Health Effects of Vinegar

For thousands of years vinegar has been a popular choice for home remedies. Although not proven, apple cider vinegar is believed to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels with daily doses. It has been used by arthritics to reduce pain and impede spread of the disease. More recently, vinegar has been praised as being a natural fat burner.

History

• The word vinegar is derived from a French word literally meaning sour wine. It is believed to have been discovered accidentally more than 10,000 years ago when the bacteria in a keg of wine turned it sour.

Types

• Vinegar can be made out of any variety fruits or vegetables. Familiar types include white, apple cider, wine, rice, fruit, malt and balsamic. Apple cider vinegar is the most commonly used in health remedies.

How iIt's Made

• Fruits or vegetables are distilled into alcohol. Bacteria causes the alcohol to ferment. Under controlled conditions, the alcohol is evaporated from the liquid leaving the vinegar to undergo filtration for purification before being bottled.

Effects

• Gargling with vinegar can relieve a sore throat. Added to a vaporizer it is helpful for chest congestion and sinus infections. Mix it with honey for an upset stomach. Vinegar is also used for toenail fungus, warts, insect bites, sunburn and minor abrasions.

Expert Insight

• In the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published July 8, 2009, the Central Research Institute of the Mizkan Group Corporation in Japan determined that vinegar stimulates the production of genes in the liver which counteract the absorption of fats by the body, helping to limit weight gain associated with higher fat diets.

Fun Fact

• More white vinegar is consumed in the South than in any other area of the United States.