Chemically defining, vinegar is a liquid processed from the fermentation of ethanol that yields acetic acid in the process. Some natural vinegar may even find you with the traces of tartaric acid & acetic acid. It has not only reserved for itself a place of importance but has also been tagged as irreplaceable in the culinary world, making it popular as well as an important element in many world cuisines from western, to European, to Asian.
Evidences show that vinegar has been used in cuisines for long, probably since the Egyptian & Babylonian civilizations. Infact the famous Hippocrates attributed considerable amount of healing properties to vinegar.
Vinegar has been valued for its healing properties for long & it was during this period that it found its way from apothecary's shelf to cook's pot. Most of these benefits are usually derived from Apple cider vinegar, or commonly called 'cider vinegar'.
There are a lot of varieties of vinegar. Here are some of them:
- White vinegar (used for cure of Athlete's foot)
- Malt vinegar
- Wine vinegar
- Fruit vinegar
Health Benefits of vinegar
It seems that at some point in history there was hardly any ailment that vinegar was not attributed to cure. Resultant, we have infinite folk cures to that effect. Nevertheless, the recent investigations by modern science might just upset a few vinegar fans who swear by it.
Here are a few tested benefits that always come with a warning:
1. Healing Virtues: Vinegar was used as a disinfectant & an antibiotic by the ancient Greeks. Even the modern medics use vinegar to treat wounds.
2. Cholesterol: A study published in 2006 revealed that the principal component of vinegar: acetic acid had significantly lower values for serum total cholesterol triacylglycerols.
3. Diet Control: Trials indicate that vinegar intake with food increases the satiety value of food & so reduces the amount of food consumed.
4. Diabetic management & Blood glucose: Small amounts of vinegar (approx. 2 tablespoons of domestic vinegar) taken along with food reduces the glycemic index (effects of carbohydrates on the blood glucose levels) of carbohydrate food.
5. Other uses: Vinegar is claimed to be a solution to dandruff that fills the fungus & restores the chemical balance of the skin. It is also a household remedy for 'common warts'. Vinegar can be effective in relieving heartburns.
We now know a few reasons why Islam considers vinegar as one of the four favored condiments of Prophet Mohammad, who called it a "blessed seasoning". Vinegar sure is one ingredient that you should have plenty of in your meals. So start pouring in Vinegar and start reaping the benefits of good health.
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