One thing that I am finding out along my jouney to healthier living is that I am still learning. Even now after 4 years of college studying nutrition, a one year internship in nutrition, and 2 years of cutting out processed foods there are still things that I am learning more about. One thing I would like everyone to take away when looking at changing their diets and lifestyles is that you should not expect it to happen overnight.
I was asked a question recently about vinegar and after giving an answer I thought more about it and knew I needed to look into it more. The question was about what type of vinegar is best and should we be using specific kinds of vinegar. The simple answer is yes.
How Vinegar is Made
The story about how vinegar is made and what it is depends on the kind of vinegar. Different kinds are made using different ingredients. The common thread is that some type of liquid is fermented which is a chemical breakdown of a substance using bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms.
White Distilled Vinegar is often made using corn or grain. Corn is distilled into corn alcohol which is then combined with water and nutrients. This mixture is then fermented into white distilled vinegar. The alcohol has been depleted through this fermentation process and was turned into vinegar. After this process most white vinegar then goes through a ultra filtration process to remove any natural sediment and make it sparkling clear. The problem that I have with this type of vinegar is that if you are not buying organic you are likely getting vinegar that is made from GMO corn. Depending on how you feel about that may depend on if you buy organic or not.
I have also heard that petroleum can be utilized to begin the process of making vinegar. Heinz is a brand that stated on their labels that they make the vinegar from “sun-ripened grain.” However not all companies will state what is used to make their vinegar on the label. Companies are not required to state on the label if petroleum was used.
Other Types of Vinegar
Red Wine and White Wine Vinegar is typically made by fermenting wine in which the alcohol turns into vinegar. Potassium Metabisulfite (as seen added to the red wine vinegar in the picture) is a food additive which has a restricted use and may cause severe allergic reaction in some people. Not all vinegar will contain this additive but it important to check the label.
Rice Wine Vinegaris made in the same process as white distilled vinegar but they use rice instead of corn. I prefer Brown Rice Vinegar which is made from unpolished brown rice because it is richer in nutrients that regular rice wine vinegar made from white rice. Rice is another one of the crops that can be genetically modified to if you are concerned with that then I recommend buying organic.
Apple Cider Vinegar is made in the same process as white distilled vinegar but they use apples instead of corn. See below for more details.
Balsamic Vinegar can be made in many different ways. The juice from pressed grapes can be cooked down to a syrup which is then aged. There are cheaper brands that may use wine vinegar and add coloring, caramel color, and additives like guar gum or cornflour to artificially make the vinegar sweeter and thicker. Be on the look out for labels that contain these items and avoid them if you can.
Seasoned Vinegar often has added salt, sugar, and MSG and should be avoided.
Purchasing Vinegar
When picking out vinegar I would try to go with organic if you can to avoid GMOs. I would avoid vinegar that lists added colors or thickeners like cornflour as they really are not needed in real vinegar. I would try to find organic,raw, unfiltered, and unpasturized vinegar when possible. Apple Cider Vinegar is the easiest to find in this form but other raw vinegars are available.As with everything else, the more processed a food is, the less nutritious, and this holds true for vinegar.
Uses and Benefitsof Vinegar
Vinegar has so many uses other than putting it in recipes. I also clean with it and use it on my skin. Some people swear that drinking vinegar offers many health benefits. Even with all of the health claims out now there is very little research to back them up. The most studies suggest that raw apple cider vinegar may help lower blood glucose levels and help with weight.
If you do decide to take shots of vinegar on a daily basis make sure you are diluting it with water as vinegar is an acid and can damage the tissue inside mouth and esophagasas well as damageyour tooth enamel.
If you are really concerned about what could be in your vinegar and are feeling adventurous you can always make your own vinegar at home. I have yet to do this but I am just that crazy that I might one day. Would you make your vinegar?
FAQs
Vinegar is a combination of acetic acid and water made by a two-step fermentation process.
Does vinegar have any medicinal value? ›
The acetic acid in vinegar is reported to elicit the beneficial effects by alteration of metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract and in the liver. Vinegar is stated to have antimicrobial properties and has positive influence in cardiovascular diseases, seen as a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure.
What ingredient should be replace in vinegar? ›
For 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, swap in 1 tablespoon of either lemon juice, lime juice, cider vinegar, or malt vinegar.
What is the strongest vinegar for consumption? ›
Spirit vinegar: The strongest of all vinegars, this is used almost exclusively for pickling. It differs from distilled vinegar in that it contains a small quantity of alcohol.
Is vinegar good for the Liver? ›
“By promoting blood flow and filtration, and boosting energy within the liver, apple cider vinegar can aid in the removal of harmful toxins that tend to build up in an overwhelmed or unhealthy liver,” she continues.
What not to clean with vinegar? ›
- Clothes Iron. Never add vinegar to the tank; it could permanently damage the inside of the appliance. ...
- Countertops. If you want to keep your stone countertops looking beautiful, don't reach for vinegar. ...
- Dishwashers. ...
- Electronic Screens. ...
- Flooring. ...
- Knives. ...
- Ranges. ...
- Small Appliances.
Apple cider vinegar can help manage blood sugar, improve symptoms of PCOS, and promote weight loss. A typical dose is 1–2 tbsp. (15–30 mL) mixed with water and taken before or after meals. Research doesn't support claims that it can improve digestion and prevent heart disease, cancer, or infection.
Why is vinegar good for your gut? ›
It helps support good digestion and our immune systems.
Studies show that fermented foods, like vinegar, inhibit the enzymes that help you digest starch, leaving enough starch to feed and encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria--which is what you want (think better digestion and stronger immune systems).
Does vinegar Alkalize the body? ›
Contrary to what you may think, apple cider vinegar is actually not acid once consumed. Instead, it has an alkaline effect on the body when taken internally. Keeping your body's pH levels, or the balance between acidic and alkaline, as stable as possible is said to aid in disease prevention.
What fruit can replace vinegar? ›
If you want a vinegar substitute for baking, use lemon juice. If you require ¼ cup white vinegar for baking, replace it with ⅓ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, or ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar. If you need a vinegar substitute for cooking, use lemon juice.
White vinegar substitute: If you need a different vinegar to substitute for white vinegar, use apple cider vinegar or malt vinegar. You could also swap in lemon or lime juice, depending on your recipe. When you're canning or pickling, there are no comparable substitutes.
Why is apple cider vinegar better than other vinegars? ›
It can be used as a dressing, marinade, and for vinaigrettes, you can also add some to your diet to help with a variety of conditions such as weight loss, heart health, and dandruff. Apple cider vinegar has more nutritional value because of the added bonus of fruit in it.
What compound is found in vinegar? ›
Acetic acid is also known as ethanoic acid, ethylic acid, vinegar acid, and methane carboxylic acid; it has the chemical formula of CH3COOH. Acetic acid is a byproduct of fermentation, and gives vinegar its characteristic odor. Vinegar is about 4-6% acetic acid in water.
What is the main chemical component of vinegar? ›
Vinegar Chemical Formula
Since acetic acid is the primary component present, the chemical formula of vinegar is the same.
What compounds represent vinegar? ›
acetic acid (CH3COOH), also called ethanoic acid, the most important of the carboxylic acids. A dilute (approximately 5 percent by volume) solution of acetic acid produced by fermentation and oxidation of natural carbohydrates is called vinegar; a salt, ester, or acylal of acetic acid is called acetate.
What is the stuff floating in vinegar? ›
Once opened and exposed to air, however, harmless “vinegar bacteria” may start to grow. This bacteria causes the formation of a cloudy sediment that is nothing more than harmless cellulose, a complex carbohydrate that does not affect the quality of the vinegar or its flavor.
How does vinegar affect the body? ›
Vinegar is fine to use on food and when mixed with water, juice, or another liquid is safe to drink. However, with a pH between 2.4 and 3.3, vinegar is acidic enough to erode tooth enamel, inflame the esophagus and stomach, and trigger nausea and acid reflux.
What does acetic acid do to your body? ›
In contact with the skin or eyes, acetic acid solutions of 80% or more can be corrosive, causing severe burns of any exposed tissue. Long-term exposure to the vapors of this substance causes chronic bronchitis and other respiratory effects, erosion of tooth enamel, and cracking and darkening of the exposed skin.
Is Vinegar acid or Alkaline? ›
Vinegar is acidic. Vinegar's pH level varies based upon the type of vinegar it is. White distilled vinegar, the kind best suited for household cleaning, typically has a pH of around 2.5. Vinegar, which means “sour wine” in French, can be made from anything containing sugar, such as fruit.
