Vinegar is a fermented sour liquid that is composed of water and acetic acid. The word ‘Vinegar’ came from the French word Vin aiger, which means “sour wine”. One can prepare it from any carbohydrate sources that are fermentable. Vinegar is used as a preservative or condiment in order to add flavour to a dish. This fermented liquid helps to bring an acidic note to the taste and aroma of the food. There are several benefits of vinegar that you must be aware of.
Vinegar is mostly made from fruits, barley, rice, and other foods which are very high in sugar. There are several types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar, rice wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, fruit vinegar, etc. The levels of acidity in vinegar vary from one another.
What are the Benefits of Vinegar?
Listed below are some of the best vinegar benefits you must know:
1. Nutritional Benefits
Vinegar water contains important nutrients which are essential for digestion as well as food metabolism & energy production. Apple cider vinegar helps keep the blood vessels, heart, muscles, and nerves safe and healthy as it is less processed and filtered. These nutrients include minerals like magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus and vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and E.
2. Helps with Insulin Sensitivity
One of the major benefits of vinegar is its quality to combat diabetes. The main reason behind diabetes is the lack/insufficient production/decreased sensitivity of hormone insulin as it transports sugar or glucose from your blood into the cells which increases the risk of diabetes.
Research has shown that incorporating apple cider vinegar or any other variety of vinegar into your day-to-day diet can help in improving insulin sensitivity and keep your glucose level stable. Vinegar helps reduce glycemic index which can be found in sweet foods. The high glycemic index increases blood sugar levels. Consuming one or two spoons of vinegar after the meal every day can help regulate the level of blood glucose and it further helps prevent type 2 diabetes.
3. Helps Reduce Weight
Another benefit of vinegar is that it helps to maintain weight. Vinegar is well known for its quality to reduce hunger and helps achieve the desired weight. Studies have shown that drinking vinegar twice every day can help in weight loss. As vinegar decreases the glucose level and improves insulin sensitivity in the blood, it contributes to better digestion and lower food cravings. You can mix one spoonful of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and drink it every morning.
4. Helps Reduce Acidity
Although vinegar contains acetic acid, consuming only two tablespoons every day after having your meal, might help to maintain a normal pH in your body. Consuming vinegar can help balance stomach acids, which might help in improving symptoms like indigestion, acid reflux, arthritis, headache pain, allergic reactions, and gout. Although, such effects of consuming vinegar haven’t been confirmed by any medical study yet.
5. Can Kill Dangerous Bacteria
This sour fermented liquid is extremely effective when it comes to preventing or killing bacteria. It can also kill pathogens. Traditionally, people have been using vinegar for disinfecting and cleaning, treating warts, lice, ear infections, and nail fungus.
Another vinegar health benefit includes its ability to reduce acne on the skin. Some reports suggest that the acidic properties of vinegar can kill the bacteria.
6. Helps Preserve Food
There is no doubt that vinegar is good for health but it is also good for your food. Apple cider vinegar works as an excellent preservative. Many people have been using this type of vinegar as a preservative to keep their food edible for a long time. Vinegar ingredients help make the food acidic and kill the bacteria that spoil the food.
7. Helps Reduce Cholesterol
Vinegar water is also effective for lowering cholesterol. It also helps boost good cholesterol while reducing triglycerides. You can notice a visible change in your cholesterol level after eight weeks of vinegar consumption.
8. Helps Improve Immunity
Another vinegar health benefit that you might have heard about during the pandemic is that it helps improve immunity. Vinegar is filled with antioxidants which help combat cell damage, boost the immune system in the body, and prevent platelet aggregation.
When it comes to vinegar uses, which vinegar you are using matters a lot. You need to choose raw, less processed vinegar, which is made from high-quality fresh fruit.
9. Helps Protect Your Skin
Among all the benefits of vinegar, another one is that it helps protect your skin and treats rashes, allergies, etc. Antioxidant and acetic acid properties of balsamic vinegar can help you have a better skin complexion. Consuming vinegar every day might help you achieve brighter and clearer skin. To get rid of skin rashes or body acne, you can apply some vinegar over your skin.
Conclusion
The use of vinegar has proven to be extremely effective in various cases. From boosting immunity to helping in weight loss, Vinegar is beneficial for a lot of purposes. Vinegar also helps to improve insulin sensitivity in the case of diabetes. It is filled with various nutrients that promote healthier skin and body. This fermented liquid that comes in various colours or taste is super versatile and can be used in various ways.
