10 Health Benefits of Vinegar, Evidence-Based

Vinegar has been getting a lot of love lately, and it's being used as a hack to cure various ailments. Apple cider vinegar, to be precise, is the latest remedial tool on the block, and everyone's incorporating it into their diet. However, many of you find this obsession with being baseless and futile.
 
Therefore, we're here to tell you all the amazing health benefits of vinegar that have been backed by scientific evidence. These benefits will help you see vinegar as more than just a tangy ingredient to add to your sauces and marinating mixtures.
 
1.    Balancing Blood Sugar LevelsVinegar is great for balancing blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity in the body. It is the ideal ingredient for people suffering from type 2 diabetes as research shows that consuming apple cider vinegar before bed causes a sudden decrease in the fasting blood sugar levels, which in turn helps with type 2 diabetes.  
The regular intake of vinegar is also highly beneficial for delaying the onset of diabetes in various individuals. Vinegar is responsible for improving the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream with the help of insulin. This also enhances the metabolism of carbohydrates and allows insulin to perform much better.
2.    Microbial ProtectionVinegar has exemplary antimicrobial properties as it's super effective against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other parasites. It reduces the chances of wound infection by pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus if used to clean the wound. It is, therefore, also recommended to soak fruits and vegetables in vinegar water to kill off any harmful bacteria on their surface.
 
In areas with limited resources, vinegar is used as a natural testing mechanism for the detection of HPV infection in women. It is also effective against yeast infections caused by various species of candida, which cause infections in nails and hair.
 
3.    Promotes Weight LossApple cider vinegar is a star when it comes to weight loss. This vinegar increases the feeling of fullness and decreases the concentration of triglycerides in the human bloodstream. Vinegar is also a very potent fat burner and helps in achieving a trim waistline.
It is ideal for improving your metabolic performance and curbs obesity. The acetic acid content in apple cider vinegar mitigates the excessive deposition of fat in different parts of the body and triggers the genomic response for enhanced fat burning.
 
4.    Improved Cardiovascular Well-BeingAcetic acid is the main component of vinegar, and it’s super effective for regulating normal blood pressure levels in the body. According to research, vinegar has the capability to positively impact the functioning of the renin-angiotensin system, which leads to a healthy heart.
 
5.    Rich Source of AntioxidantsVinegar is a rich source of antioxidants such as polyphenols. There are various types of vinegar that possess this quality, in addition to the very famous apple cider vinegar. Kurosu is one such example, and it's a vinegar made from rice, which is also high in antioxidant content.
 
Antioxidants are very beneficial for health as they combat the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Vinegar not only contains antioxidants, but it also raises the concentration of antioxidant enzymes in the bloodstream.
 
6.    Improved Levels of CholesterolAccording to research conducted on animals, regular consumption leads to a significant reduction in the overall concentration of triglyceride and cholesterol in the human body. Vinegar also contains a potent compound known as chlorogenic acid, which protects the oxidation of good cholesterol, also known as HDL.
 
Vinegar is a god sent for people with cholesterol issues as it works to reduce the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol in the body and increases the concentration of HDL or good cholesterol. It also decreases the levels of harmful triglycerides and highly damaging VLDL.
 
7.    Improved DigestionVinegar is an acid, and it plays a significant part in regulating the optimal pH balance of the gut. The suitable pH boosts the production of positive bacteria in the gut, which leads to enhanced metabolism. According to research, vinegar also enhances the absorption of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals from the consumed food. This is possible due to the acidic pH of vinegar.
 
8.    Supports Optimal Brain FunctioningBoth apple cider vinegar and Kurosu are blessed with the ability to enhance mental well-being. According to research, vinegar helps to delay the onset of brain dysfunction and the deposition of a brain-damaging compound called amyloid.
 
Vinegar is responsible for promoting the formation of helpful proteins such as HspA1A, which reduces the development of amyloid. Regular vinegar consumption also reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
 
9.    Cancer Curing Properties Frequent intake of vinegar causes a decrease in the likelihood of developing esophageal cancer. Rice vinegar takes the lead on this front as it contains a compound called ethyl acetate, which prevents the development of cancer in the large intestine. It has also been shown to reduce tumor formation in animal testing. Vinegar is also famous for preventing the spread of leukemia cell lines in the human body.
 
10.   Improved Skin ConditionAccording to studies, vinegar contains the perfect acidic concentration to treat eczema and psoriasis in animals. It works by enhancing the skin barrier and improves moisture retention in the skin, warding off any excessive dryness.
 
For humans, it is suggested to first perform a patch test on the back of their hand to see if it stings or hurts in any way and then proceed with applying it on their body. However, it's best recommended to suggest your dermatologist before applying it to your skin. Even if you do apply it, you must always be mindful of diluting it in water to reduce its acidic potency.
 
11.   Final WordVinegar is an acidic solution that is full of miraculous benefits. It can be easily added to your everyday life. It gives you super tasty food, and consuming it frequently can help cure various harmful ailments. So, add this zesty ingredient into your dietary plan today to make the most of its various benefits.
 
Citations
Puya Yazdi, “11 Surprising Vinegar Benefits + Side Effects”, August 12, 2020, https://selfhacked.com/blog/vinegar-health-benefits/
 
Jessica Migala, “Apple Cider Vinegar: Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, and More," February 10, 2020, https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/apple-cider-vinegar-nutrition-facts-health-benefits-risks-more/
 
Kris Gunnars, “6 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, Backed by Science”, March 4, 2020, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar
 
Ansley Hill, “White Vinegar: Ingredients, Uses and Benefits," July 31, 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/white-vinegar