Health Benefits of Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most vouched ingredients, be it for pickles, for marination or for adding flavor. Vinegar is basically an acidic liquid which is processed from the fermentation of ethanol. This process gives away its key ingredient, acetic acid. Vinegar also has medicinal uses, apart from the culinary uses. Read on to know more about health benefits of vinegar.
Health Benefits of Vinegar
It is derived from the old French word 'vin aigre', which means sour wine. Yes, it is the evergreen and all pervasive vinegar. Vinegar is also known as acetic acid, because that is the main ingredient of vinegar. Vinegar is derived from the fermentation of ethanol and has been used since long as an important component in European, Asian and other cuisines. There are many different types of vinegars made from various sources, for example, wine, malt, fruit, apple cider, balsamic, cane, coconut and so on. The culinary uses of vinegar are very well known, but vinegar health benefits are hardly talked about. When it comes to vinegar, it is believed that apple cider vinegar or cider vinegar, as it is simply referred to, calls the shots when it's about health benefits. Apple cider vinegar is vinegar made from apple must or cider, as the name suggests and is pale or medium amber in color. If apple cider vinegar would have been able to talk, it would have tom tommed about what are the health benefits of vinegar, with reference to apple vinegar health benefits. So here it is - apple cider vinegar health benefits. You would bet that the health benefits of vinegar are directly from a grandma's kitty!

Vinegar Health Benefits

Skin Problems: Vinegar is a natural bacteria resistant, because of its anti-bacterial properties. In addition to that, it's also an antiseptic. Therefore, it is believed to be good for dermatological problems like acne. Apple cider vinegar is also used to reduce the appearance of age spots and cellulite. A solution of vinegar and water applied using cotton, works as an astringent for oily skin and it should only be used for that purpose. Insect bites and stings are also soothed down by pouring or applying vinegar on them. This is one of the most important and frequently discussed and practiced health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

'Throaty' and Breath Issues: Gargles done using apple cider vinegar are believed to heal and soothe a sore throat. The ratio should be 1:1 while mixing water and apple cider vinegar. Elimination of bad breath can be achieved through apple cider vinegar, as it fights infection and the bacteria which are responsible for bad breath.

Digestion: When it is the discussion of vinegar health benefits, the quality of vinegar contributing to better digestion cannot be neglected, especially apple cider vinegar. It helps in the process of absorbing and breaking down the food. Its anti bacterial properties again come into picture. Vinegar's acidic composition inhibits the bacterial, viral and fungal growth in the intestinal tract, retaining the ph balance.

Arthritis, Osteoporosis and More: Health benefits of cider vinegar include relieve from joint stiffness and pain caused by arthritis. External application of the mixture of water and vinegar, or consumption, both help relieve joint pain. According to a study, an acidic substance called malic acid in vinegar supposedly dissipates the uric acid deposits, which accentuates joint pain.

Losing Weight: Some scientific trials and studies have indicated that consuming apple vinegar with food elevate satiety, (feeling full with regards to eating). That leads to eating less, leading to weight loss. It is believed to improve the body's metabolism and helps the body use more energy and accumulate less of fats. Results of apple cider vinegar for weight loss have been kind of observed.

Other Benefits: Studies and experiments on rats have shown that acetic acid leads to considerably low level of serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol. However, this use has not been proven in human beings. But on the other hand, reduced ischemic heart disease risk has been observed in those who frequently consumed vinegar through salad. In addition to this, cider vinegar also helps reduce the glycemic index in carbohydrate for people having diabetes as well as not having diabetes. Diabetics are said to have used vinegar tea for reducing diabetic symptoms. Headaches are also dealt with effectively by cider vinegar along with strengthening the immune system. Vinegar is also beneficial for bladder stones, urinary tract infection, constipation and so on.

These were the health benefits of vinegar. The effectiveness or remedial use depends on how you consume or use it. You have to be careful because there are some health hazards associated with inappropriate consumption of vinegar. That could have a reverse effect than vinegar health benefits.

So stay healthy and fit with adequate 'sour wine'!

By Medha Godbole
Published: 9/4/2009
 
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