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Is Malt Vinegar Good for You?

Sep 1, 2011 | By Sadie Bell
Is Malt Vinegar Good for You?
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Malt vinegar is typically used in cooking but it may sometimes be used as a health supplement for a variety of conditions. Little research is available, but what research there is suggests the potential benefits of malt vinegar outweigh the health hazards. Just be certain to talk with a doctor before using malt vinegar as a supplement.

Diabetes Benefits

Drinking malt vinegar or any kind of vinegar might help to control diabetes. According to "Medscape General Medicine," the acetic acid in all types of vinegar may regulate blood sugar levels after meals if it is consumed prior to eating. More stable blood-sugar levels means better managed diabetes and increased satiety after eating.

Weight Loss Benefits

All kinds of vinegar might play a role in reducing fat accumulation. According to Drugs.com, rats that were fed vinegar along with a diet high in fat gained less weight than rats that weren't fed vinegar. That doesn't necessarily mean vinegar would help humans lose weight, and further study is needed to verify whether vinegar can prevent obesity.

Cholesterol Benefits

Drinking vinegar may also help to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. According to "The Vinegar Institute," drinking vinegar reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in animal test subjects. Again, human studies must be done before vinegar can be recommended as a treatment for high cholesterol.

Health Hazards

Malt vinegar is generally safe to consume but it may lead to side effects in some. According to "eMedTV," drinking apple cider vinegar, which contains the main ingredient in malt vinegar -- acetic acid -- can cause throat pain, burning, and stomach upset. Allergic reactions are also possible.

References

Article reviewed by BillR Last updated on: Sep 1, 2011

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