Vinegar is made from the oxidation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. Different kinds of ethanol--from wine, fruit juices, beer, rice, coconut or cider--produce different kinds of vinegar. People have been using vinegar for thousands of years, dating to 3000 B.C. Although some people believe vinegar can treat infections and persistent cough, it is not effective against infections or fungus, according to the "British Journal of Dermatology." Yet vinegar has many other health benefits and is an excellent addition to every health-conscious person's diet.
Cleaning
Vinegar is an efficient antibacterial cleaning agent of hard surfaces in the kitchen or bathroom. It can dissolve mineral deposits from glass or coffee makers and very successfully clean mirrors, windows and other smooth surfaces. Washing fruits and vegetables in a mixture of water and vinegar will remove certain pesticides and harmful bacteria.
Glycemic Index and Blood Sugar Control
Medical trials published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" show that approximately 2 tbsp. of vinegar taken with meals decrease the glycemic index of carbohydrate food by 30 percent for people with or without diabetes. Vinegar inactivates some of the digestive enzymes that break the carbohydrates into sugar, slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. The body will need to release less insulin as a result, which is helpful because high levels of insulin over prolonged periods of time are linked to heart disease and other chronic conditions. People with type 2 diabetes should consult their physician about including more vinegar in their diets.
Digestion
Vinegar is high in acetic acid, which can increase absorption of essential nutrients and minerals. Vinegar can be especially useful for women who have hard time getting all the necessary calcium to keep their bones strong. Dairy contains a lot of calcium, but lactose-intolerant people experience digestive discomforts and require other sources of calcium. Green, leafy vegetables contain calcium that could be hard to digest. Sprinkling a little bit of vinegar over the vegetables enables better digestion of calcium.
Making a Healthy Diet More Tasteful
Including a lot of vegetables in your diet is essential to protect your body's cells from the oxidative damage that can cause cancer or premature aging. Adding a little vinegar to your vegetables will improve taste and you will consume more of them. You add more taste without adding the excessive calories of unhealthy dressings with too much sodium and fat. Vinegar has about 30 times fewer calories than mayonnaise. It also provides a feeling of fullness so you will feel more satisfied sooner.
References
- "The British Journal of Dermatology"; Monochloroacetic acid and 60% salicylic acid as a treatment for simple plantar warts: effectiveness and mode of action; K. Steele, et al.; April 1988
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Delayed gastric emptying rate may explain improved glycaemia in healthy subjects to a starchy meal with added vinegar; H. Liljeberg, I Björck; May 1998
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Vinegar dressing and cold storage of potatoes lowers postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses in healthy subjects; M. Leeman, E. Ostman, I. Björck; November 2005
- "Diabetes Care"; Vinegar improves insulin sensitivity to a high-carbohydrate meal in subjects with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes; C.S. Johnston, C.M. Kim, A.J. Buller; January 2004
- "The Healing Powers of Vinegar: A Complete Guide to Nature's Most Remarkable Remedy"; Cal Orey; 2009
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