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What you need to know about apple-cider vinegar
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Apple-cider vinegar is touted as a cure for everything that ails us, plus a weigh-loss aid. A skeptical nutritionist investigated and learned some things that surprised her plus something everyone who takes vinegar should know. - photo by Jennifer Graham
Apple-cider vinegar is touted as a miraculous elixir that can cure indigestion, remove toxins and help you lose weight. A skeptical nutritionist decided to investigate the hype and was surprised to learn some of the claims are true in particular, vinegar's beneficial effect on digestion and blood sugar.

Writing in The Washington Post, Ellie Krieger said she began her research dubious of vinegar's purported health benefits and was surprised that anyone still believed them.

"I was under the impression that notion had been debunked way back when phones still had cords," Krieger wrote.

But after reviewing research and interviewing another nutritionist who has been studying apple-cider vinegar for a decade, Krieger concluded that vinegar consumption can help to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease and help people lose small amounts of weight.

The benefits come not from magical sprites living in apple trees, but from the acetic acid that is present in vinegar. Its properties help block the absorption of starch, which can reduce blood-glucose levels. Undigested starch also helps feed and nurture the good bacteria in our intestines. And yes, it can also help you lose weight not so much that you need a new wardrobe, but enough that your clothes might not feel so tight.

"Vinegar is not a magic bullet for weight loss. I have seen very modest weight loss in my studies, of one to two pounds after 12 weeks," Carol Johnston, associate director of the nutrition program at Arizona State University, told Krieger.

Other researchers have found slightly more benefit. In one Japanese study, published in 2009, participants lost between two and four pounds in 12 weeks. And some people swear by an apple-cider vinegar diet.

But before the manufacturers of apple-cider vinegar get too triumphant, the nutritionists point out that you can get benefits from any kind of vinegar, not just the raw, unfiltered vinegar promoted by many health enthusiasts. That's because it's the acetic acid that provides the bulk of the benefits, and it's in all kinds of vinegar, even white distilled or red-wine vinegar, Krieger writes.

So a dose of vinegar of any kind is something to consider before you consume a bagel or a starch-heavy meal. But it's important not to drink it straight from the bottle. Instead, dilute one or two tablespoons in water.

"It is a potent acid that can be dangerous if aspirated, may cause burns to the tender tissue of the mouth and esophagus, and can lead to tooth erosion," Krieger wrote. "And because vinegar could interact with medications, and its anti-glycemic effect may be dangerous to diabetics taking insulin, talk to your doctor before using it therapeutically if these are concerns for you."

And, just so you know, despite claims to the contrary, you don't get nutritional credit for eating an apple if you choose apple-cider vinegar.

"There is not an appreciable amount of vitamins, minerals or pectin in apple cider vinegar, as is often advertised," Krieger reported. "If those are the qualities you are seeking, youd be better off eating an apple."
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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