The benefits of consuming vinegar have been proclaimed since the days of Hippocrates, when the liquid was once claimed to cure ear infections and skin rashes. Although these ancient claims have not been verified, vinegar does appear to have some health benefits. It improves insulin sensitivity for patients with Type 2 diabetes, as reported by the American Diabetes Association. Adding vinegar to dressings and marinades can also lower the amount of salt you need for a pleasing taste, thus protecting your heart from excessive sodium. Natural News also claims that apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss, lower arthritic pain and improve blood pressure.
Step 1
Drizzle apple cider or balsamic vinegar over salads. Apple cider vinegar topped with blue cheese makes a tasty dressing substitute while adding vinegar to your diet.
Step 2
Marinate meats with vinegar mixed with garlic and your favorite spices. Consider using balsamic or red wine vinegar for this use. Red wine vinegar, soy sauce and garlic make a tasty marinade for pork and chicken.
Step 3
Sprinkle vinegar on your sandwiches over the lettuce or other vegetables in place of mayonnaise. Not only will you be adding vinegar, but you will also be cutting calories.
Step 4
Mix red wine and apple cider vinegar with spices to create a rub for meats before grilling.
Step 5
Drink 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 tsp. of honey and 1 cup of water.
Tips and Warnings
- Liquid forms of vinegar provide more benefit than vinegar pills. Natural News recommends organic, unfiltered vinegar. Vinegar comes in seven main types: white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar, rice vinegar, fruit vinegar, malt vinegar and balsamic vinegar. Each has a distinct taste, so experiment with them to find the one you like best.
- Before making huge changes to your diet, consult with your doctor. While consuming small amounts of vinegar has no known health risk, some of the claims about vinegar's benefits have no scientific or medical backing. Because vinegar is so acidic, it can hurt your throat if consumed in large quantities. Eat vinegar with other foods or in small amounts to avoid this problem.
References
- Natural News: Learn the Truth About Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss
- "Diabetes Care"; Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes; Carol S. Johnston, Cindy M. Kim and Amanda J. Buller; January 2004
- Wild Health: Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
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