Vinegar is divided into two main categories: brewed vinegar and synthetic vinegar. Brewed vinegar is not only a common sour condiment but also an affordable health food.
Brewed vinegar is made by fermenting raw materials such as corn, sorghum, glutinous rice, and other grains or fruits. Depending on the raw material, it is classified into varieties such as rice vinegar, fragrant vinegar, aged vinegar, and fruit vinegar, each with its own unique flavor. The main component of brewed vinegar is acetic acid, with a content of 3% to 10%, generally around 5%. It also contains small amounts of organic acids such as lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid. Brewed vinegar contains various nutritional components, including free amino acids, glucose, maltose, mannose, vitamins B1, B2, C, and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus. It also contains trace amounts of volatile aromatic substances such as esters, alcohols, and phenols, which can produce a pleasant feeling.
Brewed vinegar has eight major health functions.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, vinegar is considered sweet and neutral in nature, and it is believed to have the functions of promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, aiding digestion, whetting the appetite, detoxifying, stopping bleeding, and nourishing the liver.
Modern research has found that vinegar has the following eight health benefits:
Aids digestion: For middle-aged and elderly people with insufficient stomach acid, vinegar's effect in aiding digestion is particularly significant. For those who suffer from indigestion after eating too much meat, consuming some vinegar can help resolve food stagnation.
Lowers blood pressure: Studies have found that if patients with hypertension drink 15-30 ml of vinegar diluted in water daily as a beverage, their blood pressure will decrease by 15-30 mmHg after 8 weeks.
Anti-aging and skin moisturizing and beautifying: Vinegar can inhibit the formation of lipid peroxides in the human aging process, reduce skin pigmentation and age spots, and make the skin smooth and radiant.
Reduces the incidence of stones: Studies have found that people who have the habit of consuming vinegar have a lower incidence of biliary stones, kidney stones, and bladder stones compared to those who do not.
Prevents and treats insomnia: Drinking a small amount of vinegar diluted in water before bed can help one fall asleep peacefully.
Inhibits blood sugar elevation: Diabetics and people with high blood sugar can benefit from consuming a moderate amount of brewed vinegar daily to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Lowers blood lipids: A Japanese study found that people with hyperlipidemia who consume 20 ml of brewed vinegar daily can reduce their blood cholesterol levels by 9.5% to 11.3%.
Anti-cancer: Vinegar can decompose nitrites, which have carcinogenic properties, in pickled and preserved foods.
In addition, consuming brewed vinegar can supplement trace nutrients. Because vinegar is rich in components such as potassium and vitamin C, it also helps to relieve fatigue.