7 Surprising Healing Benefits Of Vinegar & Why You Should Have It In Your Kitchen

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Adapted from the word ‘vinaigre’ (which means sour wine in French), vinegar has been used for many different purposes since it was first discovered ages ago. People living during the middle ages utilised vinegar not only as a form of condiment but also for washing and treating ailments such as leprosy, fever and snack bites.

Today, vinegar is more commonly used as a cooking ingredient, or to make pickles. As vinegar is made from an alcoholic liquid that has turned sour through a fermentation process, there is a very strong tangy taste to it.

Love it or hate it, you should know that vinegar not only spices up your meal but is also good for health. Here are 7 Healing Benefits of Vinegar. 

#1 HELPS TO CURE AN UPSET STOMACH

Apple cider vinegar has antibiotic properties that help in fighting bacterial infection. If the taste of apple cider vinegar is just too strong for you, consider mixing a tablespoon of it with a glass of water and one or two teaspoons of honey.

Some people take apple cider vinegar daily as a form of prevention. The acids in apple cider vinegar decrease starch digestion, so that starch can get to the digestive system and keep the bacteria in the stomach healthy.

#2 LOWERS CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

When low-density lipoprotein (also known as bad cholesterol) builds up in the arteries, it can lead to dangerous health issues such as heart diseases and high blood pressure.

It was published in “British Journal of Nutrition” in 2006 that taking acetic acid will result in lower overall cholesterol levels. Although results have been positive so far, further research is still needed before practitioners can recommend vinegar as a cholesterol-lowering agent.

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#3 SOOTHES A SORE THROAT

These pesky sore throats make simple tasks such as eating and drinking so much harder. Nobody is immune to sore throats and although they usually go away after a week or so, wouldn’t you want a quick relief from it?

Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with eight ounces of warm water. Otherwise, you can stir in apple cider vinegar, honey and lemon juice with warm water.

#4 ALLEVIATES CHEST CONGESTION

An infection in the respiratory system results in inflammation and difficulties in breathing. It has been said that boiling vinegar helps in alleviating chest congestion by inhaling its vapours. Add a few spoonfuls of vinegar or apple cider vinegar into a pot of water before boiling it.

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#5 TREAT ATHLETE’S FOOT

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that forms between the toes and causes blisters, dryness and itch. Vinegar has been recorded as one of the ways which help to ease this unpleasant situation by changing the PH levels in the skin. Soak your entire feet into a vinegar and water mixture three days in a week consecutively.

#6 FEWER CALORIES THAN OTHER CONDIMENTS

We hate to burst your bubble but salad dressings are not all that healthy. The commercial dressings are full of calories and fat—which is why they taste heavenly. Replace them with a tablespoon of white vinegar, consisting of three calories and zero fat. This method helps to reduce your total calorie intake and helps with weight lost in the long run.

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#7 RELIEVES YOUR HEADACHE

For tension headaches caused by muscle contractions, place a cloth dampened with herbal vinegar before placing it on your forehead. If you are suffering from a migraine, the vapourising method works better. Heat up equal amounts of vinegar and water in a pan and inhale the vapours to soothe your headache.

Fun fact: Vinegar stops hiccups too! The sour taste of vinegar distracts your mind and helps to stop hiccups. Half a teaspoon of white vinegar, malt vinegar or apple cider vinegar with a cup of water should do the trick.