White vinegar – what it is, benefits and contraindications!

White vinegar, sometimes called distilled or alcohol vinegar, has been a mainstay of households around the world for thousands of years. It’s easy to understand why. This versatile liquid features a treasure trove of uses for cleaning, gardening and cooking. It also has medicinal applications.

This article discusses some of the most popular applications for white vinegar and the safest and most effective ways to use it in your home.

What is it and how is it done?

Standard white vinegar is a clear solution that usually contains 4-7% acetic acid and 93-96% water. Some types of white vinegar can contain up to 20% acetic acid, but these are strictly for agricultural or cleaning purposes and are not intended for human consumption.

Historically, white vinegar was produced by fermenting foods such as beets , potatoes, molasses or whey. Typically, the specific recipe depended on which food item was most readily available in a particular region.

Today, most white vinegars are made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol). This type of alcohol does not naturally contain many nutrients, so other ingredients such as yeast or phosphates can be added to boost the bacterial fermentation process.

Use of Vinegar in the Kitchen:

The many possible culinary applications for white vinegar make it easy to sell as a staple in the kitchen. It tastes stronger and a little harsher than other types of drinkable vinegar, so you probably wouldn’t want to drink it by itself.

However, it can be a very practical ingredient to have on hand as part of a recipe. Some of the most popular uses for white vinegar in the kitchen are:

Pickles:

When paired with spices and pickled water, white vinegar makes an excellent base for making a wide variety of quick pickles, including vegetables, fruits, and eggs.

Salads:

A touch of white vinegar can lighten the flavor of some types of traditional and mixed salads. Always start with a small amount and do a taste test before adding more – it’s easy to go overboard and spoil the dish!

Marinades and Sauces:

White vinegar adds an extra kick of flavor to marinades and sauces. In marinades, the acid in the vinegar also works as a tenderizing agent for meats, seafood, and vegetables.

Cooking:

White vinegar can be used along with baking soda as a leavening agent for baked goods. The acidic vinegar reacts with the alkaline baking soda and releases carbon dioxide which helps to elevate the roasts.

Cheese factory:

Some cheeses can be created from milk and white vinegar. When added to milk, acidic vinegar alters the milk proteins, allowing the curds and whey to separate. The result is a smooth, smooth cheese.

White Vinegar Health Benefits:

White vinegar can also produce positive health effects that go far beyond adding flavor to your favorite recipes. Vinegar has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Most modern research into its health benefits focuses on the acetic acid component of vinegar.

Since many types of vinegar contain acetic acid, the potential health benefits are not necessarily unique to white vinegar . Some of the possible health benefits of vinegar include:

• Blood Sugar Control: Some human studies have found that ingesting vinegar can reduce blood sugar and insulin levels after a meal.
• Weight Management: Some studies indicate that consuming vinegar can increase fullness by decreasing the rate of stomach emptying, possibly leading to a reduction in calorie intake and consequent weight loss.
• Reduced Cholesterol: Animal studies have shown lower cholesterol in mice given vinegar. Ultimately, more research is needed to determine a cause and effect relationship between vinegar and cholesterol.
• Antimicrobial: Due to its antimicrobial properties, vinegar can be helpful in treating physical ailments including nail fungus, warts, and ear infections. It is also an effective topical treatment for skin infections and burns.
• Increase Household Tasks:  White vinegar has a variety of practical household applications, none of which have to do with food.

Because white vinegar has antimicrobial properties, it is a useful disinfectant and cleaner for a multitude of surfaces and appliances.

In addition, it is significantly cheaper than other commercially available household cleaning agents. Items easily cleaned with white vinegar include:

• benches
• showers and bathtubs
• Toilets
• floors
• Plates
• windows and mirrors
• coffee machine
• Laundry (such as stain removal)

White vinegar also has gardening applications. It can be used to kill weeds and can help the flowers stay fresh longer.

When used for home cleaning projects, a 50/50 ratio of vinegar to water is best. For weeding, use full strength vinegar.

Contraindications:

While white vinegar is generally safe, too much of a good thing can be harmful.

Excessive consumption of vinegar can exacerbate symptoms of inflammatory conditions in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as heartburn or indigestion.

Excessive consumption of acidic foods, such as vinegar, can contribute to tooth enamel degradation. Some research indicates that white vinegar may be more harmful to teeth than other types of vinegar.

Additionally, some research suggests a potential for adverse effects when certain blood sugar and heart medications are supplemented with vinegar. These can include low blood sugar or low potassium levels .

Always consult your physician before making any drastic changes to your diet or supplement regimen.