Age old question: Vinegar's health benefits have long been debated

Web posted September 5, 2000

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By Shirley McIntosh
Special Columnist

Q: Does vinegar provide health benefits? - M.M., Belvedere

A: From removing stains to pickling, vinegar has been used for many jobs. However, its medical benefits are debatable. The Vinegar Institute maintains that there is no solid scientific evidence to support any health claims.

Still, some people claim vinegar eases arthritis or that it clears their sinuses. Others believe it softens dry skin or helps with digestive problems. There are people who take vinegar pills to lose weight. Some even claim that vinegar has lowered cholesterol levels.

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, stress that vinegar should not be substituted for prescription medications or used in place of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. Just as there is no magic fountain of youth, vinegar should not be viewed as a cure-all. Talk to your physician before supplementing your diet with vinegar.

Vinegar was discovered more than 10,000 years ago quite by mistake, says the Vinegar Institute. The word vinegar in French, in fact, means sour wine. Vinegar is made not just from wine, though. It can also be produced through a fermenting process with apples, grains, potatoes, molasses, grapes, peaches, berries, honey, beets, melons, coconut and whey.

Over the centuries, vinegar has been used in a variety of ways, including as a beverage and a preservative. Hippocrates praised vinegar for what he considered its medicinal qualities. Vinegar has been used to treat wounds, rashes and bites. Vinegar is quite handy around the house as well. This liquid can be used to remove laundry stains, to set colors when dyeing clothing, to clean the oven and even to brighten stainless steel.

One of the special properties of vinegar is its long shelf life. Because of its preserving qualities, vinegar remains unchanged for long periods of time. Though some vinegars may change colors, this is not a sign of spoilage.

You can supplement many dishes with vinegar. Try adding balsamic vinegar to salmon or malt vinegar to broiled chicken. Add cider vinegar to sauerbraten or white wine vinegar to asparagus. Raspberry red wine vinegar can be added to potato salad for an interesting twist, and you can create your own vinaigrette. A basic vinaigrette can be used in many ways, from salads to marinating.

If you have a question or would like more information, please write to Shirley McIntosh, Resource Center on Aging, 2803 Wrightsboro Road, Suite 51, Augusta, GA 30909.