Popular in China and Japan as a health tonic or drink, black rice vinegar is reputed to have an array of health benefits, similar to apple cider vinegar and other vinegars. Black vinegar has a deep color and a full, rich flavor, making it a tasty ingredient for dipping sauces and braised dishes. The vinegar can also be used as a fat- and cholesterol-free alternative to balsamic vinegar. Black rice vinegar is most often made from unpolished rice, millet, wheat or sorghum.
Cholesterol Reduction
Lisa Solieri and Paolo Giudici, in the book "Vinegars of the World," explain that black rice vinegars have long been used in China and Japan as natural cardiovascular treatments. They say that black vinegar contains acetic acid, an organic acid that might help your body reduce glucose levels. As a result, black vinegar can have a long-term, preventative effect with an array of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and stroke.
Energy Production
Black rice vinegar has been credited with helping to boost a body's energy production and, as a result, benefit a number of body systems. Dr. James Heffley, in the Austin Chronicle article "To Your Health," explains that black vinegar contains high levels of citric acid, which serves as one of your body's key organic acids. Heffley says that citric acid assists with the metabolic processes in which your body converts food into energy. Citric acid, in fact, helps to boost your body's energy production over and above normal levels. Many body systems benefit from the increased energy, including your digestion, immune system and cognitive functions.
Cancer Prevention
Black rice vinegar contains high levels of antioxidants, which might help aid in cancer prevention. Solieri and Giudici explain that black rice vinegar may have the potential to combat the activity of damaging free radicals, which contribute to the development of cancer. They say that vinegar might be able to combat the development of tumors as well.
Health Promotion
Cal Orey, in :The Healing Powers of Vinegar: A Complete Guide to Nature's Most Remarkable Remedy," explains that black rice vinegar contains many essential amino acids, which your body uses for everything from repairing muscle tissue to growing your nails. Orey says that the amino acids contained in black vinegar may help to balance your body's pH, both neutralizing lactic acid and alkalizing the blood, as well as to heal everyday ailments ranging from congestion to constipation.
References
- "Vinegars of the World"; Lisa Solieri, Paolo Guiudici; 2008
- "Austin Chronicle"; To Your Health
- "The Healing Powers of Vinegar: A Complete Guide to Nature's Most Remarkable Remedy"; Cal Orey; 2009
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