White vinegar has been used over a long period. It is a flexible liquid used for cooking, cleaning, and gardening purposes. It’s also beneficial in your general health. Let’s see how.
White vinegar is made of two ingredients—acetic acid and water. The concentration of acetic acid determines the use of vinegar. A high concentration of about 20% can only be used for agricultural purposes, whereaslow concentration of about 7% is used for medical purposes. The acetic acid is made by fermentation of foods, such as molasse, fruits, and milk. However, most of the white vinegar found in the market is made from the fermentation of ethanol. This blog will help you understand ways in which vinegar can be used and its health benefits.
Uses of white vinegar
Used to clean glasses
Vinegar is used to clean surfaces made of glass, such as glass window panes. You can spray some vinegar directly on the panes, then use a dry cloth to wipe it off. It will give your windows a streak-free, shiny look. Use a lint-free cloth to avoid some fabric sticking on the glass.
Used in baking
Vinegar is used in baking cakes, biscuits, and cookies. It gives a special sweat smell to such foods.
Used to clean pets
Pets are vulnerable to parasite attacks, such as fleas and ticks. Spraying vinegar on pets creates an unfriendly environment for the survival of these parasites.
Used to remove stains
Some stains are very stubborn and hard to remove, especially those on white clothes and carpets. But, a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda can get rid of them.
Used to remove stickers
Once in a while, you need to change stickers, probably a price tag. You can coat it with white vinegar and leave it for about 4 minutes. Then scrub it off.
Soften clothes
White vinegar can be used as a fabric conditioner. You can add white vinegar to your rinsing water. This makes your cloth soft as it would do with any fabric conditioner.
Used to clean utensils
White vinegar can be used to clean both utensils and dishwasher machines. It is used to rinse utensils. Rinsing glass utensils using vinegar makes them sparklingclean and shiny. It is also used to clean a dishwasher machine, making it work efficiently.
Used to kill weeds
White vinegar can be sprayed directly on weeds. However, the concentration of acetic acid should be around 70%. One should be careful not to spray on other crops as they may wither as well. It should be sprayed directly on the intended weed.
Prolong the life of flower cuttings
Live flowers are used for decoration on occasions, such as weddings. These flowers in flower vases may wither very fast. Adding white vinegar to the it may extend the life of flowers taking more time before withering.
Health benefits of white vinegar.
Vinegar can be used medically. The medical benefits are based on acetic acid component. However, the concentration of acetic acid on vinegar to be used for medicinal purposes should not exceed 7%. The following are the health benefits of vinegar.
Reduction of cholesterol.
Taking one spoon of white vinegar can aid in the reduction of cholesterol in the body. Conversely, its accumulation increases the chances of diseases such as high blood pressure and heart attack. Taking vinegar also makes one feel fuller, hence reducing the amount of food taken in a day. It may also aid in reduction of weight.
Helps to control diabetes
Daily intake of white vinegar may reduce blood sugar. Diabetic patients should try this as a home remedy. Try that by adding it to drinking water. However, there is no enough evidence to support this finding. It has been based on personal experiences.
Used to treat the skin
White vinegar can be applied on the skin to treat inflammatory conditions that may cause swellings. It gives the skin a soothing effect that reduces pain in the affected area. It is used to treat cuts, insect stings, sunburns, and rashes.
Used to nourish dry skin
Vinegar can be used to treat dry skin, especially the scalp. Rinsing your hair using water mixed with vinegar can reduce itchiness and dandruff.
Treat simple respiratory conditions.
Drinking a spoonful of vinegar for three days can help to treat congested chest and sore throat.
Prevents hypertension
Acetic acid in vinegar can be used to treat hypertension. Taking a teaspoon of vinegar daily relaxes the blood vessels allowing the blood to flow smoothly. The acetic acid in white vinegar is connected to this function.
Treat fungal infections
Fungal infections that affect toes can be removedusing white vinegar. Soaking your legs in white vinegar water can prevent and treat fungal infections.
Treat bacterial infections
Bacterial infections that affect the skin can be treated using white vinegar. Deep a piece of cotton wool in a white vinegar solution, then rub it on the affected area for five days. The solution gives a cooling effect on the affected area and aids in recovery.
Effects of white vinegar
Excess consumption of vinegar can affect your teeth. The acetic acid in vinegar may erode the enamel. For this reason, avoid taking highly concentrated vinegar to protect your teeth.
Taking too much vinegar may affect the upper abdomen leading to problems,including heartburns and indigestion.
High concentrated vinegar may burn the skin or throat if ingested.
Excess consumption may decrease potassium levels in the body and cause bone loss. This might cause bone osteoporosis in women and weak bones in children.
Diabetic patients should not take vinegar in excess as it may lower their blood sugar below normal levels.
Conclusion.
Vinegar can be used for different purposes, such as cooking, farming, and washing. The acetic acid in vinegar makes it ideal for treating some diseases, for example, diabetes, blood pressure, fungal infections, and bacterial infections. Vinegar used for medicinal purposes should not contain a high concentration of acetic acid, like the one used for agricultural purposes. Remember, excess consumption of vinegar is dangerous as it may cause heartburn, bloating, and low blood sugar.