White vinegar is the most common type of vinegar in American households. Look in most kitchen cupboards and you’re sure to find a bottle. That’s mainly because of its acetic acid, which not only gives recipes a distinct tart taste, but also works as a natural household cleaner. But it’s also this acetic acid that has several health benefits.
What Is Distilled Vinegar?
Vinegar can be made from almost any food that contains natural sugars. When yeast is added, the natural sugars are fermented into alcohol. Bacteria is added, which further ferments the alcohol, turning it into acetic acid. Distilled vinegar on the other hand (also known as white vinegar) is somewhat confusing, because it’s not produced by a distillation process, per se, but instead from the fermentation of distilled alcohol.
As mentioned, the starting point for any vinegar can begin with several foods, but when it comes to distilled vinegar, made in the U.S., it’s usually made from corn. The fermentation is then diluted to produce five to seven percent acetic acid, with a pH of about 2.6. Distilled white vinegar is a basic, neutral-tasting vinegar that compliments salad dressings, marinades, pickles and homemade mayo recipes. It also has several health benefits and works as a safe, effective household cleaner and disinfectant.
Is White Vinegar Good For You?
Like all vinegar, there are benefits and there are risks to using it medicinally. But first, it’s important to note this: Although, white vinegar varies between acidity levels, for maximum health benefits do not consume it with a high concentration of acid. Choose a product that has a four to five percent acetic acid content. Otherwise, it might damage your digestive tract. In comparison, apple cider vinegar like Bragg’s (often used for its health benefits) has an acidity level of just over five percent. Now let’s have a look at how white vinegar can help benefit your health.