Vinegar has been used for its health benefits for centuries, with applications ranging from wound care to aiding in weight loss. It has been praised by ancient civilizations and religious figures, and is still commonly used today as a seasoning and in various food products. Recent studies have shown potential benefits for lowering cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels.
The term “vinegar” can be applied to solutions derived from the fermentation of a wide range of bases, including apple juice, other fruit juices, wine, beer, barley, and rice. In addition to its distilled form, which has acetic acid as its main ingredient, vinegar finds its way into our kitchens in salad dressings, pickles, ketchup, and mayonnaise. The health benefits of vinegar are ancient and far-reaching.
What health conditions can regular vinegar cure or alleviate? Based on what is passed down from generation to generation, a more appropriate question might be: what can’t it cure? Among other things, vinegar has been applied to wounds, ulcers, arthritis, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, urinary tract and yeast infections, sunburns, jellyfish stings, insect bites, sore throats, head, warts and hiccups. It is also said to aid in dieting by creating a feeling of fullness which results in less food intake.
Many of these uses date back to the beginning of recorded history. Vinegar was praised by the Babylonians, Hippocrates, and Muhammad. According to the New Testament, it was offered to Jesus as he hung on the cross, an action generally regarded as a continuation of his torture, but which may actually have been merciful. In today’s kitchens, vinegar is used primarily as a seasoning. Balsamic vinegar and vinaigrette are popular salad dressings, and fish and chips are also traditionally seasoned with vinegar.
A 2006 Japanese study indicated a lowering of cholesterol in rats that were fed acetic acid, and two tablespoons of vinegar taken with meals has been shown to lower the glycemic index of pre-diabetics. In fact, according to tests conducted at Arizona State University, Diabetes Care magazine compared vinegar to anti-diabetes drugs like metformin. Most dramatically, the vinegar appeared to moderate the inevitable rise in insulin and glucose after meals.
With arthritis, it appears that a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey has the ability, in some cases, to dissolve the acid crystals that develop in the joints and cause much of the discomfort for arthritis sufferers. However, there is no evidence that vinegar “cures” the condition, and even pain reduction does not appear to occur in all cases.
Perhaps most curious is the effect that a teaspoon of “straight” distilled white vinegar has on hiccups. By most accounts, relief is almost instantaneous, along with a pained expression and a frown.
The city of Roslyn, South Dakota in the United States celebrates the health benefits of vinegar as part of its annual vinegar festival.
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