What is Vinegar?

Vinegar is a flavoring agent and a kind of medication. It is made by fermenting acetic acid bacteria and ethanol. It has loads of nutrients which the body requires. Vinegar contains calcium, iron, carbohydrates, acetic acid, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and some other nutrients that are beneficial to your wellbeing. Its tangy taste which reduces the need for salt in soups, bean dishes, and some other meals. There are various flavors of vinegar, depending on the need for it. Let`s take a look at the varieties of vinegar.

10 Varieties of Vinegar

White Vinegar

White vinegar is quite popular, especially in America. It`s made from laboratory-produced acetic acid which is diluted with water, or from grain-based ethanol. People mainly use it for pickling and cleaning. It has a harsh taste in meals.

Apple Cider Vinegar

In the United States, apple cider vinegar is next to white vinegar in terms of popularity. It adds a tart and slightly fruity flavor to meals. It is excellent for marinades, salads, dressings, condiments, and other vinegar purposes. It is used for more purposes than white vinegar.

Wine Vinegar

Wine vinegar is quite flavorful. It is made from a blend of either white wines or red wines. Most commonly used in Europe, wine vinegar tastes as great as the quality of the wine used in making it. It is used to add flavor to varieties of recipes.

Balsamic Vinegar

This flavorful vinegar is of two types: traditional and commercial. A quasi-governmental body in Italy governs the production and spread of the traditional variety; it is quite scarce and expensive as a result.
It usually has leaf ratings on a scale of one to four, serving as a guide on how to use the vinegar. One-leaf vinegar, for instance, is ideal for dressing salads, while four-leaf vinegar is appropriate for seasoning dishes.
Commercial balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, has no geographical restrictions as its traditional counterpart does. It is easily accessible and more affordable. Its flavor is just as great, and it brings out the best in meals.

Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar can be traced to Japan, where it is used in making sushi. It is made from the sugars in rice. It may come in a red or black variety, and both are used to flavor fruits and tender vegetables. Red rice vinegar is particularly great for soups and noodles, while black rice vinegar is a perfect dipping sauce.

Malt Vinegar

This dark-brown vinegar has a malty flavor, and it is ideal for pickling and eating some meals, fish, and chips in particular.

Cane Vinegar

This type of vinegar is produced from sugar cane, and it is mainly used in the Philippines. Its color is light yellow, and it is somewhat similar to rice vinegar. Despite the fact that it is made from sugar cane, this vinegar is not sweeter than other varieties of vinegar.

Beer Vinegar

With its beautiful light gold color, beer vinegar, made from beer as the name implies, has a sharp and malty taste. This vinegar is popular in the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, and Bavaria.

Coconut Vinegar

This white vinegar with a sharp, acidic, and subtle yeasty taste is popular in Southeast Asia. It is made from the sap of the coconut palm and often used in Indian and Thai dishes.

Raisin Vinegar

Raisin vinegar has a slightly cloudy brown color, and it is popular in Middle Eastern regions. Its flavor is mild; however, it tastes great when mixed with a little cinnamon. You may add it to salad dressings to enjoy its unique taste.

13 Health Benefits of Vinegar

Fights Oral Bacteria

Vinegar contains antimicrobial properties which make it effective at controlling the spread of bacteria in the mouth. It reduces the risk of oral issues such as tooth decay and bleeding gums. This, however, does not negate the need for oral examination by a dentist.

Enhances Hair Growth

Did you know that a teaspoon of apple vinegar combined with carrier oil can make your hair grow faster? Simply apply it on your hair twice a week, and enjoy other benefits such as the prevention of dandruff and itchy scalp.

Maintains Skin Elasticity

The more elastic your skin is, the slower you age. Apple vinegar mixed with water of equal quantity can help you maintain skin tone and soften your skin. It also rebalances pH levels. Simply massage your skin with the mix to enjoy its rejuvenating properties.

Treats Allergies

People who suffer anaphylactic food allergies benefit from regular consumption of white vinegar. It also prevents sudden allergic reactions.

Provides Alkali Balance

Metabolism increases alkalinity, however, maintaining healthy levels is vital to preventing terrible health conditions. Daily consumption on vinegar ensures healthy alkaline levels in your bloodstream.

Treats Cancer

Vinegar contains antioxidants that combat cancerous cells. Vinegar particularly reduces the risk of breast, bladder, colon, lung, and prostate cancers. Note that vinegar is more effective at preventing cancer, and treating it at its initial stages.

Burns Fat

Excess fat causes obesity, which in turn triggers terrible health conditions. Apple cider vinegar burns fat and boosts metabolic rate. Simply incorporate it into your diet to enjoy its benefits.

Reduces Cholesterol Levels

Unhealthy accumulation of cholesterol may cause hardened and constricted arteries which affect blood flow and cause cardiovascular conditions like a heart attack or stroke. Consuming apple cider vinegar in small quantity helps to reduce cholesterol levels. However, note that your cardiologist`s advice is vital.

It is Antimicrobial

White vinegar controls microbial development as a result of its microbial property. Minimal consumption of vinegar helps prevent harmful microbial effects.

Treats Hypertension

Vinegar’s acetic acid content makes it fit for combating hypertension. You may need to speak with your doctor before treating hypertension with vinegar, to determine if it’s safe for you.

Relieves Acid Reflux

White and rice vinegar varieties contain compounds that treat health issues such as gastroesophageal reflux, a condition in which acids in the stomach flow backward and get to the esophagus, resulting in belching, heartburn, and nausea. This condition is quite delicate, hence you should draw your doctor`s attention to it to avoid worse acidic reactions.

Improves Gut Health

Vinegar promotes the growth of useful bacteria. It also destroys bad bacteria and prevents indigestion. With regular consumption of organic raw apple cider vinegar, you can boost your immunity through proper digestion.

Lowers Blood Sugar

Vinegar reduces glucose levels, hence prevents diabetes. It also boosts insulin activity. If you suffer high blood sugar levels, you might want to seek your doctor`s advice to know if vinegar is safe for you.

Vinegar Facts

• Vinegar comes from the French, “vin aigre,” which means “sour wine”.
• November 1st is National Vinegar Day.
• White vinegar is effective at disinfecting and cleaning butcher block countertops and wooden cutting boards.
• White distilled vinegar eliminates wine stains on 100% cotton fabric within 24 hours. Simply sponge the fabric with it on the spot of the stain.
• As far back as 5000BC, Babylonians used vinegar as a condiment and preservative.
• You may substitute fresh lemon juice with vinegar.
• White vinegar treats sunburn by restoring the skin to its correct acidity; it also has a cooling effect.
• Simply put a piece of tissue paper over the affected area, and spray with white vinegar.

Now That You Know…

There are various types of vinegars, meeting different needs. Its health benefits are also numerous. Are you considering incorporating vinegar in your meals? Your health will thank you for it.