Vinegar has been used as a food and medical tonic for centuries. Made by the fermentation of grains such as rye, barley, wheat and rice or juices for example grape and apple, vinegar is available in a different variety of flavors and colors. All vinegars are produced by a method called distillation, in which yeasts and bacteria are used to break down carbohydrates or sugars. Some medicinal studies have shown that vinegar has many Well-being benefits.
History of Vinegar
Anthropologists around the earth believe that vinegar was known to ancient Romans, Egyptians and Greeks and that its usage dates reverse to around 3000 BC. Egyptians used it as a condiment and a flavouring agent in their cooking. Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates used it as a drug for his patients about 400 BC. Chinese physician, Sung Tse, regarded as the father of forensic medicine, suggested using it for cleaning hands before surgery to avoid infections.
Vinegar had also been present in Biblical times, and it was used as a tonic that better health. Since then, it has been used all above Europe and historians say that even Christopher Columbus carried barrels of vinegar on his voyage to North America.
Vinegar Nutritional Value
According to the National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, 100 grams of vinegar consists of 94 grams of water, about 1 gram of carbohydrates, 21 kcal of energy, 7 mg of calcium, 0.4 grams of sugar, 5 mg of sodium, 0.2 mg of iron, 5 mg of magnesium, 8 mg of phosphorous, 5 grams of acetic acid and 73 mg of potassium.
Health Benefits of Vinegar
This age old ‘sour wine’ provides many health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of taking vinegar regularly.
Nutrition
Vinegar contains important nutrients that are essential for healthy digestion, food metabolism and energy creation. All vinegars, mostly organic types such as apple cider vinegar, which are less filtered and processed, are helpful for blood vessel, heart, and nerve and muscle health. These include vitamins A, Vitamin B-complex, C and E and minerals for instance calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and sodium.
Reduce Appetite
Vinegar is a common weight loss supplement because it can help lessen hunger. A study published in the medical journal “BMC Gastroenterology” reported that ingesting vinegar decrease the rate of food digestion and lowered blood glucose and insulin levels after eating. This helps to get better digestion, decrease unhealthy food cravings and preserve feelings of fullness longer.
Reduce Acidity
Vinegar contains high levels of acetic acid, taking as small as 2 teaspoons a day may help to balance your body’s pH and has an alkalizing result. Taking vinegar helps to decrease acidity and alkalize the body, which may help recover disease such as arthritis, gout, allergic reactions and headache pain according to the National Standard. These effects of vinegar haven’t yet been confirmed by medical studies.
Reduce Hypertension
Vinegar helps in dropping hypertension and rennin activity. Vinegar effect on blood pressure showed that use it for long period helps in controlling hypertension due to the presence of acetic acid in it.
Controls Oral Bacteria
The antimicrobial properties of vinegar are useful in controlling oral bacteria, which is often found in dentures and in different gum and oral infection.
Healthy Skin
Applying vinegar on the skin is optional for healthy and glowing skin. Take half a cup of apple cider vinegar and combine it with at least 1 litter of warm water. Now, apply this combination quietly on your skin. Your skin will become soft as the PH level begins to re-balance. It can clear away dead skin cells and unsafe toxins that have been deposited on your skin. This mixture can also work well for sunburn.
Anti-Aging Properties
In lots of cultures, vinegar was thought to get better immunity and was connected with longer life and strength. Studies administering it to rats have shown quite hopeful results.
Improves Acid-Alkali Balance
Taking 2 tablespoons of vinegar daily can help decrease high alkalinity in the blood. Alkalinity is increased by regular metabolism, which has to be balanced by an acid. It could be a good option for this!
Healthy Hair
Vinegar is greatest suited for keeping your hair healthy. By applying a teaspoonful of apple cider vinegar on the scalp, one can get rid of dandruff, hair loss, itching scalp, and in some cases, baldness.
By : Natural Health News
