What Is Vinegar Good For? (2024)

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What is vinegar best for? ›

Vinegar isn't only useful for cooking, though. It also makes a great cleaner and disinfectant because it's made from acetic acid. Acetic acid is a colorless organic compound that gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell. It's also an ingredient in some store-bought household cleaners.

Vinegar contains polyphenols, plant chemicals that have an antioxidant effect that may protect cells from oxidative stress, a possible stimulator of tumor growth. Cell and mouse studies suggest that vinegar may prevent the growth of cancer cells or cause tumor cells to die.

In one study involving 175 human participants, researchers noted that after 12 weeks, those who took either 1 or 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar saw a small decrease in weight, belly fat, and blood fat levels.

When it comes to cleaning, vinegar's most useful asset is arguably its acidity – mild enough to not damage fabrics and surfaces, but strong enough to get rid of stubborn stains and deposits. The household staple can have a pH as low as 2.2 – around 10 times as acidic as the average soft drink.

It is used as a condiment to add flavor or as a preservative, as in pickling. Vinegar contributes acidic notes to foods, both in aroma and taste. It also “cooks” foods with its acidity by breaking down their structures and softening their textures.

The bacterial content of apple cider vinegar is thought to help support the gut microbiome. In 2021, a case study reported that apple cider vinegar was used as part of a combined treatment that included the consumption of 1-2 teaspoons of ACV before meals for gastrointestinal problems.

When it comes to home remedies, apple cider vinegar is a preferred choice since it has amazing detoxification properties. Apple Cider Vinegar works by helping the liver flush out the toxins that can interfere with the body's normal functioning.

Vinegar and vascular health

The good news is that research has suggested that vinegar can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as reduce blood pressure. The bad news is that most of these findings come from animal studies.

Johnston says the best and safest way to consume it is to mix one to two tablespoons of ACV or red wine vinegar with 8 ounces of water. Swallow the mixture right at the start of a meal. “If you take it too far ahead of time, it's gone before you get any benefit,” she explains.

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“ACV removes buildup and closes the hairs cuticles, which makes hair more light reflective and shiny,” Haygood explains. “The cleansing capabilities of apple cider vinegar not only get our hair and scalp super squeaky-clean,” Bennett says. “They help restore luster and shine to dull locks too.”

Drinking vinegar in moderation

To be on the safer side, avoid having more than 30 mL of vinegar in a day. Usually, 15 to 30 mL each day is the recommended dose.

Research suggests that apple cider vinegar may have beneficial health properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy. People have used it for centuries in cooking and natural medicine. It may have some health benefits.

Vinegar is commonly used in food preparation, in particular as pickling liquids, vinaigrettes, and other salad dressings. It is an ingredient in sauces, such as hot sauce, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise. Vinegar is sometimes used in chutneys.

The bottom line. 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.

White distilled vinegar is not only a cooking staple but is one of the most commonly used, natural cleaning products out there. It will disinfect surfaces, from your kitchen countertop and appliances to bathroom tiles.

One test tube study found that apple cider vinegar was effective at killing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which is the bacteria responsible for staph infections. Another test tube study found apple cider vinegar was as effective as 5 percent sodium hypochlorite at killing Enterococcus faecalis.