Ah, vinegar. Numerous types of this liquid exist in the world, all of which are used for cooking, though some have household and health applications as well. Let’s dive into the world of vinegar health benefits and find out what makes them necessary components of every kitchen cupboard.
White Vinegar: You’ll Never Have to Buy Commercial Cleaning Products Again
A clear liquid made from oxidizing distilled alcohol, this version has innumerable uses and is the most common of household vinegars. Use it to reduce the need for salt in recipes and as a “flavor balancer,” meaning less need for bad, bad fats. Other uses include as acne and bruise treatments, so consider applying white vinegar to post-workout bruises. The liquid also has a ton of household uses, and works as an inexpensive, non-toxic household cleaner. Combine 1/4 cup of white vinegar for every cup of water used in a spray bottle to make a cleaner that works on counters, sinks, tubs, toilets, windows and much more.
Fruit Vinegar: Make Salad Dressings With This One
[adrotate banner=”26″]Made from fruits such as raspberries, apples and tomatoes, fruit vinegar is commonly used as a healthy salad dressing ingredient and in the preparation of fruit salads. This vinegar also works as a meat marinade and brings out flavor in vegetables. Use it in homemade salad dressings as an alternative to commercial dressings that contain preservatives and other chemicals.
Wine Vinegar: It’s Made From Wine!
Made from red or white wine, this type of vinegar is a favorite of Central Europe and Mediterranean countries. Like white vinegar, it reduces the need for salt and bad fat in recipes. You can also drizzle the liquid on salads featuring lots of dark, leafy greens. Yum.
Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits: What Can’t It Do?
Raw, unprocessed apple cider vinegar is so amazing that if marooned on a desert island with a supply of the liquid, death would not be imminent. In fact, you’d probably survive a heck of a long time. Always be sure to purchase the raw stuff, as it contains “the mother,” or a cob-webby substance packed with essential enzymes. Referred to as “the detergent of the arteries,” ACV is chock full of potassium among other nutrients, and has a ridiculous number of internal and external applications. Use it topically to treat sore muscles, acne, yeast infections, dandruff, underarm odor and many other issues. Internal uses include as a sore throat remedy, sinus flush, bladder infection cure, mouthwash, and much, much more. According to Patricia Bragg, N.D., Ph.D. (of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar) muscle stiffness and arthritis is due to crystal deposits in the body, which ACV helps remove.
Malt Vinegar
This dark-brown vinegar is commonly featured alongside fish ‘n chips, and is popular in British cooking recipes in general. Use it as a healthy dip alternative to fatty cooking oils.
Rice Vinegar
Produced in Japan and China, rice vinegar is sweeter than wine vinegars and isn’t as harsh as white vinegar. A favorite ingredient for fried rice and other stir-fry recipes, use it to make healthy salad dressings as well.
These are just some of the many amazing vinegars available today! If you haven’t already, look into adding vinegars to your diet and enjoy their many health benefits!
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