Q:Is apple-cider vinegar the only vinegar that works for stabilizing blood sugar and cutting appetite? — Candy, Harrisburg, S.D.
A: It doesn’t seem to matter which vinegar — white, apple cider or even red raspberry — you use. What’s critical is that you use vinegar that has 5 percent acidity (acidity is typically marked on the label). The waist benefits of vinegar come from its acetic acid. In balsamic vinegar, it’s masked by a sweet taste, but it’s there. Trust us, we’re docs.
The anti-glycemic effect is greater the more vinegar you consume: The bare minimum for lowering your blood sugar is 1 to 2 tablespoons. It’s not the most chuggable liquid, so we think the best delivery system is as a salad dressing. Mix your favorite vinegar with olive oil at a 2:1 (vinegar to oil) ratio, and serve with mixed leafy greens, crucifers like watercress and arugula, and other veggies.
Q:What healthy cereal can I eat that has no soy? I am allergic to it, and I’ve spent hours in the grocery store looking for products that don’t contain it. — Becky, Bloomington, Ill.
A: We’re sorry you’re allergic to soy, but that doesn’t have to be a cereal killer. You could eat like a baby: Some cereals made for infants and toddlers are soy-free, as are oatmeal and the creamy wheat and rice hot cereals. Otherwise, you’re likely to find soy-free cereals in health- or organic-food stores.
But beware: Soy goes by more names than a conman. Here are some of the terms that will tell you whether a cereal or another food has nestled up with a bean: glycine max, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), textured vegetable protein (TVP), lecithin, miso, mono-diglyceride, monosodium glutamate (MSG), natto, tempeh, tofu, vegetable oil, vegetable gum, vegetable starch and soybean oil.
Any product that contains “flavorings” or “natural flavorings” also might contain soy. If you have a question, contact the manufacturer.
Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen are authors of “YOU: Having a Baby.” Submit questions at .
