What Are the Benefits of Taking Vinegar?

What Are the Benefits of Taking Vinegar?
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Despite its unpleasant taste, vinegar has a litany of uses, whether it is employed as a cleaning agent, medication or health supplement. Although there are also many old wives tales and myths surrounding the purported benefits of vinegar, such as its use as a mosquito repellent and topical pain reliever, you can take vinegar frequently in small amounts to improve your overall health. Vinegar can come in several different forms, such as apple cider vinegar, and does not have to be refrigerated.

Fruits and Veggies Rinse

Unless you purchase organic fruits and vegetables, it is important that you rinse these foods before cooking with them or consuming them. Most are covered in pesticides and other farming chemicals designed to protect the plants from being destroyed by bugs, fungus or other influences. Vinegar can be effective at removing some of these chemicals, and it can also kill certain bacteria residing on the surface of the food, even if it comes from an organic source.

Calcium Absorption

According to Discovery Channel's PlanetGreen, vinegar can be taken as a supplement to help the body absorb calcium. This can make it particularly valuable as a supplement for those with low bone density, bone density loss, or women who have gone through menopause and face a much greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Take a small amount of vinegar with a meal, preferably one high in calcium and featuring products like milk, cheese, and salad greens, many of which are high in calcium. Keeping these contaminants out of your system will keep you healthier, protecting your liver from the harsh chemicals used to make pesticides and preserving your immune system.

Diabetes Supplement

According to Discovery Channel's Planet Green, vinegar can improve the health of individuals living with type II diabetes. It does this by increasing the body's insulin sensitivity in persons resistant to insulin, exaggerating the effects that normal insulin levels would typically have.

Other Health Benefits

According to the University of Pittsburgh, vinegar can have several effects on the body's health when taken consistently. These include improved digestion and bowel function and memory, lowered cholesterol, ulcer prevention, and slowing or delaying the development of arthritis and its associated pain.

References

Article reviewed by Veronique Von Tufts Last updated on: Sep 28, 2010

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