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Vinegar is made through the process of fermentation and is a rich source of bioactive components like gallic acid, acetic acid, caffeic acid and catechin and antioxidants. It has various health benefits and the regular use of vinegar in the kitchen can help reducing the risks of various diseases.

1. Antioxidant Properties

The polyphenols and vitamins which are found in many types of vinegar help to ward of the signs of premature ageing. Apple cider vinegar contains strong antioxidants like catechin, caffeic, chlorogenic acids, gallic and epicatechin.

2. Antimicrobial Properties

The antimicrobial properties of vinegar make it one of the best cleaning agents. The acetic acid in vinegar passes to the cell membranes and helps to kill bacteria when vinegar is added to food. Ferment your foods with vinegar to equip it with bacteria-fighting acids like lactic, ascorbic, malic, citric, acetic and tartaric acids which can kill even E. coli and Salmonella.

3. Anti-diabetic Effects

Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for people who are insulin resistant or for those who have type 2 diabetes. You can improve your insulin sensitivity by drinking apple cider vinegar before a meal laden with high carbohydrate foods. Vinegar deactivates some of the digestive enzymes that are responsible for breaking down the carbohydrates to sugar which goes into your bloodstream. The acetic acid in vinegar prevents the complex carbohydrates from being completely digested and thereby, controls the blood sugar levels.

4. Aids in Weight Loss

Vinegar lowers the amount of food consumed by satiating the eater, and hence can be used by those who are aiming for weight loss. Consuming a small amount of vinegar with your high-carb meal will keep you full for the rest of the day.

5. Improves Absorption of Nutrients

The acetic acid in vinegar increases the body’s ability to absorb more nutrients from the food that you eat. So drink a mild tonic of vinegar mixed with water before your meals to increase your body’s ability to effectively absorb the minerals that are locked inside the food that you eat.

6. Health Benefits against Other Diseases

The antioxidants present in vinegar may help to fight against cancer. Vinegar is also good for the heart; it helps to lower blood pressure levels. Take apple cider vinegar with water daily to treat acid reflux which occurs due to the presence of too little acid in your stomach; vinegar helps to improve the content of acid in your stomach.

Replacement for Unhealthy Fats

Vinegar is available in different varieties with different tastes. These diverse flavors and tastes of vinegar can be made use of in replacing saturated or trans fats and sodium which are harmful for us. Making vinegar a part of cooking and dining can save you from cardiovascular diseases like heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure or can be taken as preventive measures if you have symptoms of any major disease and need to correct your dietary habits.

Along with its use in the kitchen for various purposes, vinegar, with its potent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties is also gaining popularity as a health-beneficial food. Click here to know more about the various types of vinegar available.