Vinegar is one of the most commonly used condiments to make flavorful dishes. Recent studies revealed that it has health benefits, as well. You may have already heard about the positive effects of apple cider vinegar to the body. However, vinegar, in general, can do wonders to your body that you may not know. Below are the top 9 health benefits of vinegar.

Health Benefits of Vinegar

Aids in weight loss

Vinegar may help you lose the excess kilos because it can make you feel full for longer, and reduce the total amount of calorie consumed. Studies show that people who consume a small amount of vinegar are more likely to eat less later in the day. Make sure to add vinegar into your diet to help you avoid binge eating, and finally lose the unwanted weight.

Helps regulate blood sugar levels

This condiment is believed to be anti-glycemic, meaning it has beneficial effect on your blood sugar level. Researchers have found that the acetic acid present may help lower blood sugar by blocking the digestion of complex carbohydrates.

One theory is that vinegar might have the ability to prevent digestive enzymes from breaking down carbs into sugar to regulate your blood sugar level. There have also been studies that show vinegar as an effective treatment for diabetes because it may help improve insulin sensitivity.

Improves nutrient absorption

Vinegar contains acetic acid that can boost your body’s ability to absorb important minerals from the food you eat. Drinking a small amount of vinegar and water before each meal might help improve your body’s nutrient absorption. You may also add vinegar to your salad to make it more tolerable to consume.

Contains powerful antioxidants

It contains antioxidants that can combat the free radicals responsible for oxidative stress and cell damage. The vitamins and polyphenols present in many types of vinegar can help protect your body from these cell-damaging intruders due to their potent antioxidant properties. Examples of antioxidants present in vinegar are catechin, gallic, epicatechin, chlorogenic acids, and caffeic.

Helps fight cancer

The antioxidant properties of vinegar may help fight cancer. Kurosu, a Japanese rice vinegar, was found to have the essential components that may reduce a person’s cancer risk.

Has antimicrobial properties

Most people know that vinegar is a natural cleaning agent. This is due to its antimicrobial properties. The organic acids present, particularly the acetic acid, will pass into the body’s cell membranes to fight bacteria. Vinegar-fermented foods are packed with antimicrobial acids, including acetic, ascorbic, lactic, citric, propionic, malic, succinic, as well as tartaric acid.

Promotes heart health

Vinegar promotes heart health in various ways. The polyphenols present can help reduce bad cholesterol, and improve cardiovascular health. It can also help lower blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Helps reduce allergic reactions on foods

Vinegar is a good additive in foods that people may be allergic to. One study revealed that people with anaphylactic allergies on certain food are less likely to have allergic reactions when vinegar is added to it. A doctor’s recommendation, however, is still strongly advised.

Promotes skin health

Many experts recommend applying vinegar for glowing skin. Mix the vinegar with at least one liter of warm water. Apply the mixture regularly over the skin, and you will eventually feel it soften. It is also capable of taking out harmful toxins and dead skin cells on the skin, and works well for sunburn.

Also read: HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPIN CYCLING: 6 REASONS TO SPIN!