Vinegar and its versatile properties

Vinegar is a versatile liquid that results from the fermentation of ethanol. The key ingredient of vinegar is acetic acid, which gives it an acidic taste. Vinegar is basically fermented wine. Vinegar has had quite a wide-ranging existence through the ages. It is mentioned in the bible for it's soothing and healing properties. Vinegar derives from a French word 'vinaigre' meaning sour wine. vinegar can be made from any type of fruit or naturally occurring sugar.

There are  a number of vinegar types available and they include:

• Fruit vinegar Apple juice is most commonly used, other fruits, such as grapes, peaches, and berries produce fine results as well. Products will have names such as, Apple cider vinegar, white or red wine vinegar. The first fermentation making the wine and the second producing the vinegar.

• Malt Vinegar This is simply the double fermentation of barley malt or similar cereals. Product names will simply be malt vinegar or white vinegar. This variety is the cheapest vinegar due to the ready availability of the ingredients.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Made from the wine of red grapes
• White Wine Vinegar : Made from the wine of white grapes
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Made from the alcohol obtained from the fermentation of apples.
• Sugar Vinegar This is made from the two stage fermentation of sugar or molasses syrup.
• Spirit or distilled vinegar This is made by the acetic fermentation of dilute distilled alcohol.

Uses of Vinegar in daily life:

• Storing cheese: keep it fresh longer by wrapping it in a vinegar-soaked cloth and keeping it in a sealed container.
• Add a spoonful of vinegar when cooking fruit to improve the flavor.
• Vinegar's acetic properties make it 'The Perfect Household Cleaner.
• An excellent all-purpose cleaner: vinegar mixed with salt. Cleans copper, bronze, brass, dishes, pots, pans, skillets, glasses, windows. Rinse well.
• Remove stains from stainless steel and chrome with a vinegar-dampened cloth.

Rinse glasses and dishes in water and vinegar to remove spots and film. Prevent grease build-up in your oven by frequently wiping it with vinegar. To eliminate mildew, dust and odors, wipe down walls with vinegar-soaked cloth. Clean breadbox and food containers with vinegar-dampened cloth to keep fresh-smelling and clean. To clear up respiratory congestion, inhale a vapor mist from steaming pot containing water and several spoonfuls of vinegar. Weight loss: vinegar helps prevent fat from accumulating in the body. Skin burns: apply ice cold vinegar right away for fast relief. Will prevent burn blisters.

• Vinegar promotes skin health: rub on tired, sore or swollen areas.
• A strength tonic: combine raw eggs, vinegar and black pepper. Blend well.

Therapeutic properties of Vinegar: Various alternative medicines acknowledge the therapeutic benefits of genuine cider vinegar, including its purifying and tonic properties. In the field of alternative medicine, cider vinegar is presently considered to be an excellent supplement for all who wish to improve their health.

• Digestion: It helps keep the digestive system in good working condition by increasing enzymes, killing harmful bacteria and absorbing excess stomach acid. To prevent sluggish digestion, take cider vinegar 30 minutes before meals. To clear constipation, it is recommended to take it at bedtime. To help prevent heartburn, it is better to take it during meals. Taken in moderation, pure cider vinegar will not cause heartburn nor ulcers.
• Urinary and blood systems: It cleanses the urinary tract and helps maintain its acid solution. In order to reduce the risk of kidney or spleen infections. It helps to stabilize high or low blood pressure. Rich in minerals, especially potassium, it is good in relieving muscular cramps.
• Arthritis: It benefits people with arthritis by dissolving calcareous deposits and furthering their elimination. Cider vinegar can play an important role in the relief of arthritic pain by promoting the softening and elimination of calcareous deposits in joints.
• Stress and migraine: Cider vinegar is known to calm nervousness and insomnia. To do away with migraines and headaches, use in boiling hot water as an inhalation: one part water, one part vinegar. Inhale vinegar vapors 80 times.

• Sore throats and cold: Apple cider vinegar gets rid of sore throats. Gargle with 2 teaspoons of cider vinegar in 1/3 cup of lukewarm water, then swallow the mixture.
• Portliness: It also helps in the case of overweight people or people who have cellulite by destroying excess fat in cells.

Vinegar has been prized for generations for its usefulness as a stain remover, mildew eliminator, soap scum dissolver, chrome polisher, lime descaler, fabric softener, room deodorizer and as an unclogging agent. So from now onwards you must keep a bottle of vinegar at home.

(Sources: cyber-north.com, wisegeek.com, vinegarworkswonders.com, vinegarbook.net, cidervinegar.com)