Medicinal Uses of Vinegar

This chapter discusses the therapeutic properties, potential health benefits and medicinal uses of vinegar. Vinegar is used to fight infections and other acute conditions for a long time. The acetic acid in vinegar is reported to elicit the beneficial effects by alteration of metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract and in the liver. Vinegar is stated to have antimicrobial properties and has positive influence in cardiovascular diseases, seen as a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. The antitumor effect of vinegar is shown by the ability of vinegar to induce apoptosis in human leukemia cells as well as inhibiting the proliferation of the cancer cells. The antiglycemic effect of vinegar is explored and vinegar is reported to alter the blood glucose concentration. The ingestion of vinegar is reported to be associated with satiety and decreased intake of subsequent meals; hence it can contribute to weight loss and control obesity. The safety and tolerance of medicinally ingested vinegar is discussed and it states that the high amount of acetic acid may have undesired consequences.