Balsamic vinegar, apple, wine - in all these names you can get lost. And they say that some kind of vinegar is harmful. That's just right to remember what to not accidentally buy. What kinds of vinegar are there, and can they all be used without fear for their health?
History of
Vinegar is one of the natural gifts of nature to man. Its history dates back to 5000 BC, when the Babylonians accidentally, from the dates, received a liquid that was ideally suited for emphasizing and flavoring food. In biblical times, vinegar was used as food not only as a seasoning, but also as a tonic.
Types of vinegar
Vinegar is a liquid that occurs during the fermentation of products containing sugar. It can be fruit, rice, coconut, white sugar or honey. Its name comes from the French word "vinaigre", which means "sour wine".In order for this liquid to become such and could deserve its name, it should contain at least 4% acetic acid, which gives an acidic taste. Fortunately, in our time we can choose from a wide range of available vinegar species, forever saying goodbye to its unhealthy spirits variety.
1. Balsamic vinegar
This is vinegar, distinguished by its dark brown color and rich taste. This balsamic vinegar should be made from concentrated juice or mousse from white grapes and very expensive. The balsamic vinegar that is found on the market is usually made from red wine vinegar or concentrated grape juice with caramel.
2. Apple vinegar
This is a yellow-brown liquid made from apples or apple puree. This kind of vinegar is highly acidic and is especially valued because of its health benefits. Apple cider vinegar contains many vitamins, beta-carotene and pectins. And also mineral substances: potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, iron and fluorine. It is ideal for salads, white meat and fish.
3. Wine vinegar
Wine vinegar is usually made from red or white wine and is the most popular in the Mediterranean and Central European countries. The best, velvety taste is the one that is aged in wooden barrels for at least 2 years. This vinegar, as a rule, is much less acidic than apple, but it costs more. Wine vinegar is especially appreciated when preparing marinades.
4. Rice vinegar
Rice vinegar is the most popular in Asian cuisine. There is white, red( it owes its color to red rice and yeast) and black( prepared from black glutinous rice) its variety. Some varieties of rice vinegar also contain sugar and seasonings.
Apple vinegar and health
Already in Ancient Greece, around 400 BC, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, foresaw the beneficial effects of apple cider vinegar on fighting various diseases. And today we definitely know that vinegar has a positive effect on:
- Carbohydrate metabolism. Studies have shown that vinegar increases sensitivity to insulin. Both the blood sugar level and the insulin level in the subjects was significantly lower than in the control group of diabetics.
- The circulatory system. Pectin substances contained in vinegar help to reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood and regulate blood pressure. A big role in this matter is also played by calcium and potassium - the key elements for the functioning of the heart microelements.
- Inflammation of the joints. Acetic acid dissolves uric acid, which is formed around the joints. Dissolved stones are gradually eliminated from the body, and the pain becomes less and less.
- Sore throat. Acetic acid helps in the fight against bacteria.
- Cleansing the body. Due to the presence of potassium, vinegar affects the removal of toxic compounds from the body.
Vinegar and weight loss
Vinegar has long been used to reduce weight, unfortunately, often unreasonable and irresponsible. Very often young girls used for this ordinary alcohol vinegar, which destroyed red blood cells, which led to anemia and allergies. In most cases, it ended very badly.
Of course, we can use vinegar to reduce body weight, but do it carefully and forget about alcohol vinegar forever. A few drops of wine or apple cider vinegar, added to your salad every day, is enough - it will speed up digestion, stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and the synthesis of digestive enzymes.
It should also be remembered that any vinegar is an acid, so it is absolutely impossible to overdo it with its use, especially on an empty stomach.