Drinking Vinegar

Vinegar has been used as a condiment for several centuries. Apart from its ability to add flavor to food, it also has several medicinal properties which make it a suitable natural substitute to certain antibiotics. There are several types of vinegar available, though the most popular ones are apple cider, sherry vinegar, white vinegar, and balsamic vinegar. It is believed that, drinking vinegar benefits the health and the immune system. Vinegar being extremely pungent, doesn't seem very appetizing to many folks. Nonetheless, it doesn't taste so bad if it's diluted with water. Adding some honey and fresh lime juice in apple cider vinegar makes the concoction quite delicious! In this Buzzle article, let us try to find out the various benefits that come with drinking vinegar.

Let us take apple cider vinegar as the basis of our analysis as it is by far the tastiest among them all. Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, copper, and magnesium. It has vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, E as well as beta-carotene, which are required by the body. Fortunately vinegar offers them in an, 'all-in-one' package! Following are some of the health benefits of drinking white vinegar as well as apple cider vinegar.

Benefits of Drinking Vinegar

Note : Mixing vinegar with honey, drastically reduces its sour taste, and makes the concoction sweeter. If you do not like honey, you may dilute a tablespoon of vinegar with water or natural fruit juices. The reason being that drinking undiluted vinegar may damage the teeth enamel and cause heartburn.

Congestion Control
Vinegar is excellent for treating sore throat, sinus problems, and common cold. Drinking vinegar or gargling with a mixture of warm water and vinegar is beneficial for reducing inflammation and soreness in the throat. Some people add vinegar to their water and inhale the mixture for relieving chest congestion.

Promotes Weight Loss
Drinking apple cider vinegar for weight loss is the new fitness mantra, as it is believed to increase the metabolism and burn unwanted cellulite from the body. It is believed that drinking vinegar promotes weight loss in a healthy way, as the process is gradual and does not strain the body.

Keeps Heart Healthy
Drinking vinegar, makes the blood thinner which causes the blood vessels to expand, thereby causing the heart to absorb more oxygen and send this oxygenated blood to the other parts of the body. This instead, leads to lowering of high blood pressure as well as cholesterol.

Relieves Pain
Doctors recommend drinking apple cider vinegar as it helps in reducing the pain experienced due to arthritis and other bone related aches. The reason being that vinegar is rich in calcium, and acts as a good supplement for people suffering from calcium deficiency. It is good for maintaining and regaining the lost strength in bones and joints.

Heals Injuries
Vinegar accelerates the healing of wounds and bruises, as it acts as a natural disinfectant and is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic in nature. It keeps the affected area sterile and prevents germs from contaminating the wound further. In olden times, sword wounds and bullet wounds, would be doused with strong vinegar, until proper medical help arrived.

For Healthy Hair
It is also recommended by many beauticians, who believe that drinking vinegar helps in toning the skin, and promotes healthy hair growth. There are plenty of people who regularly cleanse their scalp with apple cider vinegar as it acts as a cleanser, toner, disinfectant and stimulant for better circulation and hair growth. It keeps the oil buildup at a low and prevents excess sebum from making the scalp oily. Vinegar for hair, also prevents dandruff to a very great extent. Washing the scalp with vinegar every twice a week, ensures your scalp and hair follicles stay healthy and strong.

Prevents Stomach Ailments
Drinking vinegar helps cure stomach ailments such as ulcers, constipation, and diarrhea. It is believed to prevent constipation, excess flatulence, and worms. It keeps the pH levels within the stomach at a balance and maintains the ecology and growth of good bacteria within the digestive system.

Combats Acne
Apple cider vinegar can be directly applied on the skin to cleanse the pores, by using a soft ball of cotton. Vinegar acts as a natural astringent and toner for the skin, thereby providing it with more oxygen. It clears away any oil and germ buildup, while ensuring that any skin infections such as fungal rashes and bacteria around pimples are reduced and subsequently killed. Apple cider vinegar has yielded positive results for those who consumed a spoon of vinegar twice a day. It also alleviates minor allergies, including skin rashes and insect bites.

Drinking vinegar may have its benefits, however it would be prudent to seek medical advice before trying out this remedy. The reason being that vinegar may cause certain side effects such as heartburn, upset stomach and nausea.