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When we hear the word vinegar, in our mouth we involuntarily feel as if we have eaten a kilogram of lemons without sugar. However, if you turn to chemists, you can find out that in fact, vinegar is an aqueous solution of acetic acid. It is an acidic colorless liquid with a characteristic odor and taste. In a concentrated form, it is capable of causing significant harm to humans. Therefore, in food, we use only its aqueous solutions.
Acetic acid rich foods:
General characteristics
According to its origin, vinegar is divided into industrial and homemade. Industrial vinegar is available in the form of 3, 6 and 9% acetic acid solution. As for homemade vinegar, despite the fact that the percentage of acidity is lower, it is more useful for humans.
This is due to the fact that in addition to the acid itself, homemade vinegar contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals. At the same time, the name of vinegar depends on the products from which it is produced, for example: apple cider, grape, date, etc. In addition, there is the so-called balsamic vinegar, made from wine vinegar to which aromatic herbs have been added.
The daily requirement for vinegar (aqueous solution of acetic acid):
Despite the fact that this substance is very popular in cooking, there is, unfortunately, no data on its daily requirement.
The need for vinegar is increasing:
Due to the fact that this substance is not vital, modern medicine does not know cases when a person would need an increased amount of vinegar.
The need for acetic acid decreases with:
- gastritis;
- gastric ulcer;
- inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is caused by the irritating effect of vinegar on the mucous membranes.
In addition, vinegar should be discarded in case of individual intolerance to acetic acid.
Assimilation of acetic acid
When using vinegar for cooking meat, fish or vegetable dishes, the latter are absorbed much better. This is due to the fact that vinegar is able to affect proteins, increasing the degree of their assimilation by the body.
Useful properties of acetic acid and its effect on the body
Traditional medicine uses vinegar extensively for:
- insect bites;
- high temperature;
- angina;
- pharyngitis;
- fungal infections of the feet;
- thrush;
- rheumatism;
- arthritis, etc.
Moreover, for each of these diseases, there are individual ways to use vinegar. For example, for the treatment of colds, vinegar is sprayed in the room where the patient is.
It has also been observed that simply rubbing the skin with a vinegar solution can relieve itching and inflammation from bee stings, wasps, hornets, jellyfish, and even reduce soreness from sunburn.
Apple cider vinegar has a beneficial effect on the body, normalizing the metabolic processes taking place in it. In addition, due to the presence of pectin in it, it is also able to lower cholesterol levels. It also eases the condition of the patient with arthritis.
In case of kidney disease and the presence of stones in them, just 1-2 teaspoons of vinegar (apple cider) in a glass of water with the addition of one teaspoon of honey will significantly speed up recovery. Naturally, provided that such a drink will be consumed regularly, and not once.
With diabetes, vinegar can also help. To do this, take 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar dissolved in a glass of drinking water before going to bed. This will lower blood sugar levels and make the patient feel better.
Interaction with other elements:
If we talk about the interaction of acetic acid with essential elements, in the first place are proteins, which become softer under the influence of vinegar, which significantly affects their taste and the quality of digestion.
In second place are carbohydrates, which, with the help of vinegar, are converted into compounds that are easier to digest.
They conclude a list of fats that interact with vinegar in a minimal amount.
Signs of excess acetic acid in the body
Heartburn. When consuming a large amount at once, there is a high risk of earning a burn of the esophagus, after which food will be produced exclusively in the form of droppers and nutritional enemas.
There were no signs of a lack of acetic acid in the body.
Acetic acid for beauty and health
In cosmetology, vinegar has also earned honor and respect. What are the vinegar wraps! Thanks to them, you can even get rid of the hateful “orange peel”.
Also, due to its antibacterial properties, vinegar helps to cleanse the pores of the skin, helps fight acne, dandruff. To do this, after washing the hair, rinse it with a vinegar solution, which will give the hair shine and strengthen it.
And if you take into account the fact that vinegar is an environmentally friendly product, it can be safely ranked among one of the best body care products.