Lemon juice before meal

Lemon juice consumed before meals can have benefits related to blood glucose levels. Experts have discussed these benefits in various contexts such as diabetes and healthy eating guidelines.

• Blood Glucose Blunting: Andrew Huberman has mentioned that lemon or lime juice, when ingested before meals containing sugary foods or a large amount of carbohydrates, can blunt the blood glucose response. This was observed through the use of continuous glucose monitoring. However, he cautioned against using lemon juice in this way if one's blood glucose levels are already low, as it could lead to hypoglycemia 1.

• Reducing Cravings and Blood Sugar Spikes: Andrew Huberman also discussed how certain foods, including lemon juice, can reduce sugar cravings and the sharp increases in blood glucose caused by the ingestion of sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods. The idea is that the sourness of lemon juice can impact how sweet foods affect brain circuits related to taste and pleasure 2.

• Impact of Sour and Sweet Taste: The sourness of lemon juice can change the neural response to the taste of sweet foods. This is based on the work by Charles Zuker, which showed that when sweet and sour tastes are co-ingested, they evoke distinct patterns of neural activity, influencing how food impacts the brain and blood glucose levels 3.

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    1

    Blood Sugar Control

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    2

    Blood Glucose Insights

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    3

    Taste and Neural Response

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    4

    The Power of Vinegar

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    5

    pH and Energy

    00:54:00
    

Jessie Inchauspé also commented on similar blood glucose moderating effects of vinegar, which contains acetic acid that can slow down the digestive process and encourage muscles to soak up glucose from the bloodstream, thereby reducing glucose spikes 4. While not directly related to lemon juice, it's worth noting the common principle of acidity being potentially beneficial before meals.

Additionally, Dave Asprey mentions that consuming lemon juice can have an effect on energy levels by raising acidity, which ties into circadian biology 5.

In summary, consumption of lemon juice before meals is suggested by these experts as a way to moderate blood sugar response and potentially reduce cravings and the impact of consuming carbohydrates and sugary foods. Always consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes, especially if dealing with health conditions or concerns over blood sugar levels.

Yes, lemon juice can help with reducing sugar cravings. Andrew Huberman has discussed how lemon juice, when ingested before or during the consumption of sugary foods or large carbohydrate meals, can blunt the blood glucose response. This can be beneficial in reducing cravings that are related to spikes in blood sugar levels 1.

He also mentioned that the sourness of lemon juice can impact how the brain responds to the taste of sweet foods. The ingestion of something that is sour, like lemon juice, can adjust the neural circuits in the brain responsible for taste 2.

These effects might indirectly influence cravings, as they can change the way sweet foods affect the body and brain, possibly reducing the rewarding feeling associated with sugar consumption and thus curbing sugar cravings. However, caution is advised; if blood glucose levels are already low, consuming lemon juice can lead to hypoglycemia 1. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially if you have concerns about blood glucose management.