Vinegar is made from fermented wine and is a sour tasting liquid. Generally used to flavor foods, vinegar is available in a range of colors including white, red and brown. Vinegar contains acetic acid in a diluted form and it has antiseptic and antibiotic properties, allowing it to be used in variety of ways, other than cooking.
What is in Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar and Wine Vinegars are packed with the nutrients from the fruits which they are deprived from. They contain many minerals, vitamins, trace elements and amino acids. Protein, complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber are also present. Distilled Vinegar has a stronger acid level and is usually made from Malt. Distilled Vinegars are good for pickling fruits and vegetables as the higher acid level slows the deterioration of food.
Types of Vinegar
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Wine
- Malt
- Rice Wine
- Flavored
- Spirit
- Balsamic
Internal Uses for Vinegar for Health
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar contains important nutrients and may assist the body in the absorption of other nutrients and may also assist the digestion process. To use as a tonic, add a teaspoon to a glass of water and take before each meal. A glass of water with a teaspoon of vinegar may also help with nausea, gas and heartburn. Warm water with vinegar can be used as a gargle to help with a sore throat.
To help with a headache, add a teaspoon of vinegar to a bowl of hot water, place your head over the bowl and cover with a towel. Inhale the vapors for few minutes.
External Benefits of Vinegar
Relive muscle aches and sprains by taking a hot bath containing one cup of vinegar. A cooler bath with vinegar may help relive minor sunburn.
Foot odor may be treated by soaking feet in a dish of warm water and vinegar a few times a week. For the treatment of corns and callus, soak a gauze pad with vinegar and attach to the area with a plaster. This can be left attached overnight.
A tonic consisting of one- third vinegar and two-thirds water can be used to rinse hair after shampooing. This may help to control dandruff and remove soap reside, leaving hair shiny and health.
Vinegar has antiseptic properties which kills germs and may be used on the skin to treat mild burns, cuts and grazes. Vinegar on the skin may also relive bites and sting from bees, wasps, insects and jelly fish. Liver spots on the skin may be treated by dipping a slice of lemon in vinegar and rubbing on the skin once a day for a few weeks.
Other uses of vinegar around the house include cleaning, polishing and disinfecting. There are many benefits of using vinegar and having a few different types of vinegar in the kitchen cupboard can by handy for more than just cooking.
This article is for informational purposes only. The information provided is of a general nature and should not be substituted as advice from a qualified professional.
source: http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/uses-of-vinegar-for-health