Vinegar – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, July 06, 2017 by Tim Wesley

Used mainly as a cooking aid, vinegar, some of us may not know, has been around for centuries because of its medicinal benefits. Its use can be traced back to as far as 3000 B.C. when ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks valued vinegar for its health benefits. Made by the fermentation of grains like wheat, rye, barley or grape and apple juices, vinegar comes in different flavors.

List of known nutrients

Acetic Acid
Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Phosphorus
Potassium
Riboflavin
Salicylic Acid
Selenium
Sodium
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Medicinal uses for vinegar

Vinegar isn’t just a cooking aid. It is packed with healing properties. It’s no surprise people have been using it as a cleanser and treatment for certain illnesses for centuries. Most people would associate vinegar with jellyfish stings. Compounds found in vinegar can break down venom into harmless proteins. Aside from countering the effects of venom, vinegar can also kill bacteria, which is why it’s effective in controlling oral bacteria.

Vinegar’s antimicrobial properties can control the growth of microbial cultures. Additionally, acetic acid can be used to remove warts. You can also use it to soothe itching. For dry skin, adding a few spoonfuls of vinegar on bath water can provide relief. You can even alleviate sunburn by applying vinegar.

When it comes to more serious diseases, like type-2 diabetes, vinegar can hold its own. Research showed that it has a stimulating effect on insulin in diabetics. It can improve insulin sensitivity by taking two teaspoons prior to going to bed. Furthermore, vinegar is effective in minimizing glycemia. When taken regularly, vinegar can effectively manage diabetes, control food cravings, and improve the body’s absorption of calcium. Data has also shown that when added to a high glycemic meal, vinegar can reduce postprandial glycemia. It is also believed to have the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, which greatly reduces the risk of acquiring colon, bladder, breast, lung, and prostate cancers.

This is also ideal for people with hypertension. Studies showed that the acetic acid in vinegar can control blood pressure. Some studies have also discovered its positive effects on the cholesterol levels of rats.

Body systems supported by vinegar

Using vinegar for healthier hair and skin is highly recommended. It’s a great cleanser, which is why it can treat warts and relieve dry, itchy skin. Apple cider vinegar, in particular, can remove dead skin cells and eliminate harmful toxins. Interestingly, despite its acidity, vinegar can alkalize the body. It can reduce the acidity in the system, balancing pH levels to promote softer skin. It’s also this alkalizing property that helps boost the body’s immune system. All you need to do is take two tablespoons of vinegar a day.

By regulating blood pressure, vinegar helps keep the heart healthy. You’ll minimize the risk of heart attack and stroke and prevent cancer at the same time. Additionally, this cooking aid will help improve your chances against diabetes. Its antimicrobial properties can also ensure you’re protected from infections and allergies.

Ways to use vinegar

You can use vinegar in so many ways. In fact, you can use it as a cosmetic product or a household cleaning tool. But nothing’s more fun than using it on your favorite dishes. You can add vinegar to your salad dressing, as flavoring to savory dishes, as a pickling agent, or as a condiment. Here are seven ways to use vinegar in your food.