Vinegar Health Benefits, Risks and Tips

For centuries, vinegar was a by-product of wine- and beer-making. The name even comes from the French word vinaigre, which means “sour wine.” Apple cider and wine remain the most popular basic ingredients, but almost any product that produces alcoholic fermentation can be used to make vinegar. In fact, vinegar can be produced from any high-sugar or high-starch food that can be fermented, as evidenced by the dozens of varieties available today.

Although many people have accorded various healing powers to vinegar over the years—rapid weight loss to relief from allergies—It does, however, provide a low-sodium, low-calorie flavoring. All vinegars are 4 to 14% acetic acid. Vinegar can be transformed into a flavored or gourmet vinegar simply by adding various herbs, spices, or fruits—for example, dill, tarragon, lemon balm, mint, or garlic. These and many other varieties are widely available, or you can make your own by adding fresh herbs or fruit to distilled, cider, or wine vinegars.

Health Benefits

Aids in weight loss.
Vinegar is virtually devoid of calories, so it’s an ideal alternative to fatty salad dressings. To reduce its acid bite, the vinegar can be mixed with orange juice or fruit syrup and a little oil.

Health Risks

Allergies reaction.
People who are allergic to molds may react to vinegar as well as to foods preserved with it. Symptoms include a tingling or itching sensation around the mouth and possibly hives.

Eating Tips
• Add a spoonful of apple cider vinegar to a smoothie.
• Sprinkle red wine vinegar on grilled vegetables.
• Make a spritzer with rice wine vinegar, sparkling water, and mint.

Buying Tips
• Consider the intended use before purchasing any vinegar. Inexpensive white vinegar will work best if you’re making pickles. A mellow sherry vinegar would be ideal blended with olive oil as a vinaigrette for mixed green salad. Choose Japanese rice wine for making sushi.
• Seek out a shop that offers samples of different vinegars before buying. • Some shops now sell bulk vinegars, which allows you to buy small amounts of a variety of types.

Storing Tips
• Stored in a cool dark cabinet, unopened vinegar will keep indefinitely.
• After opening, it can be kept for up to 6 months.

QUICK TIP:
Beat exhaustion
Apple cider vinegar contains potassium and enzymes that may relieve that tired feeling. Next time you’re feeling beat, add 1 or 2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar to a glass of chilled vegetable drink or water.