider vinegar contains the most acetic acid and is also the one that tastes mildest when diluted in a little water.
In summary, acetic acid has various health benefits, including improving digestion, regulating blood sugar, boosting the immune system, and positive effects on skin and hair. Apple cider vinegar, which is rich in acetic acid, is particularly praised for its potential to lower the glycemic index of meals, thereby contributing to better weight and blood sugar management.
